Jun092012

What can I do about a slow internet connection if the service provider isn’t helpful?

Cristián Torres-Gluck Balmaceda asks:

I have a problem with my Internet connection. It is really slow and my service provider seems unable to comprehend or help for that matter. I have a Dell Studio 1558 running Windows 7 Home Premium. My Internet service provider is Time Warner Cable. Help would be much appreciated!


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14 Answers -

0 votes

Sachin Kanchan

June 9, 2012

you can either choose to upgrade your internet connection, i mean spend a little extra and ask your provider to offer you better speeds…

or if you don’t like the idea you can consult your friends and/or professionals for an alternate service provider

0 votes

Oron

June 9, 2012

Cristián, the problem *could* be with the broadband connection, or at home (router configuration, home network, computer…).
- If you’re using WiFi, get a network cable and connect your computer to the router with it. Any better?
- If not, use a “broadband speed check” site (google that term) and run the test a few times (preferably at different times) and write down the figures. Compare the figures to the advertised connection speed?
- If the connection is really slow (say, less than 50% the advertised speed), contact your ISP’s tech support again, and tell them of the testing you have done.
- If they help you, good! If they don’t, switch to another supplier!

0 votes

ha14

June 9, 2012

you can try upgrading router driver, resetting router…
sometime antimalware can reduce internet speed, try to stop windows defender.

Reset TCP/IP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299357

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, click Administrative Tools, and then double-click System Configuration.

2. Click Continue, or provide Administrator credentials if prompted.

3. Click the General tab, and click Selective startup.

4. Under Selective startup uncheck Load startup items.

5. Click the Services tab, check the Hide all Microsoft services box, and then click Disable all.

6. Click the Apply, then OK, and then Restart.

see if there is “Advanced Networking Service” by Dell, disable it and try your connection speed.

0 votes

Susendeep Dutta

June 10, 2012

If after testing you internet speeds by plugging the wire directly to CPU and not to Wi-Fi router,the speed is too slow then you need to switch your ISP.Comcast is known for high speed cable internet.

Mike DeGeorge

CPU? It doesn’t go to the CPU directly.

June 11, 2012
Susendeep Dutta

Actually,I meant to say cabinet.

June 11, 2012
0 votes

Himanshu Singla

June 10, 2012

Check your speed first on speedtest.net and check if it matches with the one your ISP Promised..

0 votes

Jason Reid

June 10, 2012

Hello Christian, before you go through the steps given below, can you provide additional details about your setup? What is the advertised connection speed of the internet plan to which you have subscribed? What is the make and model of your modem and router? Also, can you specify how slow is slow… visit http://www.speedtest.net and run a few speedtests on various servers.

If you can post the info about your setup and your speedtest results, we might be able to better direct you to a resolution, instead of having you spend time on things that may or may not help you (which is kind of like calling tech support… lol). I’ll be watching for you post and will try to help you with your specific problem after we get some additional info.

Thanks!

0 votes

Dalsan

June 12, 2012

Other than checking to see if the router and modem are working fine (including checking the settings and security and broadcast channel), I’d check the DNS and other settings of your computer, firewall and security software on your computer like realtime email scan and such, check to see if all your drivers are up to date, maybe going to command prompt with administrator rights and flush the DNS by entering “ipconfig/ flushdns”, and even try to use TCPOptimizer to see if it helps any. I doubt it, but the winsock could be incorrect or the browser having wrong settings. CCleaner or GlaryUtilities can clean up internet clutter, but without more information, this is just shooting out possible solutions that can damage your internet settings and make things worse to fix. Doing as suggested by Justin would help us be able to help you more.

Dalsan

Sorry, as Jason suggests.

June 12, 2012
0 votes

Sarene Silverstein-Mardirossian

June 12, 2012

I had the same problem with cablevision. They were useless. I pulled the plug, literally, out of the electric socket, reset the modem, waited about 10min, and then turned everything back on. The difference in speed was like night and day! Now, when it starts running slow I just disconnect everything and start again. Has worked every time. Don’t know if this is a “true” fix, but cablevision hasn’t been remotely helpful.

0 votes

Jon Smith

June 13, 2012

sorry you cant do much unless you upgrade

0 votes

Luda Yoda

June 13, 2012

If they aren’t helpful, just try to find a different service.

0 votes

Igor Rizvi?

July 31, 2012

I would advise you,if your having difficulties with your isp (internet service provider) ,to have a look into some different companyes to get some info about the deals and internet speeds..

0 votes

venkatp16

August 26, 2012

what is your connection speed?

0 votes

Amit Sinha

September 5, 2012

it also depends on how you use network resources if you are doing some important work just disable automatic updates of windows and other software make sure that no other apps is using network resources, if you were downloading a file it too can slow the speed of your internet connection. If you are still unsatisfied then upgrade your internet connection

0 votes

Alex Perkins

September 14, 2012

As a last resort if you get mobile broadband in your area you could consider a mobile internet USB dongle. In the UK three has the best coverage.