and the problem PC is a fresh install. not much other software on it. I just replaced the hard drive last week so the only thing done to the PC was install XP, install antivirus, run windows update, install hardware drivers

Does this thread help?
http://www.pchelpforum.com/network-h...onnection.html

Read especially the post by jrw27288.

no, thats a different issue from what I am having. I have cable and the problem is only on one PC

I went ahead and rebooted my PC and then disabled my Antivirus+firewall and now my internet connection seems fine. Its strange because all 4 of my PCs have the same OS and antivirus. so I am thinking possible bad install of the AV because I never changed any of its settings. so I am gonna try and do a reinstall of the AV and see if my connection stays while its running then

Reinstalling my AV seemed to fix the issue

Where here for you Damian. lol, marked as resolved.