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General discussion

System Crashes when Connected via Dial-up

Jul 22, 2007 6:34AM PDT

I just finished building a new PC, installed a new dial-up modem, and transferred files. OS is Windows XP Home. 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 secs 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 major 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 and Solitaire.)

I have no problem with crashes when not connected via modem. However, I would like my 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). My modem settings include "never dial a connection". I use Firefox and Thunderbird and they work fine.

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?

Discussion is locked

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Tell us about ...
Jul 22, 2007 6:37AM PDT

Your OS install. Specifically the motherboard chipset driver package you used. Some overlook these.

The next suspect is the CPU heatsink and fan. Did you use any heatsink compound? Be exact in your description of it's install.

Bob

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Dial-Up Crash
Jul 22, 2007 8:07AM PDT

Thanks for prompt reply to my post. I have an MSI-7226 (K9-Diamond) MB, AMD 64X2 5600f Dual Core CPU, NVIDIA GeForce 7900 and Cooler Master Case with 450w. PS and extra fan. All installed by the book. I have ruled out a heat problem because system performs well until a dial-up connection is made and game is played. The shut-down problem does not occur under any other conditions. The modem board heat contribution is nil.

Regards, **** Smith

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"All installed by the book."
Jul 22, 2007 9:04AM PDT

Sorry I don't have said book so I can't see if something was overlooked such as the use of drivers from the CD that came with the boards. Too often I find updated motherboard or BIOS that helps. But since I don't have "the book" I can't see if it's one of the usual issues.

Bob