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Long time to load a first page, get "the connection has timed out" frequently.

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  • Last reply by mikezh

mikezh
mikezh
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Frequently takes a long time to get to first page. Even a "speed test" to check my DSL connection. Usually can get to "google.com" quickly but it did come up slow today (just a test for a simple page). 

  I have a wireless N router with it's own Firewall (which I didn't want) and I think I've turned it off. Symantec firewall, don't think WinXP firewall is on.
 Tried refresh of Adobe Flash Player per suggestion in this forum, no help.
  Would like to have a tool to see how long each step of getting to the web takes so I can see if there's a bottleneck.
  Occasionally "try again" button works on the "connection has timed out" message.
 My PC is 6 yr old. xp-home, lots of ram, HDD available. Run Symantec AV/MBAM frequently. Ran Housecall and Dr. Web- no problems.

Talked to my DSL provider and Symantec in depth. Similar lethargy when I get IE running but not as frequent as under FF. Measured my DSL speed - 5MB as promised. 

 When the lag occurs, Task Manager does not show FF taking a lot of processor time.
  Have done the things suggested in FAQ to help with performance.
 Also going to bleepingcomputer.com  to see if there are suggestions there.

I'm hoping someone has experienced an analog to this and has a suggestion to diagnose and solve. Thanks - Mike.

Frequently takes a long time to get to first page. Even a "speed test" to check my DSL connection. Usually can get to "google.com" quickly but it did come up slow today (just a test for a simple page). I have a wireless N router with it's own Firewall (which I didn't want) and I think I've turned it off. Symantec firewall, don't think WinXP firewall is on. Tried refresh of Adobe Flash Player per suggestion in this forum, no help. Would like to have a tool to see how long each step of getting to the web takes so I can see if there's a bottleneck. Occasionally "try again" button works on the "connection has timed out" message. My PC is 6 yr old. xp-home, lots of ram, HDD available. Run Symantec AV/MBAM frequently. Ran Housecall and Dr. Web- no problems. Talked to my DSL provider and Symantec in depth. Similar lethargy when I get IE running but not as frequent as under FF. Measured my DSL speed - 5MB as promised. When the lag occurs, Task Manager does not show FF taking a lot of processor time. Have done the things suggested in FAQ to help with performance. Also going to bleepingcomputer.com to see if there are suggestions there. I'm hoping someone has experienced an analog to this and has a suggestion to diagnose and solve. Thanks - Mike.

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mikezh
mikezh Question owner
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Here's your sign! This is my problem and its solution. Let me know if someone needs help to interpret.

If you frequently get "connection timed out", go to your ISP and get Manual DNS addresses. Then beat them till they put a real fix on their system.

Problem is in the DNS server service provided by my DSL provider, Bell South/AT&T. Result of a poor performing DNS is that one can't get thru to the selected site.

If you do a web search +dsl +"time out" you will see the history with Windstream. THEY finally issues a system-wide fix which, it appears, flattened the issue. Then add +AT&T to see that experience. I did not read it all thru, I'm wasted chasing this problem. I don't give AT&T ANY credit for customer service or heading off problems for their customers on this one.

AT&T support offers me: ==================================== start quote. How do I check and update my DNS settings, if my DNS settings are not "server assigned"? When you visit a Web site, your browser sends the site's alphabetic domain name to a DNS server. The DNS server translates the domain into a numeric IP address, then responds to your computer with the Internet location of the Web site. Incorrect DNS settings on your computer can disrupt this information flow and cause your Internet browsing to slow down or fail.

If you have trouble browsing the Internet, check your DNS settings. You likely have your DNS settings as "server-assigned." This allows DNS information to be automatically sent to your computer, which may improve your browsing experience. However, you may need to have your DNS settings manually entered

Note: If you are using a router to connect to your Internet service, check with your manufacturer's web site for instructions on updating your DNS settings with the following information: Primary DNS: 68.94.156.1 Secondary DNS: 68.94.157.1 1. Click the Start button and select Control Panel from the menu. 2. Select Network and Internet Connections. 3. Double-click the Network Connections icon at the lower right.

4. Under the LAN or High-Speed Internet section, right-click the Local Area Connection icon and select Properties. 5. From the "Components checked are used by this connection" list, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click the Properties button.

6. Read the current DNS setting on the lower half of the TCP/IP properties screen. If the radio button Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected, you do not need to update your DNS settings. Otherwise, please continue. 7. Input the new Preferred DNS server of 68.94.156.1 and the Alternate DNS server of 68.94.157.1. 8. Click OK.

9. Return to the Network Connections screen. If you have a DSL Connection icon in the Broadband section, proceed to next step otherwise you have completed updating your DNS settings. 10. Under the Broadband section, right-click the DSL Connection icon and select Properties. 11. Select the Networking tab. 12. From the "This connection uses the following items" list, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties button.

13. Read the current DNS setting on the lower half of the TCP/IP properties screen. If the radio button Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected you do not need to up date your DNS settings. Otherwise, please continue. 14. Input the new Preferred DNS server of 68.94.156.1 and the Alternate DNS server of 68.94.157.1. 15. Click OK.

================================= end quote.

So it appears I can't put screen shots in here. Well I hope you get the gist. In fact this is a bit hosed up. It says if you user "automatic dns" you're OK, that's opposite of my experience. I changed to the specified DNS addresses and things seem 99.9% fixed. I also changed my Router (wireless) settings.

If there's a survey of my experience here I'll take it.

Mike Hardy