can anyone advise me about my laptop and connection problems?

[brimfull]

This has been going on for ages.

The problem is when I try to connect to the internet I keep getting the "server not found" or "timed out" pages.

This is really intermittent.Sometimes I can't connect for hours and hours,other times a few minutes or seconds even.

I have spoken to tech support with talktalk numerous times as well as Netgear support.

The little icons on the bottom of the page say signal strength is good,speed varies a lot but have had problems when the speed is good.

Same problem with Internet Explorer and Mozilla.

I am a thicko when it comes to computers so don't know all the lingo.

And apologies if I don't respond as I may lose connection.

PLease someone must know the answer.

do you have a wireless enabled laptop? or do you use a dongle?

Reason i ask is because this happened to me all the time on mozilla on my laptop. Turns out my dongle was on its last legs and wasn't recieving properly despite what it said when i hovered over the icon in teh task bar.

Someone more technical will come along in aminute i hope!!

what is that?

It is a wireless laptop.

its a gubbins that you shove in a usb port at the back of your laptop and it recieves a wireless signal (supposedly)

aah

no haven't got anything stuck in me usb port

bumping as it is driving me nuts

evening bump

OK, so you can connect to your ROUTER, but you are getting the "Server not found" type error?

The signal strength tells you about the connection to your router. So it sounds as though you can get that far, but then the problem is your router talking to the internet.

Have you checked the cables from the router to the wall? What are the lights on the router doing (and what model is Netgear router is it)?

I need to reboot my modem and router sometimes.

Unplug them, wait 10 seconds or so then plug in again (I do the modem first, then the router) and then either restart my browser or restart the puter.

OK first you need to be sure if it is

a) your wireless connection or
b) your ISP
c) your Netgear router

So ....go to Maplins and but 2 devolo plugs (about £100) Set up and use (about 1 minute) if in 5 days the problem goes away it is your wireless card causing the issue and swallow hard and use devolo plugs instead. Wirelss connections can be really ropey.

If after 5 days the issue doesn't go away repackage the devolo plugs and return to Maplin for a full refund (you actually have 14 days in which to get a full refund)

Next buy a new wireless router from Maplins and set up and use for 5 days. If the issue resolves it self it was your router (doubtful) if not, repackage it and return to Maplins for a full refund.

Now know for sure it must be the connection between your ISP and your router - as you have eliminated the other two parts of the connection - and you can then confidently go back to TalkTalk and talk talk to them again telling them how you iolated the issue and insist on them helping .... or take your custom elsewhere.

Hope that helps

But try rebooting your router first

sorry to take so long getting back

dd on pooter

right have done all the cable checking thing and rebooting ,have replaced microfilter
so a trip to maplins it is.

what do I do with these devolo plugs?

If I can't find a Maplin would a pcworld do?

Thanks for your replies

lapin -it's a white netgear router

gg, a quick Google seems to show a problem with Talktalk Netgear routers dropping out (losing their connection). Have a look here

Also, it seems like it might be a problem with your MTU settings (maximum transmission unit). You could try resetting it to 1400. Does your router have a model number on it? I can look it up for you ("white" doesn't narrow it down )

lapin - what white not enough!

does this no mean anything
DG834GT

ooh yes. Back in a mo.

OK, I'm guessing (and apologies if I am wrong!) that you are not massively techy - this is quite useful but only if you understand it!

It seems like your settings may be wrong.

I don't really like Netgear anyway... did you get it for free? Do they offer a substitute? If you need to get a new one, look at www.dabs.com and consider buying from Belkin, they are excellent.

Nope not techy at all

but I do recognise all the number thingys and poapp doodhas

have already tried reconfiguring a few times with no effect

maybe I should just replace this knackered laptop and the netgear

dh bought netgear

Slap DH

No seriously, consider Belkin if you are replacing it. What's your laptop?

I think I need a new one, have replaced the graphics card, memory and battery and now the power lead is loose - I think I need to bite the bullet and get a new one

shitty old acer

I want a sexy mac one but the thought of getting used to a mac leaves me panicky

found from your link

mine doesn't have what version it is just a T after the number.

makes me angry that all the times I've been on the helpline they've never mentioned a problem with netgeat

I can't actually see anything on that link?

Macs are FAB, I have 2 (well, it is what I do for a living!) - I have a little iBook laptop but DH has nicked it to take on deployment with him. I just upgraded the memory and operating system and it is like new, despite being 3 years old. I have to use both PC and Mac to test stuff on, but I prefer Mac. And they really aren't hard to get used to (and they are so purdy! )

I can't actually see anything on that link?

Macs are FAB, I have 2 (well, it is what I do for a living!) - I have a little iBook laptop but DH has nicked it to take on deployment with him. I just upgraded the memory and operating system and it is like new, despite being 3 years old. I have to use both PC and Mac to test stuff on, but I prefer Mac. And they really aren't hard to get used to (and they are so purdy! )

Any recommendations for a laptop gratefully received.

sorry re link

it was talktalk page explaining about netgear model not being compatible with talktalk

If you want a new laptop, the best thing is to start a new thread asking for advice (in this section) specifying your budget etc. There are lots of nerds on here . I have a Dell Inspiron, which has been good for 2 years but is now falling apart (v annoying since it is a £1600 laptop!), and I know a lot of people hate Dells.