[Q] computer problems

[Moontanman]

I am having a problem being kicked off line, it mostly occurs when I visit certain sites, New Scientist seems to very bad but any site with pictures can do it, the pictures on the site will not display. When I try to leave the site I am kicked off line, this also happens when I click out of some e-mails, mostly e-mails with pictures or complex scripts. The offending e-mails have a java script type error message at the bottom of the e-mail window, I have tried firefox and IE but it makes no difference which one it still happens. The most baffling thing is it doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen at least 50% of the time I log on line. If i reboot several timers it will eventually work again for a while but the problem always comes back. Does anyone have a idea what this might be? I run CC, spybot remover, McAffe, and Advanced system care but they do not help. it seem to be getting worse and interfering with up dates too. I have emptied all my temp files and browser cashes to no avail.. any ideas?

[freeztar]

It could be a number of things. First, can you confirm that Java is enabled in your browser? Make sure you have the latest version as well.

 

Has this always happened? If not, try to think back to when it started. Did you add any programs or make system changes during that time?

 

Have you tried turning McAfee off to see if that fixes it? Having witnessed first hand the ravage that Norton and McAffee can cause systems, I advise against their use.

 

Taking a look at the new scientist website code, it looks to be javascript embedded in html. Give sun.com a try and see what happens. If it kicks you off, we can go from there. If it doesn't, click on java and download the latest version.

 

Those are my "from the hip" ideas right now. It seems most likely to me, at this point, that it's a problem with your java. Try updating that first and foremost and see if it helps.

[Moontanman]

Thanks freezy, I checked out java, it was ok, i finally broke down and called AOL tech support, they said my AOL soft wear is messed up and I have to reload it, 5 to 10 day wait on a new AOL CD. I'll just have to reboot every few minutes.

[freeztar]

Thanks freezy, I checked out java, it was ok, i finally broke down and called AOL tech support, they said my AOL soft wear is messed up and I have to reload it, 5 to 10 day wait on a new AOL CD. I'll just have to reboot every few minutes.

 

Do you have the old cd? If so, try to reinstall with that and then update from there. It might take a while, but it'll be faster than 5-10 days. Of course, your bandwidth will be used up during this time, so any web browsing or email would be very slow, if existent at all. Best to do it overnight if you do.

[Moontanman]

I can't find the old CD, I'll have to wait, I usually keep all that stuff but I've torn my place apart and no CD. If I'm careful i will be ok visiting hypography and reading my mail as long as I don't try to do much more. If I limit my web usage I can put off rebooting to every couple of hours.

[freeztar]

Another option is to find a local computer store that has AOL discs.

 

I feel your pain, partially because I've been there myself and partially because I don't ever want to go back to dialup.

 

I forgot why you don't have DSL or cable. Is it the availability, or cost?

[Moontanman]

I used to have broad band, it was great but about three years ago I had to throttle back on costs. I do miss it. A local computer store is a good idea, I'll check them out.

[Theory5]

You can get online with AOL? lol.

Have you checked your post office for AOL Cd's? I saw them there all the time. or if you can stay online long enough download it from this link: AOL here its a direct link so you dont need to go to their site and mess with the pictures.

if you cant download it, then what did they tell you was the problem?

[Moontanman]

My AOL is corrupted, I can't stay online long enough to read my mail much less down load anything. I hate dial up, I miss broad band but that's life.....

[arkain101]

Got windows?

 

Download TCP Optimizer

 

The program does not require any installing. Just open it, click "File" and click "Backup Current settings" A backup will be created in the same directory you put tcp optimizer, so keep tcp in a folder, so the backups go in the folder too.

 

Then try "Restore Windows Defaults"

There are a number of ways these settings can get altered and cause similar problems you have.

 

There are a few TCP settings that can cause drastic connection issues. Sites can become out of range and won't load.

 

If for some reason, this causes further issues.. use the program to restore you're backed up settings.

 

 

PS. If this fixes the problem.. Perform a speed test at: Speakeasy - Speed Test

 

Record the speed. Then open tcp optimizer, click on the button at the bottom "optimal" then slide the slider on the bar to the same speed you recorded on your speed test (or as close to). That is all you have to do. Click apply changes, and it will again automatically backup settings, unless you uncheck the checkbox in the following window that opens.

 

 

I've looked into this stuff for a long time, and this can increase peoples internet speeds as much as 2x. But it results vary... most see improvement. Some alot. Others none. But I say do it.. lol

 

I don't know if AOL software will like this or not. So I warn you, backup settings.

[arkain101]

You can also use net graph tools to monitor packet loss.. That is the first thing that I thought of when I heard your situation.

 

But I wouldnt want to bother explaining how to go about that unless I knew what your operating system was.

[enorbet2]

As soon as I saw the question I figured it was about dialup. Moontanman I urge you to visit this site Navas 28800-56K Modem FAQ because it is highly likely that the best way to fix your present problem and improve your connection, possibly even in speed, is to edit your modem initialization command rather than sticking with a generic. Modems have many settings and they are controlled with the AT initialization command. For example how a modem negotiates the connection based on strength or how often it polls for speed are controllable. It may take a few hours to figure it out but it will be more than worth it if you are likely to continue with dialup. The above mentioned site also links to commands you can just copy and try as well as some applications that help but ultimately you'll get the best performance on your pc with your modem on your phone line if you DIY.

 

If you like the idea of this you are welcome to contact me directly but be forewarned it has been eight years since I worked with dialup. I just worked at it really hard but that's another story.

[Moontanman]

Thanks enorbit, I went over the site and it doesn't seem to address windows XP only 95 and 98. Am I reading it wrong?

[enorbet2]

No you aren't reading it wrong but most stuff still applies to XP but updating fell off with dialup sales. Navas however is a major modem guru. The command strings still work in any OpSys (even Linux) and all that varies is where you place them. You can go to Device Manager and dbl-clk on your modem and select "Diagnostics" tab and click "query modem" and it will send a command to make the modem list all it's current settings. New command strings will alter that and they can be found in the "Advanced" tab. You can enter an entire AT command or just the parts you wish to add on to the generic. See what works best compared to your willingness to research. Hint: port settings matter, too. Works everywhere. email me if you have probs.