Problems downloading but not browsing

[bovinda]

I just rebuilt my HTPC using some new and old parts, and did a fresh reinstall of Windows 7 Pro, and I noticed a strange behavior.

It freezes up on downloads, whether it's windows update or downloading firefox, for long periods of time, and then sort of kicks back in again. While freezing, I'm able to browse the internet fine, and under task manager/networking it doesn't show any network use. It's weird.

I tried reinstalling the network controller drivers (Realtek), but it didn't seem to do anything.

It's making windows updates take forever, and neither of the other two computers on my network are having this problem. Any ideas?

My hardware:
Intel i5 750 CPU
Gigabyte P55M-UD2
Adata 64 GB SSD
8 GB RAM (two separate sets of 2 GB sticks, just at two different timings)
Using cable modem for internet, and Netgear router

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

 

[bovinda]

It's still frozen at 21% of my firefox download right now, for example. And when Adobe flash tried to install, it's installer hung at 30% for about 30 sec, then stopped and says "Cannot contact reliable source." What gives?

 

[nickbits]

Are you using a homemade cable?

 

[bovinda]

No, it's store-bought, the same one I was using prior to this reinstall (and it never had problems). I just unplugged it and replugged it in a couple times while doing the build, but nothing else.

 

[zuffy]

Check the system event logs. That should help you narrow down the troubleshooting.

 

[bovinda]

Which system event logs and where do I find them? I know where Event Viewer is, but I'm not sure which logs to look at or which apply...?

 

[zuffy]

Assuming you are using Windows 7, in the Event Viewer, expand Windows Logs --> System. Look for anything with red and yellow.

 

[bovinda]

There are some "errors" in the log, but they all pertain to windows update. Nothing that specifically pertains to networking, as far as I can tell...

I'm really not sure what to make of this. I tried updating the Realtek drivers for the network controller to the newest off their website (7.049), but it didn't do anything. Any other ideas...?

 

[zuffy]

Try copying some files from the problem PC to another PC. See if the problem still exist.

 

[bovinda]

So it looks like it has the same problem across the network. I'm transferring a 24 GB file from my server to the HTPC and it still caught for a couple minutes at one point and didn't show any changes, then it started back up a few minutes later. I have no idea...

I have also tried reinstalling Windows 7 yet again, and it still has the same problem downloading updates (in that it pauses for several minutes during downloads at like 22%, then again at 55%, etc.). And when trying to download firefox or any other large file it still freezes at around a third of the download and then won't download any more.

Argh...it seems like I've had this problem since I updated the BIOS on the Mobo (from F3 to F11) so that I could get the Windows Experience Index to work (which I needed to get the Digital Cable Advisor to work). I wonder if I should try to go back a step or two in the BIOS...but could that affect the network controller that much?

*sigh* At this point I'm about ready to chuck this thing out the window and just try to get a new mobo...

 

[VirtualLarry]

Tried a new NIC?

 

[bovinda]

No, I'm just using the built-in one on the mobo. I suppose I could run out to Fry's or Best Buy and try to pick a cheap one up...that would be easier than getting a new mobo and rebuilding the whole thing...

 

[bovinda]

Well, it seems like a new NIC fixed the problem. Went out and bought a cheap Dynex gigabit NIC and problem solved, getting great download rates, and network working fine now. Thanks for the suggestion!