snooze

When I turn on my DSL modem from Qwest (Actiontec modem) Internet Explorer will not completely open and then the machine freezes. Also the 'My Computer' icon doesn't work.

Geekgirl

Hello and Welcome to TSF

Is this a new internet setup ? These problems just happened after the connection to the modem? Have you contacted your ISP?

snooze

Yes. This is a new connect. I was using dial-up through the same ISP. I brought the problem to there attention first, then sought out Qwest technical support. When neither were able to solve the problem so I hired the Geek Squad. I spent four days on the problem with them, but they were unable to solve it either.

If I boot up with the DSL modem on or turn it on after booting up the "My Computer Icon" or any C drive related short-cut icons do not work. The mouse is still active. If I double click on Internet Explorer it opens the border and then freezes.

Geekgirl

Did they try another modem? Is your system free of viruses/spyware?
Do you have an onboard LAN or di dyou need to install a ethernet adapter card?

snooze

Yes. Qwest tried a new modem. I have AdWare Professional and scan weekly for spyware. I also subscribe to Norton Anti-Virus Protection and scan weekly.
The problem first occurred with the USB port (tried two different ones) so I purchased a Dynex Ethernet Card. Problem still the same.

Geekgirl

Is everything okey dokey in the Device Manger?

What happened with the USB port? Normally a DSL modem connects through the LAN port not an USB port unless Im behind in the times

snooze

Qwest said I could use a USB port, but recommended ethernet. I had the same problem with the USB port as I am now having with the ethernet card. I decided to purchase an ethernet card when this problem arose, thinking it might be a USB port problem.

I have kept up with the Microsoft Upgrades.

Geek Squad had me delete all network and dial-up drivers and reinstall them. So as far as I know the device drivers are ok. We also tried a couple of system restores back to before the modem was installed. We also removed some items from the msconfig file, which as far as I know was only to speed up the computer a little bit. The computer works fine on dial-up, which I am using now, but goofs up only when the DSL modem is turned on. My ISP provider has been nice enough to let me have a dial-up and DSL account at the same time for a short period while I troubleshoot this problem.

Geek Squad said I would have to reinstall the Windows operating system as they think it is a problem in Explorer. I'm not prepared to do that and don't consider it an option.

snooze

I have a BCM HPNA 10 Mbps NIC built-in to the system for home networking. Could this be causing a conflict. I have not installed the home network.

I actually had the DSL work once, re-booted and it worked again, then shut off the computer and turned it back on, but never got it to work again.

Did a system restore to before the modem was installed and reinstalled the drivers, but still can't get it to work.

Anybody ever run into this problem. Please help.

Geekgirl

I dont feel you should have done a system restore just to reinstall the drivers for the modem. Those could have been easily removed without resorting to system restore.

Do you have your onboard LAN disabled? Why dont you just use it to connect to the modem and remove your ethernet card? Why didnt you use it in the first place? It serves the exact same purpose as an adapter card.

Terrister

In a case like this I think I would run another spyware scan, either spybot or Microsoft. I would also go to one of the online virus scan sites and make sure Norton is not missing a virus. I like www.antivirus.com

No one antispyware or antivirus program is catching everything now. Norton ain't what it used to be. It is missing Trojans and worms a lot lately. I submitted to unknown worms to them just last week.

snooze

The card only has a phone jack for connecting to the wall. Not an ethernet connector. I am not using home networking. I believe the LAN is disabled. Where should I check?

Geekgirl

The Device Manager will tell you if it is disabled.
Right click My Computer>Properties>Device Manager

JamesO

How much RAM is in the machine?

I have never played with ME, is there a Task Manager like 2k and XP that shows processor load, memory usuage? Or do you still need to go to System under Control Panel to see what the memory usage is?

JamesO

snooze

When I go to the device manager the BCM HPNA card shows under network adapters. Under properties it gives two choices: 1. Exists in all hardware profiles. 2. Disable in this hardware profile. Number one is currently checked.
If I check #2 will I be able to get it back later? I think this will disable my dial-up modem. True?

Computer has 5Gig of drive space left and 256Mb of memory.

snooze

I should add that I had tried shutting off the associated software (Bcmdmmsg.exe) for the BCM-HPON card in the msconfig file, but it didn't change the problem.

Geekgirl

The modem would be listed under modems
If you disable the BCM HPNA card and not remove it you should be able to re-enable if a problem arises.