Wireless connection shutdown leading to multiple system issues/crash

[Stryke11]

Hello!

I have a Zyxel G360v2 802.11b/g Wireless PCI Adapter and a Zyxel X-550 XtremeMIMI 802.11g Wireless Broadband Router.

I have been using this setup for months without event.

Recently, at random times and for no reason that I can tell, my wireless connection will break off. I can see the icon in the bottom right corner of my Windows XP showing that it is trying to reconnect, but it cannot.

However, when this event happens any other program I am running crashes, often with a windows error message, and even the windows shell has random errors. For example, sometimes since everything is crashy I will attempt to close down programs using ctrl-alt-del. When I do that, however, an error message pops up saying something like I don't have permission to do that. If I click the "start" button, sometimes it will work fine, other times the icons will be all messed up with different programs that what I normally have. Sometimes I can go to shut down and it works, and sometimes I cannot (I get an error message). If the shutdown does work, I have to wait first while windows closes down my WLAN utility program (that came with the card) and whatever other program I was using at the time that crashed. I cannot get normal performance out of my pc (even opening windows, not internet related stuff) until it either successfully shuts down or I am forced to manually shut it down.

I have noticed this began shortly (maybe a week?) after I upgraded my Norton Systemworks to the 2006 version, but I have emailed Norton tech support and they assure me their product cannot do what I describe. I would write Zyxel tech support but they don't seem to list my actual router or card on their webpage (that is, the model number). For this same reason, I don't think I can update any drivers.

I have no clue what the problem is and would appreciate any assistance in resolving it. I would be happy to answer any questions needed to facilitate that.

Thanks!

EDIT: If I am not connected to my wireless network, the computer runs fine and there are no crashes, so I at least know it is directly related to my wireless connection somehow.

[M/Q]

What happens if you un-install the SystemWorks? Do the symptoms go away? That maybe hard to prove as Symantec applications are rather difficult to completely remove? Not a big fan of Symantic for home users. You could have downloaed free versions that work as well and are not as intrusive.

Is your computer completely up to date? Do you have Windows Update set to automatic? Does this problem coincide with this past Tuesday evening, perchance? Just to elimininate that it might be spyware/malware, try installing this MS application and see what it finds.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=435BFCE7-DA2B-4A6A-AFA4-F7F14E605A0D&displaylang=ens

Also, is there an information in the event logs that might pertain to this?

[Stryke11]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I have not tried to uninstall Norton. I paid for it online and downloaded the update and I'm not sure if I'd be able to get it back. I used to have a free virus checker, AVG or something like that, but my last computer crashed one day and was riddled with viruses and the place I took to repair it highly suggested Norton, saying my free virus checker missed all those viruses. Would you recommend one that to your knowledge works?

Also, I downloaded the microsoft program you suggested. I also frequently run Norton, and updated Ad-Aware. Neither one ever finds anything, but the Microsoft one found three files.

I am not sure what an event log is, but if you tell me where to get it I'd be happy to.

I cannot remember for sure, but yes, this could have began last tuesday. I know at least it was after the last weekend in July, as I had been running MIRC constantly and there were no problems.

Thanks again for the quick reply!

[M/Q]

I realize it is my opinion, but I would use AVG over Symantec any day of the week. Were you getting virii or maleware? I use AVG, Kerio personal firewall and the MS Defender and have absolutely no problems. Just google and see how many problems Symantec AV has. I refuse to use it as it does not un-install cleanly and has caused all sorts of strange issues. But, that is your choice.

You will have to disable it in order to find out if it is causing the problem, no way around it.


http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/snap_event_viewer.mspx?mfr=true

[Stryke11]

Thanks again for your help. I will use the Microsoft program often and hopefully this problem will clear up. If not, then I will attempt to remove Norton.

I am still curious why Aug 1st was important as a date when this potentially began...

[M/Q]

I was referring to this last Tuesday, sorry for the confusion. The second Tuesday of every month is when MS publishes the latest updates and hot fixes. So on Wednesday there maybe things that need fixing. Some of the problems can be attributed to the new updates.