Connectivity still cuts out from time to time. I have a router that is about 5 years old though
I doubt that the router’s age is at fault, (my router is older than that).
This is not a malware issue and I’m no expert on things Internet-related but we can try one thing.
Let’s reset the router, flush the DNS and have a look at the router.
Reset the Router
Let’s try to reset the router to its default configuration.
this can be done by inserting something tiny like a paper clip end or pencil tip into a small hole labelled "reset" located on the back of the router.
press and hold down the small button inside until the lights on the front of the router blink off and then on again (usually about 10 seconds).
if you don’t know the router's default password, you can look it up here
you also need to re-configure any security settings you had in place prior to the reset.
you may also need to consult with your Internet service provider to find out which DNS servers your network should be using.
Note: After resetting your router, it is important to set a non-default password, and if possible, username, on the router. This will assist in eliminating the possibility of the router being hijacked again.
============================================
Flush the DNS
Now lets flush the DNS on the computer:
hold down your Windows key and press R
a “run” window will appear
type in cmd and press Enter
a black window will open
please enter the following text into that window and then press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
============================================
Check the router
open Notepad and copy/paste the entire contents of the codebox below, into Notepad:
Pinging google.com [216.58.200.110] with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 216.58.200.110: bytes=32 time=18ms TTL=58
Reply from 216.58.200.110: bytes=32 time=19ms TTL=58
Ping statistics for 216.58.200.110:
Packets: Sent = 2, Received = 2, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 18ms, Maximum = 19ms, Average = 18ms
Pinging yahoo.com [98.139.180.180] with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 98.139.180.180: bytes=32 time=248ms TTL=49
Reply from 98.139.180.180: bytes=32 time=252ms TTL=49
Ping statistics for 98.139.180.180:
Packets: Sent = 2, Received = 2, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 248ms, Maximum = 252ms, Average = 250ms
===========================================================================
Interface List
4…3e a0 69 c0 fa e6 ……Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
17…3e a0 67 c0 fa 9b ……Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter
2…a8 1e 84 81 34 61 ……Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller
16…3c a0 67 c0 fa 9c ……Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)
1………………………Software Loopback Interface 1
6…00 00 00 00 00 00 00 e0 Microsoft Teredo Tunneling Adapter
===========================================================================
Called my provider and flushed out the router because after pressing the little button, the router wouldnt connect. After the flush everything seems back to normal A-O-K. Speed is back to normal.
Connectivity might cut out but not sure until more time passes I suppose.
On the face of it looks like the problem got solved!
Download and run the installer for Malwarebytes 3.0 then follow the prompts to install the program. This really is an excellent program that you should update and run on a regular basis, probably weekly.
======================
It’s important to keep programs up to date so that malware doesn't exploit any old security flaws.
FileHippo Update Checker is an extremely helpful program that will tell you which of your programs need to be updated.
Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
green if it's safe yellow for caution red for unsafe
You can download the WOT add-on for Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Safari browsers. It does not slow down your browsing experience, it is easy to use and free. Just click “Download” and you are ready to go!
======================
MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well known ad sites and other bad sites. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer, meaning it will be difficult to infect yourself in the future.
A couple of links with information here and here which can answer any questions you might have about installing/using it.
======================
Unchecky
Be careful when downloading free software. Many free programs come bundled with adware, many of which cause redirects/popups and verge on being malware. There is a program that automatically “unckecks” the boxes you may not notice when downloading programs.
