Vista PC randomly disconnecting from modem, needs reboot

[bigdara]

Hi,
I am having a really annoying problem with my internet connection.

Randomly, but it seems after quite a few hours, I loose all connection out of my PC. No internet, email etc. I cannot even ping my modem (connected via network, cat5). Repairing doesn't work and I have to reboot to get the connection back.
Is there anything that I can do to stop this or at least start trying to hunt the problem down.
I have Vista home premium, windows live mail, zone alarms, avg anti virus, skype and DAP installed (and more but I'm thinking these my be the main ones that could affect problem).
Any help would be great

 

[Tmagic650]

Are you using an on-board NIC (network connection on the motherboard) or a PCI NIC? (a network card installed into a motherboard slot)

Remove Zone Alarm and see if the problem stops

 

[DelJo63]

disable skype and update the firmware in the modem (router) and NIC drivers.

 

[bigdara]

Hi, sorry for the delay in replying but I was hoping that updating the drivers would sort out the poblem, but alas no. The pc is a laptop so the nic is on the motherboard. I have turned off zone alarm but that didn't fix the problem. I use skype a lot and would have to have to turn it on again before I would possibly see the internet drop out. Do you really think skpye could do it? Any other ideas?