Very slow downloads

At times it takes about a minute to download a site or get a picture enlarged when I click on it to expand. At other times this is not a problem. I'm using XP and am not having any other problems with Zone Alarm, Ewido or Avast. Any ideas?

if the problem is intermittant and only occurs online, its most likely nothing to do with your computer

Maybe you have dial-up? Whether you do or not, here are some suggestions...

Go to http://www.pcpitstop.com/ and run their 'full PC tune-up,' this will have to be done using Internet Explorer

If your not doing so already, use Firefox!

Check out... http://onspeed.com/

Good luck

Just to be clear....I have Bellsouth Fast Access, not dial-up. I also have downloaded Register Mechanic, run a full scan and repaired numerous errors. Do you still recommend the repair websites you mentioned?

I dont know what "fast access" is but if it is done through a router try turning it off for a few seconds then turn it back on. better yet run a download speed test on one of the many free speed test sites before you turn it off, then run a second one right after you turn it back on and see if ther is any differnce.

also next time you have the problem, press ctrl alt del and look at your processes and check if you have one called svchost.exe using 90 percent or more of your cpu then post back

So-called fast access sometimes still is dial up. Many dial up ISPs fool around with the settings for the cache on your computer and then call it "fast access" or "accelerated internet" when it isn't. Unless they call it DSL or it's through your cable company you've got dial up!

FastAccess is Bellsouth's DSL. That's what I have, not dial-up. I'll check to see if "svchast.exe" is running and get back with you.

Thanks

Hey here is an idea. Dissconnect your internet. Then restart your internet and listen. If you hear dialing or a really loud noise that sounds like something that is from the prehistoric age then you have dial up and that is your problem.

Try running a ping test to see if you are getting any latency.

Click Start=>Run=>"cmd" (without the quotes), then click OK.

In the DOS windows, type this: ping -t www.yahoo.com

It will run a continuous ping. The thing to look for is "time=". Usually, for good connection, you shouldn't see it go higher than say 60-80ms.

Since you don't have dial-up (I think) I would still definitely go to http://www.pcpitstop.com/ (Through IE) ...After running their full test, they'll suggest improvements your computer needs, and how to apply them. And of course, use firefox!

If you have DSL do you leave the modem on constantly or do you turn it off when you are not using your computer? If the former, then you need to turn off the modem once in a while to "re-cycle" it. If you insist on leaving it on all the time, try turning it off , rebooting the computer, and then turning the modem back on. If this doesn't work you might need to call Bellsouth and get instuctions on resetting the modem. You'll need specific IP addresses and so on from them. This happened once in a blue moon when I had Verizon DSL. DSL modems sometimes get all messed up and have to be reset to factory specs and re-set up.

Sorry to be late getting back with you, but I've been away a few days. I do leave my Westell modum on all the time so I'll try disconnecting it from time to time. Thanks for the test wesbsites. I'll give them a try.

Good Luck!

If your Westell modem is a model 2200 it works best if you shut it off whenever you have the computer off. It takes about 15 seconds to find the DSL signal when you turn it on, so if you turn the power on to it and then boot up your computer right away it should be fine.