I keep losing my Internet connection on a Dell XP Pro SP3 laptop. This happens with both wifi and wired. The connection to the router is fine – I can access other points on my home network even when I can’t get to the Internet. None of the other computers that access the network have this problem. What happens? I’ll try to go to a url, and the browser just says “loading” and goes nowhere. The problem is intermittent — for example, sometimes I can get to a website home page, but then can’t reach anything else on the site; my email client can connect to the email server less than half the times it tries. This happens in IE, Firefox, email client, so it’s not an application problem. It also happens running XP in safe Mode. It happens whether I let XP manage the network connections or use the Dell utility. Things I’ve tried: malware scan (no problems found), changing wireless channel, disabling firewall and anti-virus software, not letting power management turn of network adapters, assigning laptop a static IP address. Any ideas would be appreciated.2 people need an answerI do too

With what program did you scan for malware? Please refer to the link below to see if you were that thorough. If you weren't, then do some more work and don't skip the preparatory steps. We've seen quite a few infections use a proxy server, so check in Internet Options>Connections>LAN to make sure that the checkbox next to "Use a proxy server" is cleared. http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_MalwareMS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

I used Malwarebytes and AVG, in the Safe Mode. And the proxy server box isn't checked.

Since it happens both wired and wirelessly, you know it has to be something global in your Windows. How many computers are using the router's Internet connection? How old is the router? What do you use for DNS? These are just suggestions since you've done all the normal troubleshooting. The First Question Of Troubleshooting: If the problem is new, what changed between the time things worked and the time they didn't? You might want to boot with a Linux Live CD (Knoppix or Ubuntu) and see if the same thing happens. If it does, then the only thing I can think of is a hardware problem such as the motherboard or hard drive. If it doesn't, then try hard to answer The First Question. Sorry I don't have any firm suggestions for you. MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

There are four computers using the router, which is less than six months old. Only one has this problem -- so I assume the problem is in this computer, not the router or modem. What are possible Windows issues?

You've covered them. Aside from figuring out what changed, I don't have any ideas for you. Without seeing the computer I don't know what's wrong. Sorry I was unable to help you.MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

My problem is similar. When I shut down and restart Windows 7 I usally get no internet connection. I have an Ethernet (direct) connection to the Router and the Router/Modem works for all other PCs on the Network. Only Windows 7 fails.My work around is to go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections and select "Local Area Connector" and Disable the connection. After the connection is disconnected I reconnect it again. A pain but works every time.