Is my NIC causing the problem?

[jkmertz]

Hello,

Lately I am having problems to connect to the internet, I am able to navigate for some 2 or 5 minutes and then the connection drops off.

I look after my PC on a regular basis for viruses, malware, etc, and everything works fine excepting for the internet. I requested technical assistance from my ISP. They checked the cable, the modem, all the connections and the tech guys tested the connection with their laptops and it worked fine, but when I connected my PC the nightmare came back.

I am afraid that my NIC is causing the problem, because it is an integrated device to my board (Intel DP965LT). Any links with additional steps to test my hardware device? Installing a NIC for this board will be a headache, won't it?

Any inputs will be enormously appreciated.

M.

[Broni]

Why headache? All you need is 15 bucks, put the card into PCI slot, install the driver, and you're good to go.
It looks like network adapter problem.

[TechGeek]

You need to update to the latest driver for your NIC or try an older one (roll back your driver) for a stable connection.

[dahlarbear]

1.  Computer Specs:
     a.  Manufacturer and model number if brand name computer, otherwise
     b.  Manufacturer and model number of motherboard:  Intel DP965LT
     c.  Operating system and service pack level; e.g. Windows XP Professional SP3

2.  Onboard NIC.  Intel 82566DC Gigabit Ethernet LAN controller supports 10/100/1000 Mbits/sec.  RJ-45 LAN connector with integrated LEDs has two LEDs, one on either side of the tab insert.  If you're looking at connector with tab insert facing up, the Link LED (Green) is on the left side, and the Data Rate LED (Green/Yellow) is on the right side.

The "Link" LED States are:
     Off       -  LAN link is not established.
     On       -  LAN link is established.
     Blinking -  LAN activity is occurring.

The "Data Rate" LED States are:
     Off       -  10 Mbits/sec data rate is selected.
     Green   -  100 Mbits /sec data rate is selected.
     Yellow -  1000 Mbits/sec data rate is selected.

So what data rate does the NIC operate at or try to operate at?

3.  Internet Connection Path.  Basically, I'm primarily interested in the network speeds your connection devices support (and whether full/half duplex).
     a.  Do you use cable or DSL modem?
     b.  Make and model number of modem?
     c.  Computer connects to modem how?  Through hub, switch, home router, or directly connected to modem?
          (1)  Make and model number of home router
          (2)  Make and model number of switch and/or hub

4.  Connection Drops Off.  When internet connection drops off, are you still able to communicate through the NIC to other devices (local computers or home router)?

When internet connection drops off, what is the state of the computer NIC Link and Data Rate LEDs?

When the internet connection drops off, do the status LEDs on modem indicate communication problem from modem to ISP.  I'm guessing not, because I think the ISP techs would have checked that.