"niallbr***@gmail.com" wrote:

> My DSL internet connection is very stable but AOL seems to interfere.
> If the AOL software (UK version) is not loaded, Internet Explorer works
> away without any problem. Nonetheless, once I load AOL, my connection
> disappears after about 1 minute.
>
> Although I lose the connection quickly, AOL has an auto-reload feature
> that helps it to restart. There appears to be no lag between losing the
> connection and AOL being able to restart. I've got an icon in my
> system-tray that tells me how the wireless network is doing. When AOL
> restarts, a small notice appears saying that I now have an excellent
> connection to the internet. It never says that I have anything less
> than that.
>
> I'm really confused as I've tried lots of solutions:
>
> a) I'm now using McAfee's Firewall. I've made AOL an exception.
> b) I've built the network settings again from scratch.
> c) I've upgraded my router's firmware to the latest beta version.
> d) I've bought McAfee's virus-checker.
> e) I've downloaded numerous anti-spyware programs.
>
> These solutions haven't helped.
>
> My hardware consists of:
>
> 2 PCs running Windows XP and AOL*
> 1 WAG54G wireless router - with ports open for AOL on the top 4 IPs (I
> occasionally add other computers to the network).
>
> The sporadic connection applies notwithstanding which PC that I am
> using. Since the problem surfaces consistently when I load AOL, I
> suspect that it is not a physical problem with the connection - rather
> something to do with my settings / router?
>
> Questions:
> a) Does opening too many ports cause problems? I've shut windows' own
> firewall off now because I thought that it might interfere with McAfee.
>
>
> b) Could the problem relate to my router? I've turned down the MCU size
> to 1400. I've read that the linksys WAG54G isn't very reliable.
> Nonetheless, it works perfectly when AOL isn't loaded. I can't fault
> the wireless network either.
>
> c) I spoke to AOL about the problem. They sent me a pre-written email
> telling me to clear out my internet history / cookies etc. This didn't
> help.
>
> Please help!!!
>
> Niall
>
> * I know that AOL has a bad reputation but I tried several other ISPs
> around 10 years ago and found AOL to be the best. I don't want to lose
> my email addresses now so am hoping to fix the problem rather than
> avoid it!
>
>