Connection problems?

[Lov3shy]

Recently, my internet has not been working properly.
Now, I can type in the URL to get to places but the trouble is that the search box won't work - it says that the connection is interrupted.
I could use the URL to get to websites but 1) it's very annoying; and 2) sometimes pages won't load (due to whatever problem my computer has)

So what problem has my PC encountered? What has caused my internet to do this?

Thanks in advance

[Buenchico]

It reads like (yet another) DNS problem. (There have been loads of similar questions here on AB recently. I've even had to change my own DNS settings to overcome a similar problem).

When you type in a URL, your request is routed via your ISP's domain name server (DNS). This changes the alphanumeric address (e.g. www.theanswerbank.co.uk) to the 'true' numeric address (called a 'logical address') of the server you're trying to access. (e.g. AB's logical address is 91.186.31.12).

Sometimes your PC can fail to make a proper connection to your ISP's domain name server, which results in a 'bottleneck' in the link between your PC and the site you're trying to access.

You need to go into your PC's internet connection settings. Unfortunately, I'm using dial-up with Windows ME, so I can't tell you exactly what you need to do (since you're probably using broadband with XP or Vista) but you'll probably find that you need to right-click on the icon for the connection and select 'Properties'. Then you need to look for 'TCP/IP Settings'. (It's probably under 'Networking'). Click to place a dot alongside 'Specify name server addresses'. Alongside 'Primary DNS' enter these numbers:
208.67.222.222.
Alongside 'Secondary DNS' enter these numbers:
208.67.220.220
Leave the other lines unchanged. Click 'OK' twice.

When you next connect to the internet, you're PC should now be able to make a proper DNS connection and everything should be OK.

Chris

PS: The domain name server I've given you the logical address for is a public DNS, which can be used from any ISP. If you'd rather stick with your ISP's DNS, the relevant addresses can be found on your ISP's website.

[dsimiller]

Hi,
Are you with AOL by any chance?
If you are,then they are having massive connection problems with their servers at the moment,and have been for some time.If you are not,then I guess you will have to ignore my reply.
Regards

[Lov3shy]

I am not, but things are sorted; there was a technical error with Mozilla Firefox (sorted now - just uninstalled and reinstalled)

but thanks for your help guys