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chrisevans25

13 Posts

25086

December 27th, 2004 17:00

Wireless card causes system to lock up

I have a wireless card that causes my Inspiron 5100 to lock up about once a day.  I have tried 3 different types of cards (Netgear, Microsoft, Dell) all with the same result.  I have a laptop cooler because I thought that the heat might be causing the problem - not the case.  If I leave the wireless card out the lockup does not happen.  What could be the cause and is there a solution?
 
On a side note...I have tried to update the BIOS on my computer.  When I download what seems to be the appropriate file, it tells me that I don't have the appropriate file.  What am I doing wrong and where can I find the correct file?

chrisevans25

13 Posts

December 28th, 2004 17:00

I did a scan with Mcafee anti-spyware and anti-virus and have the most recent updates.  As far as anything weird I don't think so.  Just software that runs fine on every other computer I have.  Tonight I am going to leave the computer on without the wireless card to be 100% sure that this is the problem (I've done this before but it's been 6 mos. or so, so maybe I'm forgetting something).

johnallg

2 Intern

 • 

7.3K Posts

December 28th, 2004 23:00

Try running the Dell Diagnostics, especially the ram module tests.  I wonder if you have a module that is heat sensitive?

chrisevans25

13 Posts

December 29th, 2004 13:00

Ok...I ran all the Dell Diagnostics and nothing showed up.  After that I started the computer in safe mode with networking and left it on all night.  This morning it was working fine.  Everything opened right up.  What does this tell me and how can I now isolate the problem?

johnallg

2 Intern

 • 

7.3K Posts

December 29th, 2004 19:00

That it is a conflict in Windows that is causing the problem.  Something that didin't load (most support things) in Safe Mode is causing your problem.  That said, I am at a loss to suggest further.  You might try the Software - Windows XP forum, with a reference to this thread in your post there.  Maybe someone else has an idea here....

dleaber

1 Message

February 26th, 2012 10:00

I have the same problem with my Dell Inspiron  1525. When i turn on the wireless switch the computer stops working. the mouse will not work the tab key will not work. I have to shut down the computer. Works great if you don't trun on the wireless card. I did replace the old wireless card.Running Windows XP pro. 

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