Major Connectivity Problems (techies please respond)

[Proph]

Ok so I'm trying to fix my internet connection because I am having this really strange fluctuation in speeds. I tested on toast.net and sometimes getting 350k and 30 seconds later I could be getting like 80k, and then back again. At first I chocked up the problem to having chosen the wrong intnernet service provider, but after a few long and largely pointless conversations with them, one of their "tier 2" techs finally said something useful. It appears that I have way too many UDP ports open when I run netstat in the command window, which suggests there is some kind of spyware going on. I've ran a couple different spy-ware removal programs and I still have the same result. I know the normal number of TCP/UDP ports open for a personal computer should be about 6-8 on each, but I have 14 UDP.

For those that aren't now scratching their heads or have one of those japanime teardrops running down the side of their faces, do you have any ideas? If I get this sorted out I also want to know if there is a way I can limit the number of available UDP ports so that in the future I can avoid this riggamarole.

Thanks in advance.

Proph

oh Yeah, Running WindowsXP Professional

[Lizzy]

Experiencing same problems. Since change over to new addy for Solace anyway. Though I was having problems just before the changes too. (told it's my ISP yet I have no problems with anything else. Only forum now, and Solace. *shrugs* )

[myx0m0p]

I have 28 UPD, and see nothing wrong

[Proph]

I was wondering if the UPD really had anything to do with it, because I had LOADS of spyware on my comp before, and now it's cleaner than it's ever been and it's never run so slow. My isp is probably just trying to cover its sorry hide.

[Matthew]

Virus's and worms also use ports dont just clean up with a spyware tool. What you really should do is give us a list of running proccesses.

[Quino]

I suggest you to install firewall system, it will deny all unwanted connections.

[Matthew]

Yeah there is that. Best thing i ever did was purchase a NAT enabled router, sadly right before UPNP poked its head out, but none the less i feel more bulletproof!