Hmm, i'll try reinstalling the network driver, easy to do still got the driver CD knockin about somewhere. Its an onboard deal and theres only the one network port on the PC, i can also try replacing the cable, got lotsa spares luckily.
Then i suppose i'll try connecting direct to the DSL router which will mean lugging my PC downstairs but it'll be worth the effort.

I can also try a registry cleaner, search for broken/redundant entries using RegSeeker, ive had no problems with it before.

But for now im gonna goto sleep cos i am knackered! Will post back in the morning with news mate
Thanks again

OK, I take it back, may well be me after a few drinks, tho I can't say I'm that animated the next day!

Ok, did all as a i said i would, uninstalled the network device, reinstalled with most up to date drivers i have, changed the cable, connected directly to the DSL router, ran RegSeeker which came up with alot of redundant entries as usual, backed them up and deleted them just in case...nothing, still no banana...

So basically its down to something in the windows configuration itself? Am i gonna have to reformat cos i dont mind doing it so much as the time and hassle it takes...especially when i still dont even know whats wrong! lol

I think we have nearly ruled out everything except for the kitchen sink! Can you try plugging your PC into the sink for me??, you might have better connectivity!! hehe

Well the most likely thing left is the operating system. Another possibility, however unlikely is a router/ISP. So far we have ruled out a problem with the driver installation and 3rd party apps. A format would certainly clear any software problems, and nearly any virus you might have too! I personally really hate doing this because I have so much **** to install afterwoods, I'd rather spend weeks finding the problem first. A friend of mine format's his on a weekly basis!!!

Before you do format, you might want to try downloading the following free anti-virus and anti-spyware utilities just to be sure:

AVG
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition - Free Software Downloads and Software Reviews - Download.com

Spybot S&D
The home of Spybot-S&D!

Hahaha good idea!

Yeh it seems i do it quite regularly as well even though i also have so much stuff to install afterwards, but i guess i'll do it as i need it, right now i just wanna get back to a functioning system!
Im running the AVG anti-virus check now and i ran the spybot scan with a couple of results that i deleted and didnt change anything, so unless i find a hidden horde of virii secretly multiplying in the depths of my transistors i'll just backup my docs and give it the wipe.

Hopefully next time i post it'll be with good news

Doa!