Old problem, new PC

So, I asked in here months ago about poor internet connectivity on my desktop PC. Basically, the connection kept dropping out periodically on the desktop, despite the net working just fine on my laptop.

I was given some advice in here (see below), and it helped temporarily, but never caused a long-term solution. Well, I have a new desktop now, and even that is having the same problem! Super frustrating! So, below is the advice I've already tried:

- Quick fix: use the following command from command prompt (requires elevation in vista or above):

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

- Heavy handed fix:

netsh winsock reset

and then reboot...

- Permanent fix:

assign each device a static IP in the router's configuration settings

Click to expand...

So, I've tried the quick fix and heavy handed fix, and they only worked temporarily. I have not tried the permanent fix, because I do not know how to do it. So 2 questions:

1. How do I assign a device a static IP? I just have a standard WiFi modem all-in-one thing, and see no way of assigning IPs with it.
2. If I assign a static IP to one device (the desktop), do I need to do the same for every device (laptops, tablets, etc.) in the house?

Thanks in advance for any answers, and/or ideas for other things to try. This is driving me batty.

Okay, so I think I found a video on YouTube for how to set a static IP... Still not sure if this needs to be done for every device, or just the ones that aren't connecting properly, though.

But if the router/modem (it's an all-in-one thing, I think) was bad, then wouldn't even my laptop have trouble connecting? And I've never had problems on my laptop with internet connectivity.

It's an all-new broadband network that's being rolled out across Australia. As in, we only got the stuff installed about 9 months ago. So I don't think the age of the wiring is the problem...

Anyone know if setting a static IP on my desktop will mean I'll have to set static IPs for all the other devices as well?

My old desktop already uses a USB wireless adapter. Same problem.

The machines that connect to the internet in this house:

My desktop, my laptop, my tablet, mum's tablet, laptop and phone. We also both have Kindles which occasionally connect, and a wireless printer.

The problem has *only* been with my desktop - no other devices.

Nothing directly plugged into the modem/router. All wireless.

The new desktop had a built-in WiFi thing. I mean, it was able to connect online for a few minutes when I first booted it up.

Anyway, after checking my IP settings on my laptop and old desktop, I hooked up the new desktop again and checked *its* IP settings. Well, it wasn't picking up properly, so I plugged in the USB adapter, and now... Now it seems to be working properly!

Not sure what the deal is, whether it will wind up being reliable connectivity or what. But for now, I'm making my inaugural AW post from the new machine.

Okay, thanks.

Oh, and welcome to AW!

Siana, I know this might sound daft, but I'm glad to hear it's not just me having problems! New hardware teething pains, I suppose...

So far, using this USB WiFi adapter has solved the problem. Been connected for a few hours running now, which was usually about as long as the old desktop would stay connected (on a good day).

Oh, and to answer the admin question - WiFi adapter. Everything in this house is WiFi.

Nope, no McAfee, and cables are not happening. They wouldn't be convenient in the slightest. Besides - I seem to have fixed the problem by using this USB WiFi adapter.

Siana nailed it, I think - the NBN (new Aussie broadband hardware) just doesn't get along with some computers, and there's not much you can do about it.