Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 16, 2003 Report Posted May 16, 2003 Seeing as you all seem so clever and I'm pretty thick when it comes to computers. Just installed my BT broadband modem(yesterday). Works fine for about 20mins then shuts off, freezes my computer and I have to pull the plug and reboot. Its then fine for another 20mins or so. Searched on the net and found that, apparently, this is a common problem with some motherboards losing power randomly to the USB port. Never had a problem before with any other USB devices, anyone know how I can fix the problem without buying a new PC?
Guest Palindrome Posted May 16, 2003 Report Posted May 16, 2003 I had the same problem with a USB Card Reader. It would work fine for a few seconds then freeze. I believe mine was a motherboard/chipset problem. What's the make and model of your motherboard and chipset. You should have got a motherboard manual with the paperwork for your computer, which should provide the details.
Guest Monolithix [MVP] Posted May 16, 2003 Report Posted May 16, 2003 Try buying a powered USB hub (about 15 quid from places like www.ebuyer.com or www.aria.co.uk), and running it through that...
Guest Palindrome Posted May 16, 2003 Report Posted May 16, 2003 Mine's an ASUS board as well with ALI chipset. Haven't sorted my problem yet but you can try these things: *Update the motherboard and chipset drivers. *Update the BIOS. ASUS should have included a program on a CD that came with your computer which allows you to check for an updated BIOS, downloads and installs it for you. Other things you can try: *If you've got a powered USB hub (or you can borrow one) try the modem through that and see if it's a power allocation problem. *Check that it's the correct USB version (there are currently USB 1.1 and 2.0). *Give grief to BT's, your modem manufacturer's and ASUS technical support. *Hope for some genus persons on this forum who knows more than me. *I heard rumours that there is another USB connection on ASUS motherboards that aren't controlled by the South Bridge Chipset (the chipset that typically controls USB functions). I'll do some research into this and see if there is any validity in this. If I get mine sorted I'll let you know.
Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 16, 2003 Report Posted May 16, 2003 :roll: Wow, way too much info. :) BT seems to think its a power management problem too so I might try the powered hub, cheers guys.
Guest Monolithix [MVP] Posted May 16, 2003 Report Posted May 16, 2003 I've heard of similar problems with Dell Latitude c400's and the BTOpenworld ADSL modem, the lappy doesnt pump enough power to the USB bus and problems are cuased. BT openly admit to this particular problem and can only suggest buying a powered hub :/
Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 17, 2003 Report Posted May 17, 2003 Hmmm Argos do a "mini-hub" but it doesn't mention being powered. Are they all powered or are there different types?
Guest Firaas Posted May 17, 2003 Report Posted May 17, 2003 I've heard of similar problems with Dell Latitude c400's and the BTOpenworld ADSL modem, the lappy doesnt pump enough power to the USB bus and problems are cuased. It's not specific to BT's ADSL modem... Have you got a VIA chipset? The power management is what causes it to go tits up, especially with XP. When you have devices drawing a lot of power, the chipset flicks the device off and back on, but this in your case, is causing the computer to mess up. You'll get this problem with things like wireless adapters, scanners, and external non-powered modems. I bought a Belkin hub to cure this for £15 from PC world - works like a dream.
Guest awarner [MVP] Posted May 17, 2003 Report Posted May 17, 2003 Using a hub can give you more problems :? do you have anything else USB plugged in? if so remove it and see what happens.
Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 17, 2003 Report Posted May 17, 2003 Yeah, its a VIA chipset. Had a scanner plugged in at first, but took that out as soon as I started getting problems. Only thing connected now is the BT modem and my activesync cable. Just sent the missus out to get me a powered hub. Fingers crossed. More problems awarner? Like what? :)
Guest awarner [MVP] Posted May 17, 2003 Report Posted May 17, 2003 How old is your system? I had USB problems with a via chipset about 2-3 years ago with a Gigabyte board. I know it's a pain but try and remove the modem and see what happens.
Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 18, 2003 Report Posted May 18, 2003 GRRRRRRRRR. Bought a Belkin powered hub and still getting the same problem. Sometimes the modem loses all power and freezes the computer, but as soon as I pull the plug, the power light comes back on the modem. Also getting a different problem. Sometimes the connection just disconnects but when I try to reconnect, I get "connecting....disconnecting, the port was closed by the user". Only way to reconnect then, is to re-boot. I thought broadband was supposed to be "always on".
Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 18, 2003 Report Posted May 18, 2003 Ok, have now been told that a powered USB hub is no good because its still relying on the motherboards usb. Apparently I need a USB PCI card that draws its power directly from the computers power supply :)
Guest awarner [MVP] Posted May 18, 2003 Report Posted May 18, 2003 Either that or it's time for a new motherboard :) It has been known.
Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 18, 2003 Report Posted May 18, 2003 Ooh, a shiny new computer. Have to talk nicely to the missus. :)
Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 18, 2003 Report Posted May 18, 2003 Got the PCI card, solved the power problem, but now I keep losing the connection every five minutes. I HATE BROADBAND. It is really cool for the five minutes though :)
Guest siu99spj Posted May 19, 2003 Report Posted May 19, 2003 Loss of connection? 2 reasons: 1) Your modem is faulty, or getting faulty info from your PC (Unlikely). 2) Your phone line is the problem. You're either right on the limit for the connection (3 miles from switch board) or your phone line is dodgy. Do you get any problems with voice calls? If you do, give BT a yell, they SHOULD be providing a good service. My phone line has broken for the 2nd time in 6 months now. I'm getting real pissed off at BT now :evil: :evil: :evil: No idea when they'll fix it this time. But otherwise, broadband is real cool. Also, upgrades, speed increases and cheaper costs are on the way!!!! I love broadband!!!!
Guest Monolithix [MVP] Posted May 19, 2003 Report Posted May 19, 2003 (A 600k NTL Cable line is now cheaper than line rental from BT and a BTOpenworld "Anytime" dialup account ;p)
Guest siu99spj Posted May 19, 2003 Report Posted May 19, 2003 Based on the ntl rate, the amount I pay for broadband access (A whopping £22 a month total for ISP and line charges) isn't that much, plus I get no download limits, no program limitations, no crappy shared bandwidth problems, unlimited E-Mail space and a phone with free local and national weekend calls! I sure ain't complaining! It may be a crappy BT line, but it sure is a cheap ISP! In fact the only downer is that it has rather slow POP access, it takes about 5mins to get a 3MB E-Mail. Edit: Don't ask me who they are, they're not accepting any more subscribers. If they do, I'll let you guys know!
Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 19, 2003 Report Posted May 19, 2003 Since receiving the modem I have bought a powered USB hub, a USB PCI card, a new phone extension lead and today have just fitted a new master socket on the phone line :) Modem isn't losing power anymore, but i'm still losing my connection every 20 mins or so. What a nightmare this turned out to be!!!
Guest terminater2_uk Posted May 20, 2003 Report Posted May 20, 2003 Finally fixed it. Went to PC World and spent £1700 on two new pcs, and now the connection stays put. :( :)
Guest siu99spj Posted May 21, 2003 Report Posted May 21, 2003 Now thats someone who REALLY wants their broadband!
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