Connection Issues

[xstayxtruex]

Im not sure if this is a software or a hardware issue.

My friend is running an xp system, old specs.

Specs are:

Processor: AMD athlon xp2400+
MB: Syntax SV266A
Chipset: VIA KT266A[NB] & VT8235 [SB]
Cooling: Stock AMD Heatsink + Fan
Memory: 1GB (2 x 512MB)
Video Card: Ati Radeon 9550/ X1050 series 256MB vRAM
HDD(s): Samsung sp0802N (75GB, system drive) and Seagate ST380021A (75GB)
Optic: DVDRW DRW-6S160P
Monitor: LCD TV through VGA
Case: Custom Mod
Sound Card: Onboard AC'97 Audio
PSU: Axio 480w
OS: Windows XP Pro 32x

Ok, now the problem.

He cant sustain a 1 on 1 connection with another computer on a different network for more than a couple seconds, he'd even gone as far as turning off his firewall and disabling his anti virus realtime network protections.

He's completely up to date on windows update with service packs and .net framework, his periphs, his nic card, his wifi adapter, everything.

On instant messengers I can connect to him directly and send him files, but i cant send him a cam feed without it knocking it off a few seconds into it.

On MMOs he cant play in a party with a p2p system without it knocking him out and closing the software.

If anyone can give me some diagnostic tips for this, and/or have had this happen to them before, it would be something, and anything helps.

Thanks.

[Mussels]

ironically, you forgot to include details on the network card.


have you tried another network card?

[xstayxtruex]

Thats one problem, i cant find out if he's either using a generic driver for the device or if its just the name of the card.

Intel 21140-based PCI fast Ethernet Adapter (generic): is what his device manager tells him.

And yes, he's tried a WiFi adapter, the problem is still there.

EDIT: I know that most of the specs that i mentioned above aren't exactly relevant to the problem at all.

I just wanted to post them to leave out any discrepancies.

[Mussels]

well he definately should update the driver for that

if that doesnt help, he should replace it.

[xstayxtruex]

im not sure if you saw, but i edited my earlier post saying that he'd tried it with a wifi adapter and had no changes.

im sure it would change the situation with 2 different pieces of hardware and 2 different types of connections and ending up with the same problems.

[Mussels]

i didn't see that edit


if its not hardware, it has to be software


quit all running apps, see if something changes.
try safe mode, see if something changes.


if not, a format may be in order.

[xstayxtruex]

i wouldnt know how to test a p2p connection in safe mode.

[xstayxtruex]

bump.