Ok, first, I did go to the command prompt and type ping
www.cogeco.com the result was IP:24.226.1.243 with 4 packets sent 0(zero) recieved. (typing this IP directly into my brother's browser "http://24.226.1.243" didn't work!)
Second you're right, when my brother called sympatico, they basically said unhook the hub and connect the DSL direct and try that. It didn't work, he called back and they basically said you're on your own. He also called cogeco which is our cable provider they did a quick test (logging on from one of their remote computers) and said the site is working fine. I have to agree, it works fine from my end too. Because we have sympatico and not the cogeco cable/modem internet service they basically said they could not provide tech service! (which makes perfect sense to me!) He also called the computer tech where we bought our computers and he too was at a loss. He purchased two copies of WinXP for Xmas one for me and one for himself. We both installed XP on the same day, dec23 I believe. We both did a 'Typical' install. all was well, then about a week ago he began having all kinds of problems with his computer, system lock-ups, windows crashing, blue screen of death etc. He got it in his head the all this was due to having done a 'typical' install. so he reformatted again and then did a 'custom' install. the computer seems to be running smoother now, the only exception is this bug with cogeco.com.
The funny thing is we only found out about this problem because we were interested in getting more info on the new 'Digital Cable' service comming soon to our neck of the woods!
Now you have the poop the whole poop and nothing but the poop. Like I said, we have given up on seeking a solution. (We both suspect WinXP is the culpret!)
BTW: I've been working with computer for close to 30 years now, and I'm no stranger to these kind of problems. This is just one of the few times that even I am at a total loss!
Thanks again for all your help, Have a great day people. Cheers!
[ January 11, 2003, 20:22: Message edited by: David Gervais ]