Another Problem.. Hopefully my last!

[Pickers]

So, since installing XP on my system, and the IT guys at school changing the BIOS, my desktop computer seemed to work fine. So, I've lugged it down to Cornwall, and set it all up for my parents to have, but now, when I surf the internet, the computer crashes.
Oddly, boat-drinks seems alright, but Live messenger just crashed it, and PC world website crashes it.

Any ideas? I'm at a complete loss... AGAIN!

[Pickers]

hmmm windows update webpage wont seem to load, I get a warning saying it "continues o have a problem" and something about attempting to restore a tab. Related?

[Jingo]

What happens when it 'crashes'?

Is it a BSOD / complete reset / screen freeze / all power disappears? :)

[Burble]

I've seen numerous cases where flash causes this sort of thing. Try uninstalling it and see if that helps.

[Pickers]

i did wonder about flash... Its a total lock up jingo.

[Davey_Pitch]

Is it only in one particular browser? Could you install an alternative and see if the problem persists across browsers?

[Mark]

Is the same computer Pheebs used to have all the problems with? Symptoms sound somewhat familiar.

[Pickers]

no, its not. Odd that its suddenly started tho. Ive uninstalled flash, and unplugged the wireless. No probs yet, but not tried much. Problems happen in both ie and firefox

[Pickers]

Ok. I plugged wireless back in, and loaded up firefox, and it crashed within 60 seconds.

I've now unplugged wireless again and moved the computer to the router and connected via ethernet, and (touch wood) its working alright.

Maybe the wireless USB thingy is a bit... pants?

[Mark]

Did you install any drivers for said USB thingy? If so, remove them and see if Windows can take care of things.

[Pickers]

Interesting. I have uninstalled the linksys monitoring software, and am using windows stuff, and touch wood (again) it seems to be working...
Well - no crashes in the 4 mins since I connected :p
Now, one more thing
I need a longer DVI-I cable. I have a longer DVI-D cable, but it makes the screen go funny. Odd, cos I have the same monitor at home and it works fine - must be a slightly different revision!

Anyone know where i can get a 2m DVI-I cable on the highstreet for not very much??
Well... I just had a blue screen... which is different to a freeze I guess :p

[Wellington]

If it crashes again, try opening up the box and just re-seating all the componets, it's possible somthing may have been dislodged in travel.

[Mark]

Indeed. Oh, and try a different port for the USB thingy. Start with the port furthest away from where it is now (which might mean on the front - or back).

[Burble]

If you have a powered USB hub you could try using that.

[Pickers]

Its definatly the wireless.
Well, since unpluging the wireless adaptor theres been no crashes.. So its either the
wireless, or the USB drivers. DUnno how to test the USB stuff tho

[divine]

I've never found a type of equipment that has given me more grief, BSODs, crashes etc. than wireless adaptors.

I swear writing stable wifi drivers is for some reason an impossible task, cos no one can seem to do it.

[Burble]

USB networking equipment (wireless or ethernet) is the spawn of Satan.

[Pickers]

Its working... I bought a new wireless adapter for my dad, and hes dead chuffed. Phew.
Thanks for suffering my moans people!

[Mark]

I don't know why USB networking causes such incredible grief, but it does. Windows XP is particularly badly afflicted as wireless in general was an afterthought. I don't know if Windows 7/Vista is any better.

Glad you've got it sorted. Sounds like the previous adapter may have been faulty.