Resources

It seems that you think this is a virus, although there could be other causes for your Internet to be periodically disconnected. We’ll address the virus issue first, and if that doesn’t work, you can try some of our other suggestions.

Antivirus Programs

The first thing to try is the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, which is available for download here: http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx . I’m assuming that you have antivirus and antispyware protection - if so, make sure it is updated by downloading any updates from the manufacturer’s website and running them regularly. If you don’t, you need to get some quality antivirus software. We have recently reviewed about 20 quality antivirus programs. Check out our reviews here:

http://filetonic.com/blog/2008/10/24/2009-antivirus-software-reviews/

Modem Connections and Settings

If you run the antivirus programs and you are still being disconnected from the Internet, chances are the problem isn’t a virus. The easiest thing to do is to check your Modem connections and make sure everything is where it should be.

Check your modem settings and update your drivers by going to:

1. Control Panel, then double click on the Phone and Modems Icon.
2. Select Modem and Click Properties. From here, you can update your drivers, troubleshoot any problems and find conflicts.
3. Check to see that your system isn’t set to Auto Disconnect - the computer will come with this disabled, but it’s possible that it was reset. This is located in Advanced. Check the default Preferences and make sure that the “Disconnect a call if idle” is not checked.

If you are having a problem with the modem, you may have to get a new one to solve this problem.

Check Your Router

We actually had this happen to us just last week. Our Internet connection was disconnecting and then reconnecting randomly - I don’t have to tell you how annoying that is. We had our ISP replace the modem, but it was still a problem. We replaced the router and it’s been working fine every since. It is a more expensive solution, so try some of the above fixes first, but it is worth checking into if all else fails.

The Orange Icon 225 Mobile Internet USB Device

The Orange icon 225 mobile internet USB device is a plug-and-play device. This means that the drivers are included in the device itself. The device mounts similarly to a USB flash drive. Once you download the drivers either from the device or the Orange website, it functions as a broadband modem. All you need to do is plug it into a compatible computer. It offers maximum portability and it is user friendly once you have it installed. The software installs from the built-in memory.

Compatible Operating Systems for the Orange icon 225 mobile internet USB device

Unfortunately, Orange has not introduced drivers that support the Linux operating system. Currently, drivers are only available for Windows and Mac operating systems. Therefore, the drivers aren’t available through Orange.

Mandriva Linux

Mandriva Linux includes standard drivers that can be loaded into memory as needed. In fact, Mandriva Linux is noted for having excellent hardware detection capability. Typically, necessary drivers for specific hardware devices are loaded during boot up of the computer.

However, not being more familiar with the Orange icon 225 mobile internet USB device or with the capability of Linux in providing the specific drivers needed for this device to function properly, I cannot state that attempting to load the drivers at boot up will actually work. In fact, it is more than likely that certain “bugs” will occur with the performance of the Orange icon 225 mobile internet USB device due to the fact that the device has not been designed with Linux in mind.

Possible Fix

For an option that has been offered by other Orange icon 225 mobile internet USB device users, you can check into the forums at Ubuntu. Visit this link: Ubuntu forums and read through the discussion that begins with the following phrase “Here’s my messy guide.” I can’t vouch for this strategy, but I did find that other Internet users suggested that this could work with Mandriva Linux.

Technical Support

If the above does not provide you with enough of a solution, you can consider obtaining technical support help by following this link: Filetonic Support.

What Is the Security Key or Pass Phrase?

The security key and pass phrase of a wireless router are typically set by the administrator of the device. They are designed to prevent “just anyone” from making changes that will affect “everyone’s” use of the wireless router.

How to Check the Default Password

Wireless routers come with default passwords that can be changed at the user’s discretion. On the off chance that the default password was kept by this individual, your first step should be to look up the password and try to use it. In order to look up the default password for a wireless router, you have three options:

• Look in the manual that came with the wireless router.
• Search online using the make and model number of the router along with the phrase “default password.”
• Contact the manufacturer of the wireless router and ask what the default password for the router’s make and model. It should also be available on the website for this manufacturer.

How to Recover the Administrative Password

Unfortunately, short of having the previous administrator tell you the password, it cannot be retrieved. However, resetting the wireless router will allow you to create a new administrative password.

Reset a Wireless Router

When you reset the wireless router, the router is changed back to the original factory settings. The default password is also reset.

How to Reset a Wireless Router

In general, wireless routers are reset according to a similar set of instructions that includes variations across manufacturers and models.

However, the following set of instructions should work for most routers:

• Carefully turn the router over and look at the underside or the rear of the router.
• Search for a tiny pinhole. Beneath or above the pinhole, it should portray “reset”.
• Unbend a small paperclip until it is straight.
• Insert the paperclip into the tiny pinhole on the router. The router must be turned on when you do this.
• As you insert the paperclip, you will feel a tiny button that you will press with the tip of the paperclip. Hold the button down for a count of ten or ten seconds. You will be able to tell when it is time to stop pressing down because the lights on the front of the router will stop blinking.
• The router reboots and is set with the default password and you can now reconfigure the router.

It is important to look at your wireless router’s manual either online or in paper format since variations do exist in the way to reset certain routers.

Livebox Requirements

Before you can connect your computer wirelessly to your Livebox, you need to make sure that your computer meets some basic requirements. Wireless connections with Livebox need a computer that has a Windows operating system 2000, XP or Vista. You also need a CD-ROM and an Ethernet port. Of course, your computer will also need to be wireless enabled, if not, you can purchase a wireless adapter.

Network Connections

To find out if your system is enabled for a wireless connection, open the Start Menu, then Control Panel, and then click twice on Network Connections. You should see some wireless networks that are available in your area. If not, it means you are not installed with a wireless card, but you can easily get an adapter, and Livebox works with any adapter that is marked with the Wi-Fi standard.

Setup Wireless Connection

If your computer is equipped with an internal wireless card, you can set up a wireless connection using XP software. The Livebox manufacturers recommend that you first update your computer with at least Service Pack 2 updates.

1. Turn on your wireless card. There are three possible ways to make sure your card is functional, if you aren’t sure about it, try all three. If there is a switch marked ‘wireless’ on your computer, turn it on. If you are using an adapter, install the software that came with it and then plug it in. Find the icon on your computer associated with wireless and right click it to open its menu. Now, select ON or Enable. If you are using a laptop, press Fn and then ‘function’ - usually F2 - to enable wireless.
2. To enable pairing mode on your Livebox, press the button on the side of the unit that is marked 1
3. To check your wireless connection, click Start to open the menu, then Control Panel, and then Network Connections. Now, open Wireless Network Connection by clicking it twice.
4. You should see the required connection listed as Livebox with an extension. Click on this connection and enter the security code that is on a sticker on the bottom of your Livebox unit - enter only capital letters, numbers and no spaces
5. Click Connect and you should be online.

Common Reasons for Discovering Your Computer’s IP Address

I’m not sure why you need the IP address but there are several common reasons that computer users sometimes need to know what their IP address is. For example, when setting up a home network, each computer on the network is identified by their IP address. Once you know the IP address of the various computers, you can then set up the network to always allow the computers to access the network’s resources based on their IP addresses. In addition, you can restrict all other computers from accessing the network.

What are IP Addresses?

Two different types of IP addresses are typically used. The first one is the computer’s local IP address on your network as discussed above. The other is the IP address assigned by the Internet Service Provider. When connecting to the Internet, your computer is assigned a unique IP address that identifies it on the network. Depending on the type of Internet service plan you have, this number may change (dynamic) or remain the same (static) each time you connect. Web sites can capture your IP address when you visit. This IP address then reveals some general information about the user.

For example, when you posted your question to Filetonic.com, your ISP assigned IP address was automatically captured. Don’t worry; we have a strict Privacy Policy and will not abuse your personal information. I did a quick look up of this address and was able to discover that you use a well known cable/DSL provider and most likely live in a lovely ski resort community. Geographic and ISP data is revealed because ISP assigned IP addresses are regionally assigned to each ISP.

How to Find out Your IP Address

Want to know how to find out what your IP address is? It’s pretty easy but the steps depend on which type of IP address you need to discover. In the example above, I used a Web site called WhatIsMyIPaddress.com and entered the IP address that was captured with your message. You can also visit this site and find out your ISP assigned IP address. You’ll see a map pinpointing your general geographic location along with other revealing information.

Now, if you want to find your computer’s individual IP address, you can do so by going to the Start button, clicking on Run and typing in ipconfig /all. This will launch a screen that will show you the various IP addresses and MAC addresses configured on your computer.

No matter what you need an IP address for, these tips should help you figure out what your computer’s IP address actually is.

Related Articles:

http://filetonic.com/blog/2008/06/12/what-is-an-ip-address/

http://filetonic.com/blog/2008/06/12/how-do-i-find-out-my-ip-address/

http://filetonic.com/blog/2008/06/24/mac-id/

What are computer ports?

Computer ports enable the flow of traffic from a source to your computer. A port must be open in order for traffic to flow from the Internet to the computer.

What does it mean for a computer port to be disabled?

A disabled computer port is one that is closed to TCP/IP traffic. When the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) is enables, some ports are disabled or closed until they are opened.

How do I manually open computer ports?

Opening computer ports within the Internet Connection Firewall is a straightforward process. All it takes is the completion of a few simple steps. Complete each of the following steps in order. I suggest reading through the list of directions first before attempting this action to familiarize yourself with what you must do.

1. Click on “Start” and navigate to open “My Network Places”.
2. Right click on “My Network Places” and select “Properties”.
3. Right click on the specific connection that you use for the Internet and select “Properties”.
4. At the top of the dialog box, select “Advanced” and then “Settings”.
5. Click “Add” to open a new port.
6. Type “File Sharing: Port 445″ in the open box for “Description”.
7. Type”127.0.0.1″ in the open box for “Name or IP address of the computer hosting this service on the network”.
8. Type the number of the port that you wish to open in the external and internal port boxes.
9. Click on “TCP” or “UDP” and click “ok”.

Exceptions when opening computer ports

Step 4: If you cannot see the “Settings” tab, then the ports have already been opened.

Step 7: If you prefer, you can type in the exact IP address for the computer that you are using.

Additional Possibilities

It is possible that you might not have the administrative privileges that you need to complete the above tasks if you are on a networked computer. In that case, you will need to have the administrator take care of it for you.