How To Fix ARP Cache Problem: Net Connection Dies When Kept On For Long

Fixing the ARP cache problem: Net connection dies when kept on for long

A typical problem that XP users face while accessing the internet via cable is that the internet connection just goes flat after the computer has been on for a long time – and there is an error message that says: “ARP cache will not clear”. Address Resource Protocol (ARP) cache is designed to save IP addresses so that the Internet connection does not take too long to load. However, Windows has to clear the cache periodically every 15 minutes or so, to prevent clogging of the cache. If this is not done, then your PC will not be able to connect to the network.

This article lists a few workarounds to this issue.

1. Check status of routing and remote sensing services
   1. Navigate to: Control Panel -> Performance and Maintenance -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management.
   2. In the left hand panel, select the Services and Applications in the new dialog that pops-up.
   3. Now, the right hand panel will have three options – Services, WMI Control, and Indexing Service. Double-click on Services.
   4. Scroll down the list to locate Routing and Remote Access, and double-click on it.
   5. In the dialog that shows up, select Disabled from the dropdown list under the Startup type heading.
   6. Click on OK.
   7. Exit the Services applet.
2. Set command to delete ARP cache at 5-minute duration
   1. Open a command prompt with administrator privileges. [You can do this by logging in to your system as an administrator, and going to Start -> Run, and entering cmd.]
   2. At the prompt, enter the following commands:SCHTASKS /CREATE /SC MINUTE /MO 5 /TN ARPFLUSH /TR
      
      C:\WINNT\system32\netsh\interface\ip\delete\arpcache
   3. Exit the command prompt.

After this, your computer will delete the ARP cache every five minutes and you will not face the “ARP cache will not clear” error message again.