Hi William,

Unfortunately, dial-up isn't always as reliable as we would like. It is not
uncommon for the connection to "hang", possibly because of noise on the
phone line, or a problem with protocol between the two ends. The fact that
you can hang up and re-dial OK shows it probably isn't a SW problem.

Some modems seem to work better with certain ISP's. Usually the better
brand name modems perform better. You could try installing a different
modem to see if that helps, or go to broadband (if feasible).

Russ Poffenberger
[log in to unmask]

At 12:41 PM 5/17/2005, you wrote:
>Here is a weird one.
>
>I am on dial up (unfortunately)
>
>
>Periodically and randomly even though my PPP icon show active connective
>status. everything will stop. Browser, OE, Messenger, etc... It is as if I
>clicked the pad lock in zone alarm and closed all ports!  I don't think its
>ZA is doing on its own  because I have shut it down and the problem remains
>the same. I have to disconnect and re-dial in to re-establish everything.
>
>I am running WIN XP Pro
>
>And just to name a few:
>NAV 2004 always updated.
>SpySwsweeper
>ZA Pro
>The Cleaner always updated
>All WIN updates to date including SP2
>
>So I don't think it an issue of a Trojan or virus. I am pretty religious
>about keeping my programs up to date and use them frequently.
>I frequently run NETSTAT or use TCP View to monitor inbound outbound
>connections and do not see anything out of the ordinary.
>
>Perhaps its just my ISP?
>
>I use MSN, but do not use any of the MSN software or MSN Dial up Connection
>manager. (Never will either!) I just use the good ole' windows dial
>networking.

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