DSM-G600, DNS-3xx and NSA-220 Hack Forum

I need some help in diagnosing intermittent connectivity issues.  I did read the FAQ and the common troubles threads and did not see anything which would have helped me.

I am a novice user as compared to most on this forum so please keep the advice dumbed down for me. Thanks!

I have the DNS-323 with the latest firmware, 1.09.  There are two internal drives, both the same. WD 2.0TB Caviar Green (WD20EARS).  The drives are setup as RAID 1.

I mainly use the DNS-323 as network access for photos, videos, music, and backup important files from two laptops.  For videos I mainly use it to stream movies through a Seagate HD Theater player to my TV.  The Seagate HD Theater has the latest firmware, as does my router (Linksys E3000).  The two laptops are Dell Latitudes D620's with Windows XP SP3 (both fully up to date).  The network it hardlined for gigabit, and wireless is G for both laptops.  Anytime I watch videos or download/upload large files I use hardline (CAT 5E).

All was well when I first installed the DNS-323 on my network.  It performed flawlessly.  Lately, about 8 months later, I seem to have troubles with the connection where I had to power down the DNS and power back on to regain connection.  Every once in a while is fine, but I'm having to do this 5 times a week.

Also, it has shown intermittant connectivity where I will start to play a movie or access a file from the drive.  It will start fine, but after a few minutes everything stops.  I do not experience any internet speed or connectivity issues.

I began to troubleshooting a couple weeks ago up to today:

1.  Reset DNS to factory default settings.  Ran through wizard (without formatting, setting up HD's).  Some improvement in losing connection

2.  Reset router to factory default settings.  No affect

3.  Reset Seagate HD Theater to factory default settings. Marginal improvement.

4.  Cleaned (blew out) all ethernet ports no router, DNS, moden, and Seagate.  Bought new Cat 5e cables for cable modem, router, Seagate, and DNS.  Disconnected all other ethernet cables. No change.

5.  Powered down DNS and removed left-hand drive.  Reset DNS to factory default settings, again running through wizard (did not format HD's).  Problem solved!  At least so far.

Does this mean I have a bad connection, or possibly bad hard drive?  Any thoughts of feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you!