Very slow network connection

[deeps]

Hope someone can help with this - it's got me baffled. I have a home network of three machines (2 running XP and 1 running Me), all are hooked up via a router (either cabled or wireless) to my cable modem.
The machine running Windows Me only allows speeds around 'dial-up' both when accessing the home network or the internet whereas the other 2 machines show very rapid connections.
I have tried replaceing the network adapter card but this has made no difference . . . . . . . what am I missing here ?

Any help greatly appreciated . . . .

[NHH]

What is making you think the network connection is slow? Are file transfers from either of the other PCs slow? Or are you estimating the speed from web browsing?

If it's just the latter then the problem will most likely be the browser or the OS.
I would first check Windows for the usual spyware/viruses/malware that could be slowing down Windows or the browser (more here). Also if you're using 'Internet Explorer' to browse the web, use a different browser such as Opera or Mozilla Firefox, either of these free web browsers are faster, more featureful & more secure than IE and both block web-site pop-ups as standard. You could just delete IE's Temporary Internet Files to see if that speeds up IE.
Try out both and see which one you prefer.

I doubt the problem is with the network connection as your two other PCs are OK.

On another note... Windows ME has always been widely considered to be the most insecure & unstable Windows version to date. Consider installing another OS for long term stability and improved functionality.

[Graham]

I agree with Vin, but just another thought...

If you go through the steps already described and the same problem exists, I would employ a process of elimination to isolate the problem.

You never said how your pc running Win ME was connected to your network so i've made some assumptions here.
1) What cable are you using, if one?
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) is the cable of choice but comes in a few bandwidth categories. This should be printed on the cable and really should not be below CAT5 if you want the full benefit of your network bandwidth.
2) Try swapping around the way your pc is connected to the network with a working connection. If you still get the same speeds you can safely eliminate the connection medium, so look at your software.
3) Check your NIC (Network Interface Card) settings, you may see that you have a speed setting which you can adjust appropriately (try properties - settings -advanced). Also check your NIC itself, you said you replaced it, but with what? Most Interfaces are on the motherboard these days and use what is called a Combo Card, which are auto sensing (e.g 10/100 which means you can use it with an 10Mbps or 100Mbps automatically), but you said you installed a card. Is it capable of handling the bandwidth?
4) Install another OS (Not that will help, Win ME is just so uncool )
Seriously, WinXP is much more user friendly and any network/software settings are more readily available to setup/adjust, diagnosis will be simpler.

Let us know how you get on,

Hope it helps

Graham.