Any have any ideas why I lose my connection to the internet whilst using file-sharing programs...if I try making a connection to a website I just get a timeout...can this be sorted or is it just summit I gotta live with...

I am using:-

AOL BB 512Kbps (DSL)

Cheers guys...:D

Do you have a firewall on there as it could be that. Try putting the site url into the trusted sites on the firewall configuration page.

You might also need to allow access to certain ports. This is usually in the configuration for the website that you entered for address. What software are you using?

Can't think of anything else at the moment. I'll think about it and if anything comes to me I'll let you know.

It's shareaza I use...

I have my firewall security settings @ medium so not sure it's that and all the ports it asks me to allow access to is already set allow access....

do you have a connection before you start using the fileshare program?

if so it could be in aohells terms and conditions that you not use peer to peer networking.

I used a P2P program on AOL some time ago with no problems except for the masses of scumware from the file sharing itself!.

I had exactly this problem a while ago whilst using bit torrent.
I narrowed it down to the sheer number of inbound and outbound connection attempts that P2P generates.

Updating the firmware on my modem/router fixed the problem. I can only assume that my router had connection/state table size issues, and the new firmware fixed it.

What modem/router/whatever do you have?

It's the BT Voyager 105....i'll go have a look @ the firmware option but can't imagine there will be any updates for it as it's a pretty new(ish) product...cheers for the idea though..brb

Sorry about the confusion guys, I was signed in with my missus name and didn't realise....RE: Bettyboobs

I hate to be pedantic but AOL hates you using anything other than THEIR content and stuff.

I'll spare you my thoughts on AOL in general as they have been discussed at length on here.

Originally posted by BobDaBuilder
It's shareaza I use...

I have my firewall security settings @ medium so not sure it's that and all the ports it asks me to allow access to is already set allow access....

You can still have problem with the firewall when using shareaza. I made the mistake of installing that at Christmas and it messed up my Norton Firewall and I couldn't get it off my system for a while. I eventually found a tool to remove it on the symantec website but haven't tried using it since because of the problems it caused. I think from what I remember it recommends you turn off the firewall. Another thought that's just occurred to me are you using a wired or wireless broadband connection because if wireless this sometimes has a builtin firewall which can prevent access.

Other then this I would say it relates to aol restricting access to the sites.

Originally posted by Rich
I'll spare you my thoughts on AOL in general as they have been discussed at length on here.

No need mate, I have my own thoughts as far as AOL go and let's just say it falls @ about the same level as immigrants, Tony Blair and scag-eads...

Originally posted by BobDaBuilder
No need mate, I have my own thoughts as far as AOL go and let's just say it falls @ about the same level as immigrants, Tony Blair and scag-eads...

you mean you're pleased for the positive effect they have on our economy and tolerant of there different 'american' cultural values?

Well I had a problem with emule and on my router I had to make my computer the DMZ meaning all traffic went straight to it untouched. Basically it couldn't take the port forwarding :)

i have similar problem.....suddenly cant view web pages `contain no data or timed out'

and any file transfers go at at MOST 10kb when using any file sharing....but off websites its between 100-200kb!!! so i have the speed..but just not on certain things....odd!

plus net 2mb and voyager 205 ASDL router.

Sounds like your router can't cope with the number of packets and going through... I had a cheap router where running a p2p app pretty much killed the connection, but a much better one now where it's fine. Don't forget that on top of incoming packets, you have a lot of connections to remote machines, can be quite a bit of information to keep in a routing table and process constantly!

The DMZ option might work, but then you have to make absolutely sure your pc is secure! You could also try limiting the number of connections the program makes - assuming it has that option!

Originally posted by probedb
Well I had a problem with emule and on my router I had to make my computer the DMZ meaning all traffic went straight to it untouched. Basically it couldn't take the port forwarding :)
I had exactly the same problem with eMule, it opens so many connections that some routers simply can't handle it and lock up. You can limit the number of connections in eMule itself or get a better router.