Sometimes, but not always, when I try to open a program accessing the network, such as Internet Explorer, the network connection won't be completed. The tab at the top of the screen will say "connecting," and the little Vista donut revolves, showing that something is going on, but the connection is never made, no matter how long I wait. I have to shut down the program, then re-start, sometimes more than once, before getting connected. This happens about a quarter of the time. It started happening about a month ago. Does anyone have any ideas about what I should do?

I thought there might be some sort of malware pre-empting the use of the network, but I've scanned with AVG, Spybot Search & Destroy, Comodo BOClean, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, ClamWin, and even Windows Defender to no avail.

It's an HP, about a year old, Vista Premium, DSL, no previous trouble.

I've had that all the time since the days of Win 98. Then again, I've never had a really good ISP either. I just click the link again and wait...

My ISP is Verizon. Never had trouble with them before, but who knows? I run a speed test from time to time, and I usually get the promised speed. DSL shares bandwidth among many users. Could it be that heavy use by others temporarily congests the line? Verizon is rolling out fiber to the home, for which I lust, but they haven't reached my area yet. The recession may have slowed the rollout.

bob,

It could be a connection problem. Sometimes the packets don't make it like they should and things slow down.

Make sure that your connections are clean but shut off the computer before you do it. Static electricity & all...

Ya that happens to me once in a while. I have to give up and try another day when it works fine.