Internet connection problems

Pistol_Pete_6

I’m using a Dell PC, which is 5 years old, running Windows millenium edition. My AOL internet connection keeps crashing, usually after about 15-30 minutes use.

It doesn’t seem to be a problem with the phone line, as another (newer) PC, which also uses AOL, runs fine.

I also use zone alarm and AVG, and I’ve run adaware, spybot, ccleaner, and hijack this, so I’m fairly sure that the machine is free of viruses.

Any-one have any ideas?

seaweasel

The problem is Windows ME, it's an abomination of an operating system. Upgrade to either 2000 Pro, XP Pro, or even downgrade to 98 or switch to Linux. Your PC will be much happier with any of these options.

ormus

agreed.
ME is/was a complete disaster.
whats your puter spec?
5 yrs old?
prob better with either win2k or even w98se. (poss ubuntu linux too).
think u will struggle with XP.

Pistol_Pete_6

Thanks to both for your thoughts. I’ve got 512k ram and 40 Gb hard disk, about 30Gb free; will it be able to handle XP?

Where is the best place to get hold of w98se or XP?

espresso

How are you connecting to AOL? Are you sharing your connection with the other PC with a router?

albertross_2

Define crashing..? What happens?

Is this dial-up, or broadband, with router or usb modem?

Have you tried using IE instead of the AOL bloatware.

If you are considering spending £60 on XP, then a new PC may be more worthwhile. (if your current one is 6-7 years old)

Pistol_Pete_6

It's a dial-up connection, not shared with another pc.

By crashing, I mean that the screen seizes up, and I can't do anything on the internet. If I hit ctrl alt delete it shows AOL as '(not responding)' I can then 'end task' on AOL and the pc is ok again

espresso

Try not using any AOL software (bloatware). Just create a DUN to connect and use a standard browser like IE or Firefox etc.