Corrupted Downloads

[slayernine]

Looking for insight into a very annoying problem that just won't go away. I recently inherited a problematic computer from the previous IT person who's shoes I now fill. This computer runs fine except any executable program you download over any network adapter becomes corrupted and will crash or provide a corruption related error when you run it. This problem extends to Windows Updates, Anti-Virus updates, downloading 7-zip etc..

System Specifications:
Motherboard: GA-A75M-UD2H
Processor: A6 3650
Ram: 4GBx2 Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8
Hard drive: Western Digital Black (Original Seagate Refurb. 1TB 7200)
Power Supply: Antec Earthwatts 380w
Tested with Dlink 10/100/1000 NIC

What was previously done to fix it:

1. Motherboard replaced

2. Windows 7 Pro 64bit reinstalled

What I've done so far to fix it:

1. Backed up all documents, emails etc.

2. Reinstalled Windows 7

3. Reinstalled Windows 7 on different hard drive

4. Ran tests on memory & mobo with no issues found

5. Tested with different power supply

6. Tested with PCI NIC

7. RMA'd processor, tested with replacement, no luck


What do you guys think, should I try RMA'ing the motherboard? I am quite certain the previous guy did in fact replace it. Thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Sure sounds like the HDD. NM, you tried another HDD. The other thing that often mimics HDD problems is the PSU but, you tried another one of those. You may be down to the CPU.

 

[discerning]

Can you download a file from a different computer, copy it to a flash drive and it works on that problem computer? If so, sounds network related. Can you connect to a completely different network and see if the problem persist?

 

[Motorheader]

Network cable or bad network drop at the wall.

My thought is if it was related to hardware (memory or cpu in particular) then during the install of windows it would fail or give error messages because files couldn't be expanded, renamed, etc.

 

[slayernine]

Can you download a file from a different computer, copy it to a flash drive and it works on that problem computer? If so, sounds network related. Can you connect to a completely different network and see if the problem persist?

I can install software such as Windows 7 from a disc with no issues. I can download drivers and software on another computer and place the files on a flash drive and they will install just fine on the computer.

However if I download files on another computer and copy them over the network they become corrupted.

 

[slayernine]

Network cable or bad network drop at the wall.

My thought is if it was related to hardware (memory or cpu in particular) then during the install of windows it would fail or give error messages because files couldn't be expanded, renamed, etc.

I have tried the following related to network issues:

- Installing a PCI Dlink gigabit network card.

- Using a different cable from a different network drop

- Using a different ISP at an entirely different location


There have been no odd behaviours or error messages from windows during or after installation. The only windows issue is that windows updates always fail to install due to corruption.

The CPU has been replaced, the memory has been tested. I checked that the memory is in the compatibility list:
http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-a75m-ud2h.pdf

Very tempting to just go buy some different memory to test with as I don't have any spare DDR3 around and memory being so incredibly cheap right now. Definitely a lot faster than RMA'ing a motherboard that has already been sent back once. I'm sure gigabyte will be overjoyed to replace it a second time.

oh and I just remembered that I forgot to mention doing a BIOS update to the current version F4 1.04 MB 2011/09/19

 

[Motorheader]

But the problem - as I see it - is that if it was either memory or motherboard then any data coming across the bus - whether via CD/DVD/USB/NIC/Floppy - would all be bad if it was either a bad board/memory/cpu.

Have you tried just one stick of memory and turning the timings down to 8500 or 10666? If you run CPU-z what do you get for SPD settings?

This just doesn't sound right since you've replaced pretty much every component in the chain that would be at the root cause of the issue.

 

[Ketchup]

This REALLY sounds network related, Have you checked windows network settings? If the motherboard hadn't already been replaced, I would suggest an issue with the bus or south bridge. If this was done previous to your arrival, you might wanna try a different motherboard anyway.

 

[slayernine]

This REALLY sounds network related, Have you checked windows network settings? If the motherboard hadn't already been replaced, I would suggest an issue with the bus or south bridge. If this was done previous to your arrival, you might wanna try a different motherboard anyway.

Yeah I'm very tempted to just go pick up a different motherboard and ram. I build workstations for the office on a regular basis so I will use the parts eventually. Speaking of the south bridge the heat-sink for it is very very hot to the touch.

 

[sm625]

If you download an mp3 will it play without issues? How about a youtube flv?

Try a usb to ethernet adapter.

 

[slayernine]

Thanks for the input folks but I decided to just throw the motherboard out the window and picked up a new FM1 board from Asus which from my initial testing has resolved the problem.

 

[Motorheader]

Nice to hear.