ISP connects, IE and OE cannot connect

[sp101amy]

Well, It's been a year, and I'm paying astronomical long distance bills because my local ISP's connections will not allow me to access the web with either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator or Outlook Express. I can make the connection to the server, but as soon as I try to open IE or OE, it searches and kicks my connection. However, with AOL, I'm sailing through the WWW like a rocket! ? very confusing.... I've been through tech help through the ISP and Gateway, I've reformatted twice and had it impounded at the Gateway Country Store twice, with no help. The computer works fine for them! My problems began immediately following an attempt to get a windows upgrade, however, I never made it to a download site, that was my first kick... computer was searching for a download site and booted me, leaving an icon on my desktop to 'resume windows update'. However, I was never able to make a connection again before reformatting the system and losing the icon! ????? With all the errors I recieved, tech help thought it was a motherboard problem, but it works at the country store in the city, but not in my rural home. Everyone in my neighborhood uses the provider I can't ???? any input would be greatly appreciated. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

[Steve48]

Interesting post. Does everybody in your rual area use the same ISP as you?
You may want to take your computer over tp a neighbors home and see if it works there. If it DOES, then I would say that your incomeing phone line is corroded or somethong to that effect and needs replacement. If it does NOT work at a friends, then maybe the ISP is screwed up in your area. The logic of your problem is if it works fine all the time at the Gateway store, then it is time to look elsewhere for the problem, such as your area phone lines or ISP.......I am leaning towards ISP since AOL works fine.

[Steve48]

Interesting post. Does everybody in your rual area use the same ISP as you?
You may want to take your computer over tp a neighbors home and see if it works there. If it DOES, then I would say that your incomeing phone line is corroded or somethong to that effect and needs replacement. If it does NOT work at a friends, then maybe the ISP is screwed up in your area. The logic of your problem is if it works fine all the time at the Gateway store, then it is time to look elsewhere for the problem, such as your area phone lines or ISP.......I am leaning towards ISP since AOL works fine.

[danleff]

Hi;

Interesting problem. Is this a laptop by any chance?

What type of modem is it? K-flex or X2? Make sure that you have the right connection type to the ISP.

Also, is the computer plugged directly into the phone jack, or though a surge protector?

Had the same problem with my ISP, come to find out their connections did not like the Lucent chipset in my modem. Changed to a Rockwell chip modem and all was fine. AOL connections here are pretty stable and reliable with all chipsets.

Call Gateway and see how they tested it, what type of connection did they use?

When you took it to the local store, did you use your ISP or AOL?

[sp101amy]

Well, at least 3 other neighbors use my old local ISP, and the only other local ISP doesn't work for me either http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif I have a Gateway Desktop PC, hubby has a Compaq Crap, but his can make the connection...just VEEEEERY SLOOOOW! I have to try a number of different things relating mostly to the phone lines. Yes, the phone is plugged into the surge protector, and I have to check the line to see if it's spliced along the way. However, I was using the local ISP for nine months WONDERFULLY and then one day... kick, kick, kick.... The only other surefire method is to hook up to starband, but that's an initial start-up cost of over $600. and then $70/month. At this point, in comparison to the phone bills that's a steal, but the start-up is a killer to a family of 7. Thanks for all your help. I will be rearranging the phone lines, and I think I just might ask a neighbor if I can hook-up for a trial run! Thanks! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif AMY

[nimnorf2]

Hey Amy,
Indeed, get over to a neighbor's and try it there. That'll give you a bunch of answers, narrowing your search in this diagnosis. Good advice Steve. IMHO

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A man persuaded against his will, is of his old opinion still.

[kayofcircles]

Had similar problems (could get connected, but not get email or surf) back in December. They "fixed" the phone line. About 10 days ago, same problem. Called ISP and they walked me through a bunch of changes to Internet settings and DialUp, including changing my dial up number. I had called several times, but finally got a "good" tech..you know? My transfer rate (hover mouse down by flashy puters near clock) is WAY up from before.

Only other thing that comes to mind is that I saw an Earthlink flyer in Best Buy that says they have an 800 number to dial in to, and unlimited access to Net, for $25. Been telling my boonie friends about it. (We're in the Albuquerque calling area, so are fortunate in our area of boonies.) Don't know if it's any good, but might be an option if nothing else works. I'd be totally broke if I was paying long distance to surf.