Wireless freezes PC

Discussion in 'Networking and Computer Security' started by jari, Aug 23, 2007.

  1. jari

    jari Geek Trainee

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    Hi,

    I'm using this wireless network that works alright, until windows XP compltely freezes. Can't say much else about the problem except that the time it takes windows to freeze is random and nothing else works than power switch and boot.
    what could cause this, any ideas?

    Thanks. :)
     
  2. Ghostman 1

    Ghostman 1 Mega Geek

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    How much ram do you have ? Also random freezing is usually caused by Video
    adapter ..
     
  3. jari

    jari Geek Trainee

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    Hi, thanks for the reply.
    I have 1gb ram and I have been using this PC for a long time and the freeze only occurs while using the wireless.
     
  4. xboarder2000

    xboarder2000 Geek Trainee

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    is the wireless network you are trying to log on to properly authenticated with your computer? I noticed when using some older computers they freeze when trying to log on to the newer wireless networks, i think its because they are WPA or WPSK or something.
     
  5. Ghostman 1

    Ghostman 1 Mega Geek

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    Also how far away is your router ?
     
  6. jari

    jari Geek Trainee

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    Hi,
    yes it's properly authenticated, using WPA (or WPA2). And it works a while, but then freezes...

    The router is no futher than eight meters, at the same room.

    Also I have a laptop, which wireless works just fine. So the problem is likely only in this computer.
     
  7. xboarder2000

    xboarder2000 Geek Trainee

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    What kind of wireless? (802.11b or 802.11g etc.)
    What are the specifications of the computer that is freezing up? (Software & Hardware)
    How old is the computer?
    What kind of external wireless adapter are you using on the computer? (If any)
    Have you tried placing the computer and the router closer together?
    How many walls are in between the router and the computer with issues?
    What is the make and model of your wireless router?

    Sorry for the bombardment of questions, but the answers could be key in helping me put together a solution.
     
  8. jari

    jari Geek Trainee

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    It's Atheros AR5006X Wireless Network Adapter. But I dont know is it b or c, the router should support both however.
    This is not too old computer, I think. Here it is.
     
  9. xboarder2000

    xboarder2000 Geek Trainee

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    Alright, well the good news is that ASUS is a high quality board. The bad news is, that computer is slightly aged. At any rate, it shouldn't matter. Are you using XP Pro or Home? What kind of wireless card is it? (USB or PCI, etc.?) What kind of router is it? Linsys or Netgear or D-Link? etc... There could be alot of reasons. I really need to know the answers to those questions which I asked in my last post.
     
  10. jari

    jari Geek Trainee

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    Thanks I apreciate it.
    I have XP home. It's PCI adapter. And the router is SMC.

    I've been thinking that while there are no walls between the router and computer it could be because of some metal in the furnitures near it? though I think they are mostly aluminium.
     
  11. xboarder2000

    xboarder2000 Geek Trainee

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    Have you tried to remove the PCI card and placing it in a different slot? Is the inside of the computer severely covered in dust? Make sure the card is in place securely. How old is the router?
     
  12. jari

    jari Geek Trainee

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    Hmm, I think that I have tried different slots. And I just recently cleaned the board a bit (most of the dust out).
    The router is new and works well with the other wireless, in the laptop.
     
  13. xboarder2000

    xboarder2000 Geek Trainee

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  14. jari

    jari Geek Trainee

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    Thanks for the links!
    I tested with WEP authentication but eventually it froze.

    Now I'm thinking that I should just leave it here because testing is expensive since I loose all the unsaved changes. And if it's the security/encryption then it's not much of an use if it can be used only when that is turned off.
     
  15. xboarder2000

    xboarder2000 Geek Trainee

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    Alright, lets backup a few steps. This is really strange you are having this much trouble. Anyhow, I'm sorry if I am asking repeated questions, but what is the type of router you have? (make,model) Does the network work when it is wired with a R-45 (ethernet) cable? Are you using Windows XP SP2? Are you able to get it to work in "safe mode"? I can't remember if network adapters are available in safe mode. Are you running any firewalls or antivirus (or any other programs for that matter) while you are trying to connect? Again, sorry if I am asking repeated questions.
     

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