Connection receiving packets constantly...

[Burke]

I just installed a new Intel Pro/1000 MT adapter after a clean install of XP Pro and I am constantly receiving 5-10 packets every second, even when my connection is idle. For instance, right now I've sent 490 packets and received over 4,000. I've tried the following to diagnose it:

- Installed the latest base drivers only for the adapter.
- Uninstalled/reinstalled the drivers.
- Uninstalled the adapter, moved it to a different PCI slot, then reinstalled.
- Unplugged the modem itself, waited a few seconds and reconnected it.
- Disabled and renabled the connection.
- Disabled QoS, File/Print Sharing.
- Disabled XP services such as Windows Time that would use the connection.
- Disabled Wake-On-LAN in the BIOS.
- Complete virus scan, none detected.
- ZoneAlarm is fully and properly configured.
- No apps running the background or performing transfers in the background.
- Tested/probed ports at Shields Up! All were stealth or closed.
- Reformatted and reinstalled XP Pro clean again.

I have no clue what the adapter's properties mean, but I thought maybe one of these settings could be the culprit...so I tried all iterations of Flow Control, TCP checksums, everything, with no change.

Since I'm relatively sure it's not a security issue, it's really more of an annoyance...still, it does unnerve me a bit to know I'm constantly receiving packets from apparently "nowhere." My modem Data light is constantly flashing, indicating SOMETHING is downloading, but I'm at a loss.

I'll be trying out a different NIC later this afternoon, but for now I'd appreciate any help or suggestions you might have.

[zxc47]

what is you PCI bus speed at

[Burke]

Originally posted by zxc47
what is you PCI bus speed at

I don't see why that would affect packet reception, but it's locked at 33 MHz. The Intel adapter is 33/66 MHz compatible.

[Kip Patterson]

That is normal traffic. Mostly ARP queries.

Just ignore it.

Kip

[polishmafia4u]

i believe that it is your isp checking whether ur computer is connected to the net (if i understand that this is about the internet). i also run a firewall and my lights on my modem go on all the time but i was assured that it was my isp checking to see if i was connected or not. my firewall is showing me that i am always recieving stuff yet im not using the connection. my suggestion...dont worry about it. although i have heard of a spy ware program that uses your browser to phone home inwhich case the lights would flash and your firewall wouldnt detect anything. with my luck im talking about something completely different than what ur problem is :)

[Burke]

I just tried a Linksys NIC and the problem went away. I put the Intel back in and it shows up again. Guess I'll stick with the Linksys for now. Thanks for the ideas.