Windows 7: "Limited or no connectivity" when using video chat

From what I hear this is a somewhat common problem. I have tried many other fixes but they dont see to work for me. I will explain the problem in as much detail as possible so hopefully something can be done.

I've noticed when using skype, or other webchat utilities like omegle - chatroulette, that the conversation can only last anywhere from a matter of seconds to 20 or 30 minutes before the connection quality drops and i get "limited or no connectivity" for my internet connection. I must reboot to get internet connectivity back, sometimes a couple times. Usually the first attempt will last at least 5 minutes, then subsequent attempts - after restarts - seem to get shorter and shorter sometimes only last a few seconds even. A few times i have been able to time skype calls because at exactly 3 minutes the internet would drop me.

I have tried going to options - connections - unchecking pnp, or unchecking ALL boxes ive even heard in some posts. Tried that with not much effect. I have made sure that my firewall has exceptions for skype. I have tried forwarding the port on my router that skype claims to use for connections in the options. I am using a linksys wrt54g wireless router but my connection is hardlines to the router. I am using an archaic form of DSL that is very slow on a phone line that has degraded but I am still able to play high-bandwidth using multiplayer games for long periods of time with no interruption. I recently took my computer to another persons house with a new router and much higher bandwidth connection and had the same problem. I have also noticed this problem when downloading torrents but reducing the number of peer connections seemed to greatly improve the problem - not completely eliminate it. I suspect it may have something to do with my hardware? I also remember clearing all temp files and resetting internet options helped for a little while but the problem came back quickly. Sometimes I have been able to have longer skype calls that last a good amount of time and it doesnt drop me but that is rare, i dont know why that is. I am almost beginning to think I have some sort of a virus that is interferring with the internet at times possibly from some remote source because the actions it takes seem to be "intelligent" at times but maybe I am just paranoid.


A couple odd things to mention that may mean something

After restarting my pc a couple times to regain internet connection and retry my skype call, sometimes instead of my internet connection disconnecting i actually get a BSOD and my computer automatically reboots itself. Not often maybe 1 out of 10 restarts. It says something about IRQL_DRIVER_NOT_EQUAL_LESS something but its fast. this hasnt happened with chatroulette or omegle JUST skype.

Also i noticed at my residence i cannot remove the router and hardline connect right to the modem it gives me "limited or no connectivity" at the house with the faster internet i went to, i could not use their router i had to hardline to the modem - the router would give me "limited or no connectivity"

Sorry for the long post i have been trying to fix this for some time now and I am getting quite frustrated and would really like to talk to my friends longer then 2-5 minute intervals

Any help is greatly appreciated





*****also if any admin wants to bump this to a specific forum where they think it better belongs it is greatly appreciated

Maybe the network adapter driver is causing the bsod, can you upload the minidumps so the geeks can take a took at them?

Hi dirtbag916,

Maybe it's not a problem with the Windows 7 software, maybe it's a problem with your internet connection or the website's server? I went on chatroulette recently and after a few clicks, it froze and I had to refresh the page a few times. But anyway I would suggest getting an IT guy to come over and take a look at your computer or internet connection.