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Browser Connections die after idle/short breaks; Can ping/tracert from powershell

Anonymous
2020-10-02T01:14:43+00:00

Hi. I've been having the problem for the last 3 months. If I step away from my computer overnight, it will lock up; have to hard restart. If I step away for a period of time, the computer responds, but I can't connect from a browser (firefox or edge/chromium). However, If I ping or tracert from powershell, I can connect to websites (using the url or ip address). The only thing that fixes it is to restart the PC.

I come here now because today I was watching a video. when the video finished, I stopped it and attempted to do something else online. it wouldn't load. I went back to the video, it wouldn't load. So, the parameter of idleness isn't consistent anymore...

I've completed the following troubleshooting over the past few months (in no particular order):

  1. Run the windows network troubleshooter (recognizes a problem but doesn't know what it is or how to fix it).

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew

2.

I've run these scripts in order, checking for internet between, in an attempt to "reset" the internet; each step was run and checked and didn't resove the issue, until the computer was restarted:

netsh winsock reset catalog

netsh int ip reset reset.log

netsh advfirewall reset

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /registerdns

route /f

  1. uninstalled and reinstalled the networking card (ethernet) driver
  2. setup static dns servers (now removed)
  3. Turned off Hibernate (still off)
  4. Set the pagefile to clear on exit
  5. turned off the Windows Firewall (turned back on after unresolved)
  6. Turned off Malwarebytes
  7. Added exceptions for certain programs to Malwarebytes
  8. searched for updates to network card (none)
  9. tried updating device settings (no change and reset)

Sysinfo:

Item    Value   

OS Name    Microsoft Windows 10 Pro   

Version    10.0.19041 Build 19041   

Other OS Description     Not Available   

OS Manufacturer    Microsoft Corporation   

System Name    ************

System Manufacturer    Dell Inc.   

System Model    Inspiron 660s   

System Type    x64-based PC   

System SKU    Inspiron 660   

Processor    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3330S CPU @ 2.70GHz, 2701 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)   

BIOS Version/Date    Dell Inc. A13, 5/23/2018   

SMBIOS Version    2.7   

Embedded Controller Version    255.255   

BIOS Mode    UEFI   

BaseBoard Manufacturer    Dell Inc.   

BaseBoard Product    0478VN   

BaseBoard Version    A00   

Platform Role    Desktop   

Secure Boot State    On   

PCR7 Configuration    Binding Not Possible   

Windows Directory    C:\WINDOWS   

System Directory    C:\WINDOWS\system32   

Boot Device    \Device\HarddiskVolume2   

Locale    United States   

Hardware Abstraction Layer    Version = "10.0.19041.488"   

User Name    *************\***********

Time Zone    Eastern Daylight Time   

Installed Physical Memory (RAM)    8.00 GB   

Total Physical Memory    7.88 GB   

Available Physical Memory    3.11 GB   

Total Virtual Memory    8.90 GB   

Available Virtual Memory    2.71 GB   

Page File Space    1.03 GB   

Page File    C:\pagefile.sys   

Kernel DMA Protection    Off   

Virtualization-based security    Not enabled   

Device Encryption Support    Reasons for failed automatic device encryption: TPM is not usable, PCR7 binding is not supported, Hardware Security Test Interface failed and device is not Modern Standby, Un-allowed DMA capable bus/device(s) detected, TPM is not usable   

Hyper-V - VM Monitor Mode Extensions    Yes   

Hyper-V - Second Level Address Translation Extensions    Yes   

Hyper-V - Virtualization Enabled in Firmware    Yes   

Hyper-V - Data Execution Protection    Yes

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-10-03T03:12:05+00:00
    1. Try another browser. I would have several browsers on your task bar so there's always one that's best for the task. I use Firefox, Edge and Chrome in that order of preference. It's easy to share bookmarks between all of them in their settings under Import Favorites from another Browser. Firefox and Chrome let you sign in to save and/or sync your Favorites on any other device you sign into, and are more reliable than Edge at doing this. Set the preferred browser as Default in Settings > Apps > Default Apps.

    Firefox download: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

    Chrome download: https://www.google.com/chrome/

    1. Have you tried to reset the browser and if that fails try reinstalling from a fresh download?

    https://www.howtogeek.com/171924/how-to-reset-y...

    For new Edge reset in Edge Settings > Reset Settings

    1. I will give you all steps to fix Edge so at least something will work.

    Enable and make sure you have the latest version of Flash in Edge:

    https://allthings.how/how-to-enable-flash-in-ne...

    https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player.html

    Back up your Favorites first in Edge Hub (three dots top right of browser) > Favorites > Manage Favorites > Export to file. If you can't reach Edge you can install the tiny app Manage Edge Favorites here: http://www.emmet-gray.com/Articles/EdgeManage.html to do this, which also gives Edge all of the Favorites Management enjoyed in Internet Explorer.

    You can reset new Edge in Edge Settings > Reset Settings; for old Edge in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features, scroll down to Microsoft Edge, highlight it, choose Advanced Options, then Repair, or if that fails, Reset.

    You may still be able to go back to old Edge. See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem began following this guide: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

    However there are reports that new Edge can no longer be blocked, so you may want to proactively install it side-by-side with the old Edge to preserve it:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/144061-enab...

    I would have several browsers on your task bar so there's always one that's best for the task. I use Firefox, Edge and Chrome in that order of preference. It's easy to share bookmarks between all of them in their settings under Import Favorites from another Browser, and Firefox and Chrome let you sign in to save and/or sync your Favorites on any other device you sign into. Set the preferred browser as Default in Settings > Apps > Default Apps.

    Firefox download: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

    Chrome download: https://www.google.com/chrome/

    If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while saving your files, apps and settings in place, brings it up to the latest version 2004 which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-10-03T03:00:11+00:00

    As a precursor, I did the following: Internet was not working. I disabled the Ethernet device and connected with the wifi device. From the wifi, I could ping via powershell but couldn't access via the browser. So whatever is affecting the usability of the browser is affecting both the wifi and the Ethernet connections.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-10-03T00:27:02+00:00

    Hi again Richie -

    Please report back results on each step so I know what else to suggest if necessary.

    Please do not skip any steps. We often find out later that the fix was the skipped step. If you need help performing any step I will help.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-10-02T15:50:22+00:00

    Hey Greg. Thanks for the info. As I'm sure you've ascertained, since the problem with connectivity resolves with every restart, any restart in the process above will kick the can of troubleshooting down the road. It may be a long process.

    I'll keep you informed.

    Richie

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-10-02T02:25:57+00:00

    Hi RiSil. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

    I'll give you everything possible for Ethernet problems to try so that hopefully something works. Even if you have tried any of these steps please try them over in sequence.

    Right click the network icon in System Tray at bottom right end of task bar to Troubleshoot Problems. Choose "I'm having a different problem" and then "Troubleshoot Network adapter."

    Try powering off modem, router and PC and then restarting in that order with 1 minute in between each.

    Try all of these steps: https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/help/10741/...

    https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-reset-network-...

    https://www.pcworld.com/article/2835564/when-yo...

    Update your network adapter drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page using the full model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

    If you have the latest network driver then try on it's Driver tab also to Roll Back, or Uninstall and then restart PC to reinstall the driver. Try also all older drivers from Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick list working backwards.

    Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, select Ethernet adapter, then Power Management tab, clear the check box to "Allow the computer to turn off the device to save energy." Then on the Advanced tab disable any energy-saving options.

    If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

    You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

    If this was caused by Version update then you can roll it back in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

    Enable IPv6 in the network adapter settings: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/90033-enabl...

    Download and run the fixit from https://support.microsoft.com/help/929852 to Re-enable IPv6 on all nontunnel interfaces and reboot.

    Right click the network icon in System Tray at bottom right end of task bar to Troubleshoot Problems.

    If you're plugging into a router then try plugging into the modem directly. Try turning off Modem and PC, wait 15 minutes to turn back on the modem, then the PC.

    You also are entitled to Support from your internet provider to get online on all devices. This is always included in the monthly bill. If your router is less than a year old they will also Support getting it connected and optimized.

    If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

    But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the gold standard Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    There is also an automated Fresh Start that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

    0 comments