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General discussion

Modem Caused Crash?

by rhsmith Jul 28, 2007 7:07AM PDT

I just finished building a new PC, installed a new dial-up modem, and transferred files. Everything is fine except there appears to be a modem problem. When I am connected on-line I can't use certain other programs, particularly games (e.g. Links Golf, Bowling, Snood and Jardinains). About 5 seconds after loading one of these programs the system crashes. It simply shuts down and restarts. When XP reloads I get the standard Microsoft notification that a serious error has occurred and would I like to send a report. (I have done this on occasion without satisfactory MS response). (Note: There is no problem with running MS games such as Freecell, Minefield, Solitaire and Hearts; nor do I have any problems with other programs such as the MS Office Suite.)

Please note that after restart my modem is automatically disconnected and I must manually re-activate the connection to my ISP (my modem settings include "never dial a connection"). I have no problem with crashes when not connected via modem. I would like my ISP connection to stay active in the background while using these other programs (a mode which has always worked normally on my previous systems with the same games installed). I use Firefox and Thunderbird and they work fine.

I initially expected a heat problem (which exhibits this phenomena) but the system is running cool, and well below the cut-off temperature. There appears to be an incongruity between the modem and game programs. After review of this forum's entries I have not found similar problems addressed.

Can anyone tell me how to fix the problem of my system unexpectedly shutting down and restarting while connected to my ISP via dial-up modem?

System Specs:
O/S: Windows XP Home w/SP2
Case: Cooler Master with 450 w. PS and 3 fans (front, rear and left side)
MB: MSI MS-7226 (K9-Diamond) (NVIDIA chipset)
CPU: AMD Athlon 64X2 Dual Core 5600 (with fan)
Video: NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS (with fan)
HD: Dual Hitachi 400 GB
Memory: 2 GB DDR2-SDRAM
Modem: Hayes 56K V.92 PCI with V.44 compression (Model 15530)

Discussion is locked

2 Posts

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Sounds like

by jackson dougless Jul 28, 2007 7:35AM PDT

The problem doesn't seem to be with the modem at all, but rather the power supply. The system rebooting suddenly, particularly when doing something like opening a game, is a pretty classic sign of an overextended power supply. And with a dual core chip, fairly high end video card, and all the other stuff, it tracks.

If this PSU came with the case, it's likely some cheap worthless piece of junk that will output MAYBE 350-375W of power. Replace it with something that can actually output 450W of power, and you should be fine.

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Modem vs. Power Supply

by rhsmith Jul 28, 2007 11:13AM PDT

Thanks for the thoughtful and informative response to my post. The PS as a culprit didn't cross my mind. But the more I think about it, the more logical it sounds. Now I am faced with swapping out the PS or living with the "problem". You are right that I have a power hungry system, and the 450w PS did come with the case. A good 500w should do the trick, and they aren't too expensive. I am just leery of un-plugging and re-plugging all the wires.

Again, many thanks.

Regards, RHS

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