[laurenmacc]

I have a macbook pro and run Bootcamp with Windows XP. The computer is from 2008. When the computer is plugged in the wifi works fine. If I unplug my computer the wifi drops within minutes. If I try to repair the connection or disconnect the computer gives me the BSOD. Any thoughts?
Also, the computer very rarely goes into hibernation - which is a problem. And if it does go into hibernation, it often gives me the BSOD again.
The computer is perfectly fine when I am working on the Apple OS.

Thanks

 

[spunk.funk]

A normal XP install on a laptop would probably require a driver update for your wireless, but since you are on a Mac, You might get a better answer if you post this in the Mac forum section.

 

[laurenmacc]

When I'm on the Mac side of the computer I don't have any problems, that's why I thought it might be a Windows problem.
I have an Atheros AR5008 Wireless Network Adaptor. I can't find any updates for the driver. Do you know how I would find them? They don't seem to have a website.
Thanks

 

[Tomken15]

This is where we usually get those from ATHEROS Wireless drivers for Windows

These are WHQL - click on the appropriate blue tick and then on the green download button at the bottom of that section on the next page.

 

[laurenmacc]

Thanks. What do you do once you have downloaded the file? I seem to have downloaded a zip file but there isn't anything to install. Do I need to put the files in a certain folder? Sorry - I'm not very good at this sort of thing!:smile:I'm attaching the files I downloaded.

 

[Tomken15]

When there's more than one .sys file you will need to manually install it.

I think these will be one each for 32 and 64bit systems but I'll see if I can check which is which - but the wrong one wouldn't install anyway if you want to "suck it and see".

These are the steps for manually installing a driver in XP http://www.hyundaiit.com/images/download/Monitor_Driver_Setup_en.pdf

 

[Tomken15]

It looks like the larger .sys file will be for the 64bit.

 

[laurenmacc]

It looks like that worked. Thanks. How is one to know when the drivers need to be updated? Is there a safe software you recommend which will tell you these sorts of things?
Thanks for your help!

 

[Tomken15]

Has that resolved the loss of WiFi problems ?

I think the Pro version of this program auto scans for updates to drivers, but I just use the free version and just do my own scan now and again SlimDrivers DriverUpdate - Update Drivers for Windows 7, XP, and Vista it's the left download button for the freebie.

When it has found updates and I've downloaded them, I've never noticed any real difference - and while it's best to keep drivers up to date, as long as it isn't broken....

If this program finds what look like controllers, then downloading the associated graphics driver will normally clear those as well.

 

[laurenmacc]

That did resolve the wifi issue. I'm so relieved! Thank you so much for your help -- I love techsupportforum.com!

 

[Tomken15]

That's great news - give Slimdrivers a go and it may find other Windows drivers for you.

Once you have used it, it tends to run in the background using ~400k of memory, but you can stop its process in Task Manager/Processes by clicking on it then End Process.