Author Topic: Need a computer Shaman help... (Read 560 times)

deSelys · « **on:** October 18, 2004, 06:40:08 PM »

Ok I'm completely lost.

Just before I reinstall everything with a different OS (Win XP Pro), I'll throw a last message in a bottle.

2 weeks ago I've built a PC for my dad (his 1st one):
AMD Barton 2500
ASUS A7N8X
512 MB Ram
HIS ATI 9550
HDD MAXTOR 120 GB
...
D-Link PCI Wireless card
D-Link G604T ADSL router / Switch 4 ports /Wireless access point

The system runs on Windows XP Home OEM that I bought with the PC. The service pack 2 was already included on the CD (not as an option, Win XP installs itself with SP 2 from start).

Since day one, my father can't access some particular sites ie http://www.france2.fr, the AH BBS, and most annoyingly http://www.microsoft.com. He can't download his mails from a mail server: he can connect, list the number of mails waiting, but the retrieval hangs (i've tried this manually with a telnet 110 on different pop3 servers: always the same).

The DNS is ok: I can ping the above sites and even if they don't respond I see that the URL is translated into an IP address.

I thought at first that the problem came from the wireless modem (with integrated firewall) but I brought an old laptop running Win98SE and equipped with a wireless card: not a single problem there (I can access every site, I can download mails...)

I deinstall Norton2004 from my dad's PC, set internet security to NULL, shut down the firewall, install Mozilla Firefox (without transferring IE's setup!)....IE and Firefox share the same problem...

Oh yes network connections between dad's pc and laptop work fine too.

What can I try now to avoid reinstalling everything with a copy of Win XP Pro (pre SP1) to see if it improves?

No tech wiz that I know has the slightest idea about what's happening...

Thanks a lot already for even the tiniest hint, idea or advice.

Horn · « **Reply #1 on:** October 18, 2004, 07:36:43 PM »

No guru, but sounds like software settings: IE>Tools>internet options> reset everything to default. But you've prolly done that already. Also, patch IE today. 'Nother security update.

h

Trell · « **Reply #2 on:** October 18, 2004, 08:58:18 PM »

Have you shut down the windows firewall ? I have found that sp2 is causing all kinds of problmems on my network, Logging into amonst any of my network probloems is out of the question, I am sure it can be configured , but who has the time for that. I ended up uninstalling it from most of the workstations,

I

deSelys · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2004, 02:49:03 AM »

Yes I've already tried to shut down the firewall.

I've set the IE settings to default and to the lowest possible security...nada.

And I have trouble patching anything as it can't connect to the microsoft.com servers.

Funny thing is that the windows activation worked though...

straffo · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2004, 03:00:22 AM »

Does he have packet loss ?

check this : http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=319661

and this : http://www.dslvalley.com/dossiers/mtu.html

deSelys · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2004, 04:15:07 AM »

Oooooh Straffo this could be the answer. I haven't noticed packet losses because all the troublesome websites don't answer to ping request...or because the pong doesn't pass through!
The internet connection sharing happens on the router where it is possible to change the MTU. I'll also open the ICMP just in case (already tried it alone, the MTU change is mybe necessary too).

I will keep you posted. Free beer for you next time you come to Belgium if it works!

deSelys · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2004, 03:59:31 PM »

Straffo tu es un as!

Mon père te doit quelques bières belges, que je me ferai le plaisir de te transmettre la prochaine fois que tu passeras en Belgique.

Fais-moi signe et encore un grand merci

straffo · « **Reply #7 on:** October 21, 2004, 04:14:34 PM »

Met moi une trappiste rochefort de coté

AWMac · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2004, 04:17:42 PM »

WTG Straffo!!!!

Yeah Baby

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #9 on:** October 21, 2004, 05:52:56 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by AWMac
WTG Straffo!!!!

Yeah Baby

LOL THEIF!

straffo · « **Reply #10 on:** October 22, 2004, 02:19:27 AM »

rtofl AWMac

Saintaw · « **Reply #11 on:** October 22, 2004, 02:28:09 AM »

straffo · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2004, 02:42:08 AM »

deSelys · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2004, 02:42:54 AM »

You'll have your beer when you'll do your tandem jump, you big french-luxo sissy!!

Btw I'll be in Spa this sunday...weather forecast look good.

Saintaw · « **Reply #14 on:** October 22, 2004, 04:41:20 AM »

We're talking about doing this tomorrow... but in Lululand (no f***ing way I'm getting up at 5 AM to be told that there's a cloud somewhere in europe). Will know what around 1700.

(Beats the initial saturday shoe shopping plan with mrs in Trier though...)