I've recently run into this problem, and it started when I ran Windows update. After I restarted my computer I kept getting this problem. At first I couldn't connect to any servers, it kept telling me I was timing out (I had other programs connected to the internet open and working fine, so I assume my router and ISP were ok at that time). Eventually, I would try to connect to any server and mIRC would freeze for about 2 minutes then finally connect to a server. At that point I thought it was okay, but now I get disconnected frequently and receive the 10053 error everytime. I also installed a program that updates my drivers and cleans my temp files, called PC Health Advisor at the same time I ran Windows Update and restarted my computer. Could either of those cause the problems I'm experiencing, or is it something else? Thanks in advance for the help.