If your download speed is extremely slow, there are a few things you can try to figure out why this is the case and maybe even fix the problem.

First of all, test your connection with another PC or notebook to see if the problem is in the PC or on the phone line. If you have more than 1 PC on the network, make sure other PCs are not downloading big files. Better yet, turn them all off.

If every PC downloads slowly and the problem is not in one PC only, try one or all of the following:

• Upgrade your modem’s firmware.
• Test the phone line and the download speed with another modem.
• Complain to your ISP and they might be able to test your phone line.

If the test shows only 1 PC is affected, try this:

• Check your PC for spyware and virus infections. You can use programs such as AVG, Avast, Antivir, Spyware Terminator, Super AntiSpyware and Spybot S&D (for download links, please visit my Resources page).
• Uninstall any speed accelerator software. This can often include malware.
• Uninstall Norton products if you have any, and test the connection without it.
• Download and install all Windows Updates.
• Check if your firewall has anything to do with it (if you are not sure how, uninstall it and test your connection then) – Zone Alarm has been known to cause issues.
• If you are using a USB wireless adapter, plug it into another USB port or substitute it with a PCI wireless card (especially in older PCs).
• If you have an on-board wireless adapter, test the connection with a LAN cable.
• Run System Configuration Utility (Start, Run, type msconfig) to remove any unnecessary programs from startup (fewer running programs free up more RAM for downloading and uploading).
• Delete Temporary Internet Files, cookies, history, and defragment your hard drive just in case.
• If you remember the last time that download speed was fast, use System Restore to restore to that date or a day earlier (Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore).