FIOS Internet on my PC

[DK]

I am using Verizon's FIOS at home through a Microsoft labeled router connected to my Fujitsu 1GHz/1GB laptop. I can connect this PC to the net either wirelessly or via Ethernet cable from the router, but there is no difference in the problem I am encountering.

My PC is running XP with the latest Norton sw installed and turned on, and I have checked that everything scans fine.

The problem. Frequently (~50% of the time) when I try to link to a web page the link fails. If I refresh the page a few times it may eventually work, but sometimes I can never get to the URL. This is mostly repeatable, but not 100%. It acts as if the FIOS is pulling down the pages too fast for the PC or router to capture, i.e., some type of timing problem.

The typical error message is

Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage
   Most likely causes:
You are not connected to the Internet.
The website is encountering problems.
There might be a typing error in the address.

etc.

The Verizon technician on the phone took over the computer remotely and was able to observe this. First he thought it was an IE problem, but he downloaded Firefox with the same results. He had no explanation, except that he thought it was a virus. However, this problem only occurs when I am working at home. When I take the laptop elsewhere, Starbucks, etc., everything works perfectly at any outside location, either wirelessly or via Ethernet, so I feel this is related either to the router or the FIOS connection.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Sincerely, DK

[Justin]

I have never experienced that except very, very rarely, so I cannot give you any practical advice. However, a few thoughts/suggestions:

1) Verizon should have given you a router, either an Actiontec or a D-Link. Have you tried using the Verizon-supplied router? And if so, with what results?

2) Maybe some of your "add on" software is getting in the way. I use AVG free anti-virus, and Zone Alarm free firewall. You mentioned Norton, are you running anything else? What Norton - anti-virus, firewall, what? If norton firewall, or any other, is the Windows firewall also on by chance? You should run one anti-virus, one firewall. You might (very carefully) try turning off the anti-virus and firewall you are using and see if the problem persists.

3) If none of the above helps, then ask Verizon to send someone out to check the signal levels, etc. I have had FiOS internet for about 16 months, and TV for about 14 months, with very little trouble, but Verizon did have to replace the ONT once back in the beginning due to signal level problems.

4) Any neighbors with FiOS? Are they working ok, or having similar problems? If you can get several of you with the same problem, it clearly isn't you!

That is about all I can think of. But hold Verizon's feet to the fire, IMHO it isn't a virus based on what you have said, it is their network.

Good luck.

[DK]

Thanks very much for the suggestions.

I'm running Norton Internet Security 2006 with everything turned on -- Firewall, Antivirus, and some things i don't fully understand, Outbreak Alert, Intrusion Prevention, Security Inspector. I did turn everything off briefly a few times but it didn't make any difference that I noticed. The Windows Firewall is off. The Verizon tech downloaded and ran something called Ad-Ware SE Personal, and that didn't find anything either.

I didn't get a router from Verizon for the FIOS but I can't remember why not. Possibly because I had a working wireless router that I bought when the DSL was installed a couple years ago and I just continued to use it when FIOS was put in. I'll check on getting theirs and installing it. I hope that's the problem.

Sincerely, DK

[Justin]

DK, a couple of things:

1) Ad-Aware SE Personal (it is really Ad-Aware, not Ad-Ware, the reason I point that out is that there is a POS product/web site named Adware, stay away from that) is a free anti-adware/spyware tool. Really pretty good, you should run it at least once a week, and keep the definitions up to date. I also recommend Spybot Search and Destroy, another free anti-spyware tool, get it, run it once a week and keep the definitions current. Potentially may save you a bunch of trouble.

2) The reason I asked about the Verizon-supplied router is that sometimes they want that in use to make sure it isn't something in an "unknown" router. I have a Verizon-supplied D-Link router, I have it connected to the FiOS service, and then I have my personal Belkin wireless router daisy-chained off of that. Works just fine, full speed (I have the 5/2) service, but if I do have FiOS problems I don't have to go dig out the D-Link router and put it in.

Wish I could be of more help, good luck, I have had FiOS for over a year, works great for me, far, far better than the cable service I had before.