Need Help: Random Freeze when using internet

[sanz]

Hi

For about a month now, I've been having problem with my computer. Whenever I'm using the internet (dial-up), my Win2k(SP2+DX8.1) freezes completely. Ctrl-ALt-Del doesn't work, so I have to hard boot. This system has been running without problem for 8 months.

Needless to say, this is annoying. I'm in constant fear of my computer freeze when I'm using IE. These are the things I've tried so far;

- Reintalled Win2k (clean off the cd) and scanned for virus (clean off cd)
- tried older drivers for vid and aud
- tried using netscape. Still the same
- tried different version of IE. Still the same

I can vaguely remember this trouble starting up after I added a new 256MB ram. I've removed the ram since, and the problem is still there. Could I have damaged the mobo while putting in the ram? Still doesn't explain the specific problem with the internet though. Computer freezes only during internet session. 3D games or other apps have no problem.

If any of you can shed a light on this, I would really appreciate it.

 

[jcmkk]

Have you tried putting a different modem in it or using a different browser (opera, netscape)?

 

[sanz]

As I've mentioned, I've tried netscape. Same problem. Modem is fine too.

Anyone who has experienced similar problem and solved it, please let me know.

Could it be the content of the webpage thats causing the problem??

 

[clumsum]

I am having a similiar problem with a system, fresh install of Win98se ................?
I have downloaded all the latest critical MS up-dates and patches, no apparent conflicts, direct X8, ATI Radeon 32 MB DDR.
Not over-clocking and temperatures are ok, .................... still testing and checking!

Building this pc for someone else and can't give it up until I solve the problem......!

 

[thebestMAX]

I am having the same problem.

My original post:


New computer:

Epox 8K7A (no overclocking yet)
1.4 Tbird w/ excellent cooling (104F/40C)
300W Antec PS
512M Crucial Ram
SB Live XGamer
Radeon 64M DDR VIVO
Win98 with all upgrades from MS website

Have another system that runs 6.0 fine with the same windows config. Only difference is the sound card. Seems to run OK for a while then I open up another (2nd,3rd,4th) browser and it happens

I can control-alt-delete not responding program to the desktop but then cant bring up My Computer, IE explorer or anything from shortcuts and sometimes programs. Have to reboot.

Doubt the problem is with 6.0 or DirectX 8.x so any problem with SB and Radeon drivers? Am I missing some setting?

Have latest version of each.

How about BIOS update?

Any ideas?

Thanks

Have also thought of modem drivers, reducing ram fro 512 to 256.

 

[sanz]

Well I'm glad(?) I'm not the only one with similar problem.

I've tried to fix the damn thing for like a month. I thought posting the problem here might reduce the time solving it. I've ran searchs on google.. and found few forums with similar problem.. but none seem to have solved it.

Orcish.. I thought about the damaged mobo too.. but I'm rather skeptical considering I'm only having problem with internet.

When I get my new soundcard this week, I'll reinstall everything.. new mobo bios, fdisk + partition, new clean win2k install, drivers, etc.. a bare bone system with not many programs to see if the problem is software related. The same system ran fine with for 8 months so it better behave again otherwise I'm switching to P4. With DDR solution just around the corner, P4 sure looks attractive.

Anyway, to the point... I'm still open for help..

 

[thebestMAX]

Seem to have solved my problem

After swapping memory, modems, serial ports, deleting drivers and so on I got everything working but the original IE problem, back to square 1.

I then re Installed Win98 from the original disk through the set up program, that is I didnt format HD just let it re install itself over itself and the problem WENT AWAY! Did this before but not as final step. (Hasnt re appeared for 2 days now but I will edit if it comes back)

Dont know why but perhaps installing new drivers or equip replaced, deleted or corrupted a necessary file.

Anyway, it is worth a try.

Good luck.