Internet downloads break connection, then hang..

[sausage888]

I have noticed that when downloading files or streaming videos that my internet connection is lost temporarily, then the download or stream just hangs forever at the point the connection was broken. This is specifically on my Intel PRO/100 VE Network Card (wired ethernet), part 26P8181. The source internet page still works and I can re-order the download or stream, but oftentimes it will do it again. Sometimes it happens so often that I resort to using a downloader program (like GetRight) that can resume broken downloads so that it will complete.

No msg "a network cable is unplugged" is displayed, so the interuption must not be detectable by Windows XP.

Have two identical laptops and the secondary laptop receives just fine, so I am ruling out the Cable Modem and Router which they share. I also tried changing the ethernet cable, but it doesn't help.

What are the chances that my Intel PRO/100 VE Network Card would be faulty?

[GomJabbar]

I don't know if your Intel PRO/100 VE network card is faulty or not. You could compare the MTU size on both computers and see that they are the same.

You might try the tools on the following page - especially the Tweak Test.
http://www.dslreports.com/tools

See the following for information on MTU values.
MTU, Partial Loss of Internet Connection, and Performance

Edited

[sausage888]

I swapped out the Modem card from my other laptop with the one which was having problems and the downloads are working again. I guess I will just buy a replacement one. It just surprizes me that an ethernet modem card would go bad and wouldn't be detected by PC Doctor, it is such a seemingly reliable part.