Modem question

[Laurenfra]

My Desktop is a Dell 2400. How would I be able to tell if my modem is going out? Non internet programs run fine. Net seems to have lags, but I dont think its my isp since laptop runs thru same net service wireless and is fine. Programs like AIM log on and off with error messages say saying "unable to make net connection" then come right back on.
When on still sites like ADBB I can click and go then I click and sit.
Can the modem be replaced in home on a Dell or can I get some sort of external one?
Did any of this make sense?

[allierw26]

Are you on dialup or cable or DSL? I ask because unless you use dialup, you use an external, not internal modem to connect online.

[Perry]

May just be noise in your phone line or the phone plug to the wall jack/modem. Is the jack loose on either end? Replacing a modem on a laptop can be tricky. I have a Dell D600 and I would have to take the keyboard out to get at it.

[Laurenfra]

This is the desk top and I am running Cable Internet(Roadrunner) If it was interfence of some sort I would think I would have trouble on both computers. It is only on the desk top!

[Perry]

Sorry. Mis-read your post. You mentioned replacing the modem on the Dell. If you're running cable at home then you have an ethernet adapter in your desktop.

Could be the cable modem. I've had mine replaced by my cable provider. Could also be your router settings (assuming you have one).

Have you power cycled the modem? (turn off, unplug cable, wait 5 minutes, turn on).

[Laurenfra]

Yes I have tried that. I will call them and see what they suggest. I knew I could count on you, Thanks Perry!

[Perry]

If they'll replace it .. great. At least you can eliminate the modem from the equation if the problem persists.

[allierw26]

If your laptop isn't having trouble, it could be your network card in your desktop. I think those are probably not too hard to replace. Could even be the cable going from your modem or router to your desktop.

[Perry]

Good point, Allie. She could rule the card/cable out by running the desktop cable directly to her laptop and monitoring the performance.

[Laurenfra]

ok I will do that as soon as Laptop is returned. It is in the shop, for a totaly different problem.