Can't Connect Until 9pm

[suedaisy]

I have a really strange issue, actually, my mom's computer does. She has a Gateway (which shes owned for over 2 years), the modem is a Motorolla SM56-ACL.
For the past week or so, she can't get online until 9pm. It will give her every error in the known world, but once 9pm hits, poof, she's on.
She's called Bellsouth (the ISP) and they said they've never heard of the issue, so she called Bellsouth (the phone co) and they said they'll check the lines. Next day, they said they checked the lines and everythings ok, there didnt appear to be anything out of the ordinary. But they would have to check the jacks inside of her home (which would cost $75, of which she doesnt have).
I removed igetnet spam thing from her computer (manually) and it still doesnt work. She can't afford having Bellsouth come in to look at jacks.. so does anyone have any suggestions or anything that could help me out?
We have updated the drivers on the modem, and nothing special happens at 9pm (no lamps, construction, etc). Could it be a program or the modem itself?
Oh, and my mom has also tried changing the clock on the computer from noon to 9pm, just to see what would happen and it didnt connect.
Thanks so much

 

[jazzbo02]

I would suspect a network traffic problem, but that could depend largely on your statement, "It will give her every error in the known world". These errors need to be written down, then reviewed with someone who has at least a basic understanding of they mean or could mean. The ISP should provide that. I have a similar problem with my dialup connection at home-between 5 and 5:30 when everyone is coming home and trying to get online at the same time, it creates a bottleneck. You could check task manager to see what's running. If Scandisk and a virus scan is running, the resources could be limited or preventing the connection. She may want to shop for another ISP, based on the lack of help it is providing.

If you get dial tone from any modern telephone device plugged in a jack, and can dial out, that will normally tell you the jack is ok.

 

[Leigh26]

You could try connecting a different modem up, if you have a second computer or one of your own. Also, try to run a line from the phone box outside straight to the modem. That could also tell you whether or not it's in the house.

Leigh

 

[MaxPipeline]

It doesn't make sense that at exactly 9pm she can dial in. That tells me that there isn't anything wrong with the modem or the configuration since most likely if there were this wouldn't work at all. It looks more likely that the ISP has dial-in time restrictions. This may sound silly, but it seems like Bellsouth has the her connection profile limited to only certain hours. I don't think it is anything on the PC.

I would ask Bellsouth to confirm that her connection profile is not restricted to certain hours. If so then have them unrestrict it. And if they say that there shouldn't be any restriction, don't take their word for it. Insist that someone who has access to her profile within their RADIUS server take a look. I somehow doubt it has anything to do with her inside home wiring.

 

[suedaisy]

Well we had a friend of ours connect using his ISP on that computer and it connected fine. I also downloaded Netzero (free one) and it connected, and then all of a sudden bellsouth connected only once during the day (right after netzero did and we disconnected) and it hasnt connected during the day since.
Unfortunately there isnt a second computer in the house, but I just gave her a new one (forgot the modem so shes bringing it back).
We've called Bellsouth literally dozens of times and each time they say theres no restrictions and they seem absolutely baffled that this is happening. They wont send me to anyother tech support other than a "connection specialist" which is crap because they cant do anything either and its still ongoing.
Yes it would seem there is a restriction because sometimes its a bit before 9, sometimes 9:08, sometimes 9:11.. my mom is writing down all the times.
I'll wait til we get that other computer running and I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks

 

[Leigh26]

Sue
I think i was would go elsewhere for service; save your mom some stress.

Leigh