3COM OfficeConnect & Plus.net, Help!

[Riz_RS4]

Hi there, im still having problems since ive moved over to a new ISP which has a static IP address.

Thought i`d ask here as im sure your all very IT minded.... hank you in advance.

Ive got a 3com Office Connect ADSL Wireless Firewall Router configured with the following options:-

DHCP disabled and i have issued each pc with its own IP address
NAT is on
Wireless networking is on with Encryption
DNS address on Auto from ISP
Password and User name`s are correct for logging onto the ISP
Firewall is OFF

Anything ive missed?

Anyway ive got it all working on both machines, MSN messenger, websites etc all work but the "Work Offline or Try Again" box keeps poping up.

The connection is ok as MSN messenger keeps running etc

When im using the following they dont always connect eventhough im still surfing the web etc, ive tried disabling all firewalls but still no luck.

Sometimes they work sometimes they dont

Outlook Express, Gmail Notifier, TopGear Video`s dont stream at all

What can i do?

Riz

[Scotty]

In Internet Explorer to to tools. Then Internet Options. Select the Connections tab.

In there you will probably find it's set to dial out. Set it to Never Dial a Connection and fingers crossed you'll be sorted.

[Riz_RS4]

In Internet Explorer to to tools. Then Internet Options. Select the Connections tab.

In there you will probably find it's set to dial out. Set it to Never Dial a Connection and fingers crossed you'll be sorted.

Already checked this but since im using a LAN connection there are no options.

Its doing my head in.

Riz

[jeffw]

It is likely that you've not got the correct DNS settings on the PCs. Check what Plus.net have given you and ensure that these addresses have been added to each PC as their DNS entries.

I've actually re-read the query now....unlikely to be DNS after all.

Do you only have one static address ?

[PhilT]

Give me a call if you want Riz, and I'll see if I can help.

[Riz_RS4]

Give me a call if you want Riz, and I'll see if I can help.

Cheers Phil... will do.... its not an emergancy at the moment as internet on both pc`s works fine.... its getting better though.

Riz

[sash]

wireless can be a bi*tch to resolve sometimes. Things i found in the past was when using static, you did need to also specify DNS on the PCs, mind you you wouldnt be able to coneect to anything if there were DNS isssues. Alternatively you could try using DHCP on the router and enabling it on the PCs as well. Also, try disabling WEP security to see if this makes any difference. I also have heard that there are issues with service pack 2 on XP and certain firewalls etc.
In the connections tab, go to the LAN settings, try checking the automatically detect settings box and see if that makes a difference.
Best of luck

[PhilT]

Didn't realise it was wireless!! Try downloading a copy of NetStumbler and see if there are other APs (Access Points) using the same channel, this often causes issues.

[sash]

I had connection issues with my wireless. I also used Netstumbler, which is really useful for finding dead spots and other APs. Sometimes i cant get access in my front room so i connect to the net using the neighbours unprotected network. Didnt know it was there until i used netstumbler.
I also found for some reason that I would be able to connect to my wireless AP but after a while the connection would be lost. What was even more worring was that the problem went away when i disabled the WEP encryption. I endedup hiding the SSID and using MAC address lists for security. This sorted it out but i ended up disabling WEP which im not too happy about. Mind you to connect to my AP you need to know its name and it needs to know about you (ie your MAC address) before any pc can connect to my network.
I would seriously consider trying to disable WEP to see if this sorts out your problem, if its not the channel thing which it may well be. Alternatively things like microwaves, cordless phones etc can all be responsible for connection problems.
Good luck

[Riz_RS4]

Right people the laptop via wireless lan works perfectly.

Just my PC wont connect properly to outlook, gmail etc and the topgear video sites!

Any idea`s? ive been thru the router config many times and now think its ok as the laptop is trouble free.

Riz

[PhilT]

Is the PC XP SP2? If so try disabling the firewall.

[Riz_RS4]

Pc is running Window XP Professional with all updates except the service packs.

The laptop is running the same O/S and McFee Firewall.
Ive disabled all the firewalls and its still the same.

The Work Offline / Try Again box keeps popping up also now and again.

Riz

[PhilT]

Sounds like the firewall might be bombing out, can you bypass it?

[sash]

do you have the wireless network connection status icon in your system tray? If the connection drops its should say "wireless network unavailable".
Are you using the wireless card software or are you using windows to configure your wireless connection?

[Riz_RS4]

The wireless connection works 100% fine with no dropouts, its the CAT5 connection directly to the router that wont work right!

Ive disabled the firewalls and still no luck, this included the mcfee software one and the one built into the router.

The router must work fine and the latop on WiFi works perfectly.

Just my pc wont do what it should..... its doing my head in as ive tried alot of things with still no luck.

Riz