Internet continuously connecting and disconnecting...

Question

Internet continuously connecting and disconnecting.

Answer

If you are experiencing issues with the Internet on your computer, where it is connecting and disconnecting again and again, it could be due to several possible reasons. Below are some of the most common ways to try and fix the issue.

Tip: If you have another computer, smart phone, or tablet that can connect to the same Internet connection use it to test if you have a connection issue or a computer issue. If all devices connected to your network have the same problem with the Internet connecting and disconnecting you have a connection issue that likely is with the cable or DSL modem, network router, or ISP. If only one computer is disconnecting and connecting it's likely a problem with the computer.

Cable or DSL Modem

The cable modem may be having trouble keeping a stable connecting, due to internal programming issues. This is one of the best things to check for first. To try and fix a possible cable modem issue, you need to reset the cable modem by turning it off for a minute. First, though, turn off your computer and then, if you have an Internet router, unplug the power cord from router.

Now, you can turn off your cable modem by unplugging the power cord from the back of it. Leave it unplugged for at least ten seconds, then plug it back in. It will take a few minutes for the cable modem to run through all its self checks and re-connect to the Internet. Look for the Internet connectivity indicator light on the front of the modem and once it is on (usually the light is constantly on, instead of blinking), plug in your router and turn on your computer.

Test the Internet connection on your computer and see if it is stable.

Wired/Wireless Router

Similar to the steps above for resetting the cable modem, if you have not reset your router already turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the router. Wait at least 10 seconds, then plug the power cord back into the router. Wait for the indicator lights on the front of the router to stop blinking (blinking lights indicate the router self checks and working to establish an Internet connection), then turn on your computer.

Test the Internet connection on your computer and see if it is stable.

Internet Provider

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be a good resource to check with if your computer is still experiencing an unstable Internet connection. The ISP's technical support can run system checks and line checks to determine if there are any issues between them and your computer that might be causing the issue. They may also have other suggestions for fixing the connection.

If you're Internet is still not stable, before following any of the other below steps we suggest contacting your ISP to make sure the problem is not a problem between the ISP and your home or office. If other devices on your network are working fine, continue with the below steps.

Network Card

It's possible the network card in your computer is experiencing issues with keeping a stable Internet connection. There are two things you can try to fix this.

Note: We only suggest the below steps if your network has multiple devices that work fine, but your computer continues to lose its Internet connection and you have tried all of the above suggestions.

Reseat the network card

First, if you have a desktop computer, feel comfortable opening your computer, and your network card is a removable PCI card, turn off the computer, open the computer case, and remove the PCI network card from the computer motherboard. Then, insert the network card back into the PCI slot, making sure it is firmly seated into the slot. Close the computer case and turn it on.

Test the Internet connection on your computer and see if it is stable.

Re-install network card drivers

If the Internet connection is still unstable, another fix to try is deleting the network card from your computer's Device Managerand letting Windows re-installing the card and its drivers. This can sometimes fix any device driver issues (corruption) and stabilize the network card's Internet connectivity.

• How do I remove a device in Windows Device Manager?

After Windows has been rebooted and the device has been re-installed test the Internet connection on your computer and see if it is stable.