Hard Code MTU for a 2000 or XP Machine
The following is for
changing MTU (maximum transmit unit) on machines. This does not need to
be done, but if there are issues with uploads or downloads (via Outlook, file
transfer, etc. where it will not actually work or where several errors occur),
this can be a possible fix. You can also do this for a general
performance enhancement when using broadband for general home usage.
For any 2000 or XP
connection using broadband (cable or DSL) it is recommended you do the
following to change the MTU:
1.Run Regedit
2. choose
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
3. choose SYSTEM
4. choose
CurrentControlSet
5. choose SERVICES
6. choose TCPIP
7. choose PARAMETERS
8. choose Interfaces
9. choose the interface
with the current IP address of the machine if there are multiple Interfaces
(which there should be). Click in each one until you see the IP associated
with the NIC in use on the broadband connection
10. in that folder click
EDIT and then select NEW then DWORD value
11. call the DWORD value
MTU
12. right click on the key
you just created and the choose MODIFY
13. change the pointer to
DECIMAL and type in the new MTU setting (a safe bet is 1300 but you want this
to be as high as possible, see the procedure below on how to find an MTU)
14. click OK
15. close REGEDIT
16. reboot
To find the MTU:
1. open a command prompt
2. type: PING (address of
something) -l (size of a packet, start with 1450) -f (example, PING
www.Stargate.net
-l 1450 -f or PING 208.40.175.241 -l 1384 -f)
3. this will tell you if
the packet needs fragmented. If it does, retype the line with a lower packet
size (use increments of 10) until you get a successful PING
4. that packet size should
be your MTU. Set the MTU with the appropriate tool or procedure.