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Windows XP: XP pro crashing router?

by jsmith12 - 7/11/06 11:30 AM
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Post 1 of 5

XP pro crashing router?

by jsmith12 - 7/11/06 11:30 AM

Okay, this is getting frustrating. We have a home network, setup with 5 or 6 PCs, and a couple of hubs along with one router and one modem.

There SEEMS to be an issue with the XP pro machine crashing the router forcing anyone who wants to use the network to reset the router by hand.

Also at LEAST once a day we're forced to reset the router/modem.

The XP pro machine is running:

Zone Alarm free version
Mcaffie AV
Defender
Couple of other anti-spyware (Ran once a week or so)

Also auto runs Trillan, and Winpatrol.

The XP pro machine was reformated about a month or so ago, which is likely what caused the issue as this wasn't going on before then. But the setup of the machine (Hardware and software) hasn't changed, with the exception of Zone alarm. However the issue seems to have existed since before ZA was installed.

Same router, same modem, and same machines on the rest of the network as well, except that an XP home PC was reinstalled as well.

Anyone have any ideas as to why the XP pro machine would kill the network?

ZA is configured to permit network trafic, and Window's firewall is shut off.

Post 2 of 5

One thing that comes to mind...

by jnbhoward - 7/11/06 12:00 PM In reply to: XP pro crashing router? by jsmith12

Most routers these days have firewalls built into the firmware, so there's no need to be running ZoneAlarm. I doubt it's causing your problem, but it's an excessive program if the router has a firewall. It's far easier to administer a single firewall that sits between all LAN traffic and Internet traffic.

You don't mention which router you're using, so I will say that Linksys routers have something of a firmware bug that can cause problems with heavy use. They try to keep very detailed logs, and with the limited memory on the router, it can fill up pretty quickly. Especially if any of the systems are running a file sharing program or have some malware trying repeatedly to make connections with some server.

In any case, I'd try updating the firmware if there's a more recent version out there to see if that helps. You might also look for updated drivers for all your network hardware in the different systems. The driver that comes with Windows for my network card has an annoying bug that makes it stop responding after 5-10 minutes. So any time I format, I have to remember to update that first thing.

Also, did you install all of the security patches for the recently formatted machine? There are types of malware that can escape detection from scans, and without a properly patched system, there's probably hundreds of potential avenues by which these programs can get on your system.

Post 3 of 5

Yes

by jsmith12 - 7/11/06 5:42 PM In reply to: One thing that comes to mind... by jnbhoward

I't my main machine that seems to be the issue, but given my brother's machine is a huge bandwith user, he could be the culpret. But he says every time my machine gose on the router crashes.

And without ZA I seem to have issues with too many things running. Given I don't have direct acess to the router, it's hard for me to configure it.

Post 4 of 5

You've proven...

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 7/11/06 12:46 PM In reply to: XP pro crashing router? by jsmith12

That the router is buggy. Try updating the firmware or exchanging it.

A good router can't be crashed like this.

Bob

Post 5 of 5

Router, or modem

by jsmith12 - 7/11/06 5:43 PM In reply to: You've proven... by R. Proffitt Moderator

Actually that is my supition that it's the modem. Given there's been a number of times that my machine looses connection.

Still, I'll see if I can get the router owner to look into it. Thanks.

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