Problems while running BT speedtest

[#1]

Actually, it didn't look like it even completed the test!
PN speedtest is showing less than half (2.6 mbps when it's usually 6.4) of what I should be getting. So, I tried running a BT Speedtest twice. Each time the test starts I get the following issues.
<a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/8897908-197"><img src="http://www.divshare.com/img/8897908-197.png" border="0" /></a>
The test 'completes' with:
<a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/8897909-c4d"><img src="http://www.divshare.com/img/8897909-c4d.png" border="0" /></a>

I've tried rebooting the router - same problem.

[#2]

Do you have a different browser you could try using?
I'm sure you know how fickle that test is by now

[#3]

I haven't tried another browser yet as I'm attempting to finish my downloads. The problem is it can go up to somewhere near my line speed (which is 800kbps), but it immediately starts to drop down, sometimes going as low 140kbps before slowly rising again - and it's been doing this all morning. You may suggest contention, but at this time of the day, and for this long, when it never does this, does seem unlikely, especially as occasionally (well twice to be exact), it has literally dropped to nothing at all - actually zero. I get no browsing, nothing. I stop the download and restart it and it can take a few seconds to even get past 10 kbps before slowly rising up to something more realistic. Surely that can't be contention can it?

[#4]

Alternative browser gives me the 'BT can't run the speedtest' error message.

[#5]

http://forums.thinkbroadband.com/bt/3705677-bt-speedtester-wwwspeedtesterbtcom.html?fpart=3&vc=1
Not the only one with speedtester issues

[#6]

just done a test on XP sp3 and Firefox 3.5 and up todate Java

Test1 comprises of Best Effort Test: -provides background information.
Download  Speed
6311 Kbps

0 Kbps 7150 Kbps
Max Achievable Speed
Download speedachieved during the test was - 6311 Kbps
For your connection, the acceptable range of speeds is 600-7150 Kbps.
Additional Information:
Your DSL Connection Rate :8128 Kbps(DOWN-STREAM), 448 Kbps(UP-STREAM)
IP Profile for your line is - 7150 Kbps

[#7]

Just checked the exchange - virtual pathways are suddenly showing RED. That might explain things!

[#8]

It may well do!