Updating codecs

[Tracy S]

Hi,

We have recently installed a new modem and seem to have a conflict with the PC. When the computer is not in use, it switches off after a few minutes.

It's nothing to do with the power management, it isn't sleeping or in standby.

I had a similar problem with my last modem and was told to update the codecs which cured the problem, the trouble is I've forgotten how I did it

Any ideas?
Thanks

[pupdaddy]

What make and model is it? I've always thought "codecs" were files that you use for processing video. Try doing a search for "firmware"

[Tracy S]

It's a Netgear router, perhaps it wasn't the codecs then?

[pupdaddy]

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=netgear+firmware

[SimonThePhotographer]

This may be a keep alive problem.  A router shouldn't drop the connection to your provider unless your provider requests it.  You're not with Tiscali per chance?

Anyway, you could try a keep alive program.  This is a bit of software which randomly pings a website here and there to make your provider think you're still browsing.

I did have a quick search, but didn't have time to yield results.   But to be honest, if you have broadband - i'd contact the ISP and tell them to sort it.

[Tracy S]

Thanks Simon

I'm with Virgin Media, I did try and contact them but at 25p a minute couldn't hang on long enough for them to understand me

The lights on the rounter all seem to be on when it happens though

[SimonThePhotographer]

My router at home stays up for months at a time without disconnecting.  And when it does, it's usually a problem with the ISP which is fixed within several hours.  If you have a router and it's disconnecting - you'll have to get on to them.  Maybe send an email (which is free) to their support.   Expect a long and drawn out ordeal - but I expect this is a line / exchange problem.

The only other thing which possibly could be causing disconnects is malware running on your PC.  But malware tends to thrash the connection as opposed to close the line.