ADSL connecting

[idr]

I work on a ~1.7mHz computer, OS win98se, IE6.
My computer is connected to a local server, serving another 60-80 machines, on ADSL to the provider.
Lately I have problems connecting to Internet. Some times it takes a long time till the connection ADSL connection is established, and when finally thr Control Panel Of ADSL shows that it works, when opening the browser I receive sometimes a small pop window saying “no connection to internet” “work offline” “try again”, and sometimes a message on the lower browser line “detecting proxy setting”, and no site can be opened.
After some fighting (rebooting or so) I receive the connection, and then it works properly several hours.
My comp administrator says that the problem lies in my ADSL internal modem, but I am not quite sure about this. My working hours are unusual and I cannot ask other workers in real time if they have the same problem.
How can I check what is the problem and if my modem really fails and if so, can it be repaired or must be changed?

[XOTREVOR]

Sounds to me like someone may be comsuming a large amount of the bandwidth, perhaps someone in the office is downloading music or movies.

What speed is your ADSL?

You may also want to run a bandwith test
you can run it here......
http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html

Let me know what your speed was and.....

Worst case senario, you might have to unplug all LAN connections from the router and then try running ths test again and that will tell you if a computer or device is consuming most of your bandwidth.

Please let me know......

Thanks,

[idr]

Sorry for the delay but my net administrator was hard to reach. According to him the bandwith is 4Mb so I don't thing it can be clogged.
can you perhaps explain what the proxy settings are and where can be seen
Thanks