=?Utf-8?B?Zmxvd2U=?= <flowe@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
news:732A768B-1899-442D-BE40-241062AD988A@microsoft.com:

> Hi all
>
> Using: XPH SP2, all updates save SP3, connected by USB to modem
> and TV cable.
>
> Most of the time, my internet connection works ok,
> digital phone over same modem works reliably.
>
> Seldom, but ever again, I get "restricted connectivity"
> (translating from German).
> In Mai, I had this problem lasting for one and a half days.
>
> Testing a good connection with "nslookup www.provider.ch", I get
> this:
>
> Server: ns5.provider.net
> Address: 62.2.24.162
>
> Non authorized reply:
> Name: www.provider.ch
> Address: 62.2.16.94
>
> While restricted connectivity, I get:
>
> DNS request timed out - timeout 2 seconds
> *** Server name for Address 62.2.24.162 not detected: timed out
> (... times 3)
>

"Restricted Connectivity" usually means that your computer could not
obtain an IP address using DHCP. This can be confirmed by bringing up
a command prompt (Start->Run->Cmd) and enter the command:
ipconfig /all
Then check the IP address. If your IP address is 169.254.x.x then your
problem is that your Modem could not obtain an IP address from your
Internet Service Provider. If unplugging your Modem from the wall and
plugging it in again (and rebooting computer) does not solve the
problem, then one possibility is that your ISP is over-subscribed and
has temporarily run out of IP addresses.
You might also want to check your Modem Manufacturer's website to see
if they have any updated USB drivers for your modem model.
Another suggestion, if possible, is to switch to an Ethernet modem.
They tend to work better than USB modems.

Your "hosts" file likely has nothing to do with this problem. It is
usually found in c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\ and is simply an aid
to translating domain names to IP addresses.

Good Luck,
John