This seems to be happening lately ever since Windows XP latest updates (I dont recall which one).

Anyways, what happens is that after any of these events (not all the time but usually in an average of every 2 days):

- playing games
- leaving OutlookXP on
- browsing

My network connection suddenly dies.  While I am still able to browse IN my own network (I can see my sis and bro's computer and share files).  My network connection is totally gone on the net.  If I try to check email, it'll fail (no network connection detected).  If I try to browse, no network detected too.

The ONLY thing that's a hint of being online still is my AOL's AIM and if I'm in any games (like Battle.Net for Diablo 2 or Starcraft).  I can still chat and play games while staying connection to it.

Aside from that... my connection can't connect out at all.  If I quit my game and/or AIM, I can't get back in. (AIM gives an ERROR 1).

I am able to ping my own IP and my other computers in my network.

Basically my network is a LAN (with 5 IP address).  My SpeedStream router is connected to the LinkSys's Switch.... from there it connects to all my computers (2 WinXP and 1 Win2k).  Firewall is only ZoneAlarm Pro (latest update for a month now).  IT runs on DHCP.

Does anyone have any suggestions or way to figure out exactly what is wrong with this?  The ONLY thing I can think of that's causing this is the latest WinXP security updates.... but I'll need confirmation on this.

Or is there something on my network I didn't set up correctly? (I'm positive I did set it up right).

Dell XPS M1710

XP Pro SP 2

Intel Core Duo 2.16GHz

1G Dual Chanel DDR RAM

nVidia GeForce Fo 7900 GS

Honestly, I thought it _would_ be ZoneAlarm Pro too.. (some other "previous" versions have problems).  But I've realised I had this "upgraded version" for a mininium of 3 weeks which never resulted in this problem.

Meanwhile, it was WinXP which I've updated last week (security updates) which then started problems.

But as a precaution and double check, I will disable ZAP (and uninstall) and see what will happen.  I'll report within a week or 2 (depending on if it'll happen again or not).

I do know ZoneAlarm (free version) works perfectly since it's installed on my other 2 computers and it never have this wacked problem my main computer does (it's weird not to be able to access the internet [browsing] when my other 2 computers in the network can).

If you know any other way to check it please let me know.  See you all in 1-2 weeks or if it happens again.

PS- To let you know.  My ISP supplies me with 5 IP address.. thus my router basically assign those 5 static ip to my computers that's connected to the switch (meaning no NAT.. thus no firewall if I lose ZAP).  On GRC.COM, it means I'll have ports open and such.  Should I worry much about it?  I usually perfer to be safe totally but if I'm going to test it... I have to risk not using a firewall.

Any comments on this?

Few more things you can do.

1)Rule out your ISP:  if your can go to your command prompt, type ipconfig/release, then ipconfig/renew and your able to get an IP address (assuming IP is dynamic) then it's probably not an ISP issue.

2)Just because ZAP works on the other PC's, that does not mean it will work on the one in question, too many variables between PC's

3)You can uninstall the recent updates you just did.  Many can be removed from Add/Remove Programs in your control pannel.  I don't know much more about removing updates, mabey someone else has some suggestions.

-you havn't configured any "Services" differently have you?

Dell XPS M1710

XP Pro SP 2

Intel Core Duo 2.16GHz

1G Dual Chanel DDR RAM

nVidia GeForce Fo 7900 GS

Anyways, I did a little reconfigurating on my router and network (I disabled DHCP now and manually gave all computers on my network one of the 5 Live static IPs).  I'll test and see if this solves the problem (because DHCP has been a little screwy lately).

As for ZAP, yes, I'm aware that it always doesn't work on all computers.

As for recent updates, I'm getting the feeling the curlpit could be the IPv6 Updates from Microsoft's Update... but I wont say it is nor confirm it until I get positive proof.

Last, no, I do not touch anything at Services at all..... at least not those that does not use the network (like infread-red or Universial Plug-n-Play).

Thanks for all your insights.... I'll test it now.