Dear Tech Friends,
I am new here but not exactly new to computers. Generally, I find that a little Google and a little searching, I can find anything. However, this recent problem has me totally perplexed. So here I am, looking for some help from someone brighter than me. I feel like a complete moron after trying to fix this for the last week and having no luck whatsoever.
I recently switched providers (to FIOS from Comcast) and the internet was working fine. For the first 7-8 days, I had no issues and then they began. The problem is that my computer at some point stops allowing new internet connections - what I mean is, I will be talking on Skype or on Steam playing a game with friends and I have fine connection. I have no problems with connectivity in the voice call or in game. However, usually after a period of time (20-30-or more minutes), if I try to use my Chrome browser or surf in any other browser, it simply continually tries to connect to server but cannot access the internet. (Finally the Google Chrome upside down face shows me that I have no working internet -- even though I'm clearly still on a skype call and am playing online) -- Skype continues working, I can chat to people on Steam (but the STEAM in-app store which also uses a browser does not work). At the same time, my laptop, my phone and other devices are able to normally access the internet in my house through my router. So to summarize: On-going connections like VOIP or online-gaming do not lose internet connectivity and my computer shows that I am connected. However, browsing (even trying to connect to the router directly using the IP will not work).
To try and solve this, I asked Verizon to replace the modem which they did. This fixed the issue AGAIN for one week. Really, I had no issues and thought I was home free. Another strange thing that there were no issues for one week.... Then this week it started again. Sometimes (maybe 35% of the time), I turn on my computer and cannot access the internet. Restarting usually fixes the problem and then I can use everything for 30-60 minutes until the internet on my PC again craps out. I have tried looking at DNS (doing ipconfig/flushdns) - downloading some other internet clearing programs that tried to revert settings and clear cache,temp internet etc) and doing a bunch of other random things. However, nothing seems to help. I have also plugged in my own old router and tried to LAN my computer through that. Yet, the same issue happens. Also, connecting to the router wirelessly / LAN - the same issue happens.
I am confused as to why A) the internet works for a period of time for all programs B) Parts of the internet like on-going skype calls or on-going gaming connections continue working (HOWEVER, if I get off the skype call and then try to activate a new one --- or if I turn on my computer and the browser is not working, Skype will not connect either) - So this is not a Skype works all the time - it too is restricted if an on-going call is not working.
It seems like outside of surfing the net, if my internet connection is established it remains working. A TrendMicro online virus scan worked the entire 2 hours without disconnecting -- so it again shows that it likely does not affect on-going connections).
When I am having these connectivity issues, I am unable to directly access either the Verizon router or my d-link router (when I had tried that) - using the IP Codes 192.168.x.x. So, it is like my computer shuts down to new connections altogether. Restarting the router does not really do the trick - I think it may have once, but usually I have to restart my entire computer. However, if I do the CMD prompt, I am able to ping google.com succesfully. AAAAAAH! This does not make sense.
I am running Windows 8.1 and can provide any other information as necessary.
I have also used MalWarebytes, panda antivirus, Trendmicro and other scans and have come up empty handed. I am getting desperate and have no idea what to do. Any advice?
I am new here but not exactly new to computers. Generally, I find that a little Google and a little searching, I can find anything. However, this recent problem has me totally perplexed. So here I am, looking for some help from someone brighter than me. I feel like a complete moron after trying to fix this for the last week and having no luck whatsoever.
I recently switched providers (to FIOS from Comcast) and the internet was working fine. For the first 7-8 days, I had no issues and then they began. The problem is that my computer at some point stops allowing new internet connections - what I mean is, I will be talking on Skype or on Steam playing a game with friends and I have fine connection. I have no problems with connectivity in the voice call or in game. However, usually after a period of time (20-30-or more minutes), if I try to use my Chrome browser or surf in any other browser, it simply continually tries to connect to server but cannot access the internet. (Finally the Google Chrome upside down face shows me that I have no working internet -- even though I'm clearly still on a skype call and am playing online) -- Skype continues working, I can chat to people on Steam (but the STEAM in-app store which also uses a browser does not work). At the same time, my laptop, my phone and other devices are able to normally access the internet in my house through my router. So to summarize: On-going connections like VOIP or online-gaming do not lose internet connectivity and my computer shows that I am connected. However, browsing (even trying to connect to the router directly using the IP will not work).
To try and solve this, I asked Verizon to replace the modem which they did. This fixed the issue AGAIN for one week. Really, I had no issues and thought I was home free. Another strange thing that there were no issues for one week.... Then this week it started again. Sometimes (maybe 35% of the time), I turn on my computer and cannot access the internet. Restarting usually fixes the problem and then I can use everything for 30-60 minutes until the internet on my PC again craps out. I have tried looking at DNS (doing ipconfig/flushdns) - downloading some other internet clearing programs that tried to revert settings and clear cache,temp internet etc) and doing a bunch of other random things. However, nothing seems to help. I have also plugged in my own old router and tried to LAN my computer through that. Yet, the same issue happens. Also, connecting to the router wirelessly / LAN - the same issue happens.
I am confused as to why A) the internet works for a period of time for all programs B) Parts of the internet like on-going skype calls or on-going gaming connections continue working (HOWEVER, if I get off the skype call and then try to activate a new one --- or if I turn on my computer and the browser is not working, Skype will not connect either) - So this is not a Skype works all the time - it too is restricted if an on-going call is not working.
It seems like outside of surfing the net, if my internet connection is established it remains working. A TrendMicro online virus scan worked the entire 2 hours without disconnecting -- so it again shows that it likely does not affect on-going connections).
When I am having these connectivity issues, I am unable to directly access either the Verizon router or my d-link router (when I had tried that) - using the IP Codes 192.168.x.x. So, it is like my computer shuts down to new connections altogether. Restarting the router does not really do the trick - I think it may have once, but usually I have to restart my entire computer. However, if I do the CMD prompt, I am able to ping google.com succesfully. AAAAAAH! This does not make sense.
I am running Windows 8.1 and can provide any other information as necessary.
I have also used MalWarebytes, panda antivirus, Trendmicro and other scans and have come up empty handed. I am getting desperate and have no idea what to do. Any advice?