Computer sometimes freezes when using Linksys WMP300N v2

Question

PC Configuration:

- Dell Dimension 4600 Desktop

- Standard Dell wired keyboard and mouse

- Motherboard: Dell model 0F4491

- BIOS version: A12

- CPU: Pentium 4, 2.80 GHz

- RAM: 1024MB, SDRAM DDR, 200MHz

- Video card: NVIDIA GeForce F 5200

- Operating System: Win XP SP2

Wireless Configuration:

- Router: Linksys WRT300N, version 2, firmware version 2.00.14 (EU)

- PCI card: Linksys WMP300N, version 2, driver version 6.0.0.204 (EU)

Problem description:

Since I have installed a WMP300N v2 wireless adapter, now and then my PC locks up or freezes during internet surfing or even when I start up my browser (IE v6). With freezing I mean that my PC does not respond to my wired keyboard and mouse anymore and the loading of a webpage stops. It seems like a random failure, it sometimes happens when I open up my browser and sometimes after a while surfing. Every time this happens, I need to reboot my computer to get it working again. When I turn the wireless mode off and go back to wired connection again, the problem is solved. When I turn the wireless mode on again, the problem returns. Before I installed the WMP300N v2, I had a wireless adapter from SMC (11Mbps) installed which worked with a SMC router. This SMC combination worked fine for over 2 years, no problems.

I did the following to overcome the problem with the WMP300N v2 (but none of it worked, the problem keeps coming back):

- Uninstalled WMP300N v2 and installed it again using the driver update (v 6.0.0.204)

- Uninstalled WMP300N v2 and installed it again using only the Windows XP wireless network set-up, but the problem stays.

- Since I am using a second computer with the same type WMP300N v2, and thinking that it may be a hardware issue, I switched both adapters but the problem stays with the original computer. So, it is not a hardware adapter problem. The second computer does not show the same problem, it runs perfectly (also Win XP SP2).

- I put the WMP300N v2 in another PCI slot, thinking again that it is a hardware issue, but the problem stays.

- I have re-installed Win XP SP2 again, but the problem stays.

- I have upgraded my BIOS, but the problem stays.

- I have changed the MTU setting of my WRT300N v2 router, from Auto into Manual and set it at 1200, but the problem stays.

- I have turned off my Firewall and Virus protection software (McAfee), but the problem stays.

- I have added RAM memory (added 512 MB upto a total of 1024 MB), thinking there may be memory shortage, but the problem stays.

- I have upgraded my power supply upto 400 Watt, thinking there may be a power shortage, but the problem stays.

So far, I have been unsuccesful in solving this problem. Is there anybody who can help me out?

best-try · Answer

Hi,   Does the system freeze in Safe Mode with Networking? The other computer you have, is it of the same model? Try turning off HyperThreading in the BIOS. Remove all other available PCI cards and see if it makes any difference. As, you said the older PCI card works with this computer, seems to me its a problem with Compatibility of Chipset and the Card. But this is not reported anywhere. What does Event Viewer report?   Rgds   Best-Try

Heutsz Hier · Answer

I disabled the HT option in my BIOS and it seems to work! I opened up my browser several times now and spent some time surfing opening every website I could find but the system does not seem to freeze anylonger! This is fantastic! Thank you very much for your support and this golden tip!

Heutsz Hier · Answer

The solution still works!  I have now spent several hours rebooting my computer, opening up browsers and surfing the internet without another freeze.   Thank you, mr or mrs best try !!! Thank you so much !   Regards,   HH

best-try · Answer

Hi,   Good to hear that the issue is fixed but that is only a workaround and not a fix. We have disabled HT which one of the very important features of the processor that can effect the overall performance of the system to a small extent. :)   :smileywink: Mr. Best-Try

Heutsz Hier · Answer

Hello mr best-try,   I realize that I have lost my HT processing capability, but I've gained peace with my computer. However, If you have another hint about restoring the HT capability and at the same time prevent the freezing again, I would be very happy indeed. Any ideas?   Thanks,   HH

best-try · Answer

Hi,

As per Intel, HT is optimized to give the best application performance, you need applications that are specifically designed to take advantage of the Hyper-Thread technology to realize the benefits. The number of applications that were available at launch is limited, but growing.

Hyper-Threading Technology enables systems to appear to have two logical processors while having only one physical processor, therefore software issues that are typically only visible on multi-processor systems may be exposed. If applications fail on a multi-processor system, they typically fail on a Hyper-Threading Technology enabled system.

From your query, it seems that the driver/application of the linksys card does not support Hyper Threading. I checked on linksys site to find if there are any updates for this card at the driver end. Was there a utility installed along with the Card Driver? Could you try uninstalling the utility from the Add/Remove programs, if any?

For you information, the system shows the below information in without and with states of HT

No Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading Enabled

Device Manager Status:

No Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading

Rgds

Best-Try (Chris)

Heutsz Hier · Answer

Hi,   As far as I can judge, there was no utility installed together with the driver software. But, I'm not so sure what exactly is meant with utility, does it mean that other software (like Google toolbar) is being installed? In that case the answer is no.   I have difficulties opening the pictures you attached in your reply. They seem to be jpg format but for some reason I can't see them. Can you refer to a site where you found them?   Thanks,   HH

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Computer sometimes freezes when using Linksys WMP300N v2

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