IE 5.5 weirdness!!

[tolemac]

Ok this is just plain weird! I will be surfing along with IE 5.5 going from page to page and link to link and suddenly when I hit a link to a new page, or the back button or a download link, the little world icon in the upper corner goes round and round, but nothing else happens for about 45 to 60 seconds. Then it does what it's supposed to do and goes to the link! Now I'm on DSL for the last year now and normally I hit a link and it goes there immediately and this just started up. I've stopped or uninstalled anything that I started/installed within the last 2 weeks (that's how long it's been doing this) and still no joy.:disgust:
Is this an IE 5.5 problem or does it sound more like a DSL problem?

Just in case anyone needs to know: WinME/ EPoX EP-8KTA3L+/ XP1700+/ 384Mb PC133/ Antec 300W PSU/ The usual suspects for the rest. Current BIOS and drivers for all equipment and WinME.

Temps never go above 39*C

Waddaya think??

 

[AndyHui]

Hard to say exactly what the problem is.

Try to clear you Temporary Internet Files cache. That usually fixes a large number of problems. You might also consider upgrading to IE6.

 

[tolemac]

I use Window Washer 4.0 on an almost daily basis, so the cache is not it, but thanks ofr replying!
Also, I HATE IE6! I have XP on another system and it just does all kinds of stuff I don't like. Ended up uninstalling it and putting IE5.5 on it. :disgust:

 

[Kerle]

Sounds more like a DSL problem - specifically, like what happens when PPPoE software goes looking for a DHCP server to assign it an IP - in your network settings, look for the TCP-IP that's bound to whatever you use for DSL and make sure it doesn't have "Obtain IP address automatically" checked. Enter in a local IP for it to use instead, like 10.0.0.2 or 192.168.0.2 or the like.

If it doesn't work still, there are some other things you might try.

 

[GeekSupportCom]

try doing some tracerts, maybe your DSL community is having some problems. It also seems like some sort of DNS problems if it's taking a long time to connect. Try calling up your DSL company and see if there are currently any issues. I had the same problem and it turned out that my cable company was fixing or upgrading my area. after they finished replacing/adding some network parts, my connection was back to normal. click and boom

 

[Animosity]

Tolemac,

I had a VERY similar problem that I just fixed a couple days ago. It was nagging me for a couple of weeks. I'm also on DSL with my IP through Ameritech.

It turns out that the problem was not just Internet Explorer. The problem was actually rooted in my PPPoE software, Enternet v1.34 provided by Ameritech, letting me connect to the internet. So I upgraded to Enternet v1.5 and that fixed the Internet Explorer stalling problem.

As an alternative to upgrading your PPPoE, you could also try using a router to connect to the internet and using its built in PPPoE, but of course that is more costly and may add additional headaches. I tried using the router solution before I upgraded Enternet...the router also solved the problem, but I generally don't like to operate with a router.

You can see my thread by typing "internet explorer help please" in the search field or try using the link below:

http://forums.anandtech.com/message...41&highlight_key=y&keyword1=internet explorer

 

[Kerle]

Enternet has got to be the worst written piece of junk I've ever seen; I don't know why all the ISPs use it.

I had it for the first 9 months that I had a DSL - then I found out that by using a hacked firmware, my DSL "modem" was actually upgradeable to a fully functioning router. It's been great since then. If you've got an Efficient Networks Speedstream 5260, I'd suggest you try it to - I can provide links.

Basically, Efficient couldn't provide enough 5260's for the market, so they actually used 5660s (which are routers), and turned off the router portion in the firmware. A simple firmware hack, and your 5260 can become a fully functioning 5660 - but only if it's one of the masquerading 5660s to begin with. You have to check the part number to be sure.

EDIT:
Animosity, what exactly is it you don't like about a router? I'm not trying to be a pain; I'm just curious. Pretty much all of my friends use one, as do I, and aside from having to occasionally configure NAT, I haven't seen any problems.

 

[Animosity]

Kerle,

Maybe it's not so much operating with a router, but rather MY router. It's a linksys and can be a pain in the rear to initially connect. Once connected, its usually OK. But sometimes I prefer minimilism, you know, the less components the better. I guess I'm just lazy and hate trying to repair certain portions of my system...the basic components that I need to function.

However, I have to give props to the Linksys router for its PPPoE.

 

[Kerle]

Ah, actually, now that you mention it, I do recall something about a linksys having problems with file transfers in MSN Messenger. But I haven't seen either connection problems or anything else either with the Efficient networks router I use or the 3Com one a friend uses.

I have 3 computers in the house; a router just makes more sense for me, but I can appreciate the "minimalist" outlook.

 

[Animosity]

Most routers also have the nice additional feature of a built in firewall. I'm router-free, so I use a software fire wall.

Any word on the Belkin routers? Comp USA had the 4-port on sale for about $70 a couple weeks back.

 

[Kerle]

No, I haven't used one of those - though if it's anything like Belkin mice, I'd stay away. Never did get the third button on that thing working...

 

[tolemac]

<< Sounds more like a DSL problem - specifically, like what happens when PPPoE software goes looking for a DHCP server to assign it an IP - in your network settings, look for the TCP-IP that's bound to whatever you use for DSL and make sure it doesn't have "Obtain IP address automatically" checked. Enter in a local IP for it to use instead, like 10.0.0.2 or 192.168.0.2 or the like.

If it doesn't work still, there are some other things you might try. >>



And we have a winner!! That was it exactly! Reset the TCP/IP to 10.0.0.2 and subnet to 255.255.225.0 and it just flies from page to page and link to link!!

Thanks kerle! And thanks to everyone else who replied!!

 

[Kerle]

Glad I could help; I had the same problem back when I first got DSL.