Connected to the internet but cannot browse

[bubblesupper]

Hi,

 

I did post this problem on here months ago but we couldn't come to any conclusion to my problem so thought I would explain it to see if anyone else can shed any light on the matter.

 

First of all, I have Virgin broadband connection but can only set up a network connection by using the dial up option on the network wizard...but then b/band connects as it says 1.8mbps in the bottom right hand corner. I cannot use the network wizard to set it up on b/band though, strange huh?

 

Also, every now and again, varying from once a day to 20 times a day, my internet connection stays but I am unable to browse and sites with any web broswer (firefox or IE). The message just comes up "make sure you have typed the correct web adress".

 

This is more likely to happen when I have been idle but not always.

 

Any ideas on what the problem may be?

 

I have done a thourough clean of my compouter following the instructions from here.

 

I use Avira and Sunbelt.

 

Thanks,

 

Bubs

[snow]

What equipment do you use to connect to Virgin?

 

Do you have both a cable modem and a router? Do you use a USB connection to your computer, or do you use an ethernet cable and a network card?

[bubblesupper]

Hiya,

 

I have a speedtouch cable modem that just plugs in to my computer. I'm not sure about an ethernet cable and network card, sorry I don't know what they are!

 

I've had this modem about 4 years so it's quite old. I'm not wireless.

 

Sorry I'm a bit vague but I'm PC literate! One error message did say something about an ethernet card at one point but it was only the once and I don't know waht an ethernet card is :(

 

Thanks,

 

Amanda.

[snow]

Hi Amanda,

 

This is an ethernet socket:

http://www.licel.com/images/netN.png

 

Do you have a socket like this on the back of the speedtouch? Can you see a model number anywhere on it, like 'Speedtouch 330'?

[bubblesupper]

Hiya,

 

I have Thomson speedtouch 330 http://www.hotukdeals.com/images/deals/245385.jpg

I can't see a socket that looks liek that although there is a very small one which plugs in to the adsl filter.

 

Thanks

[snow]

That is definately an old modem. It will connect to your computer using USB.

 

1.8Mbps is slow for broadband these days.

 

You could try contacting Virgin and explaining that you have an old modem and connection package; I'm sure they will tell you if you can get a better speed and connection deal.

[bubblesupper]

Hiya,

 

So do you think that might be the problem then? I can't have a higher speed as my phone line is on an extension and can't handle the higher speeds. This problem has come about the past 9 months though and never had it before that. I've been on the same speed with same equipment.

 

Could I just buy a new modem?

 

Thanks for all the advice :)

[bubblesupper]

Also, one last question, ny reason I can only set up a network connection through dial up and not broadband even though i'm on broadband!?

[snow]

I think the reason you have to dial a connection is that the modem you have can't do this for you. Moden ADSL modems can negotiate a connection, provide you with a hardware firewall to protect your computer, and allow you to connect more than one computer at a time to the internet.

 

I think your stability problems are related to the old Speedtouch. These modems were given out by ISP companies as the cheapest they could get their hands on; not great quality at all.

 

Here is Netgears most popular ADSL Modem router that will give you all of the features I described above, plus it has wireless:

NETGEAR DG834G Wireless-G ADSL2+ Modem Router - Ebuyer

 

You will need to install a network card, if your computer doesn't have an ethernet socket like the one in the picture above. These are cheap and easy to fit. You could also insall a wireless network card if you don't want cables trailing around.

[bubblesupper]

That's great advice, thanks very much for all your help.

[snow]

Thank you, and no problem :)

 

If you need help installing or picking a network card, or getting things set up, be sure to come back and create a new topic.