AboutRalph Becker Expertise General networks, including LAN (ethernet, cable modem, DSL), dialup (modems), WAN (frame relay, ATM), and other related networking technologies.
Experience I have worked for 20 years in various network companies, in capacities including development, customer service, and operations. Check out my bio/ratings page!
http://www.allexperts.com/expert.cgi?m=1&catID=1049&expID=20679
Question I recently installed a wireless network card into a desktop pc. However, the PC then started shutting down spontaneously and seemingly at random. Somedays it'll run the whole day other days it'll turn off every 20 minutes. Initially I didn't think much of it but I then installed the same model network card into another identical desktop, at which point the problem started on that machine too. Is there an easy solution or do I have to look at replacing components?
Answer Hi Guy, and thanks for your question.
It sounds like the device driver for your network adapter has a problem with instability. This is surprisingly common. Unfortunately, about the only thing you can do is try to find and install an updated driver for the device. Go to the adapter's manufacturer's web site and you can usually find drives in a "Support" or "Downloads" section. Be especially careful to get the driver for your exact model number - installing the wrong driver can permanently render the device dead.
Once you have the latest driver on your computer, uninstall the device from Device Manager (under System in Control Panel). Shut the computer down, then physically remove the device from the computer. Restart the computer without the device. Shut it down again, re-install the device, and reboot. Windows should detect the device and give you a chance to select the drivers for it - use the driver you just downloaded. Then go ahead and give the device a try for a few days and see if it still is causing problems.
If the problems stop, then issue resolved! If not, then either the device is faulty, or the driver has a bug that is not (and probably will not be) fixed. You can try exchanging the device where you bought it and see if a replacement works any better. If not, then the driver is the problem and you really have no choice except to throw away (or return for refund) the adapter and get one from an other manufacturer.
