Computer Crashes regularly

[Acoshi]

I am not able to stay on my computer very long before it crashes. And everytime I look into the event viewer this problem always comes up.

How do I fix this problem? What does it mean?

Your computer was not able to renew its address from the network (from the DHCP Server) for the Network Card with network address %1. The following error occurred:
%2. Your computer will continue to try and obtain an address on its own from the network address (DHCP) server.

 

[johnjkr1]

What type of network are you on? A home network (cable, dsl), a work network, etc?

 

[Acoshi]

I am on a school network actually. I live in a dorm on campus so I really don't have control over the network.

 

[johnjkr1]

If you disconnect from the network, does it still crash? also, have you run a full antivirus scan?

 

[Acoshi]

I have tried the full antivirus scan but I have yet to unplug from the network.

If those do not work what else should I do?

 

[daveybrat]

run some anti spyware software to make sure it's not wrapped around your TCP/IP settings.
Run adaware or spybot but make sure you update them both before running them.

 

[Acoshi]

I ran the adaware program and it hasn't located anything out of the ordinary.

 

[johnjkr1]

Well, you know, it could be your account with the school. It could be your network card died, does it get a link light? Does it show up properly in device manager. Try unplugging it, see if the crashing stops.

 

[Acoshi]

The device manager says that there is an error with the ethernet controller. (There is a yellow exclaimation point next to the word Ethernet Controller)I have no idea what an ethernet controller is or how to fix it. I think I might need a new driver or something.

Any suggestions?

 

[johnjkr1]

Yep, that would be the cause of your problem. First, what type of computer / motherboard do you have? Is this an expansion network card? What type of card is listed in device manager. The first thing you might want to try would be to remove that network adapter and let windows xp reinstall it.

 

[Acoshi]

I have an Asus Ax7n8 deluxe motherboard and the computer was custom built.

I don't think that it is an expansion network card.

The weird thing is that it doesn't list the type of network card in the device manager.

Also, how would I remove the network adapter?

 

[skoka]

You would have to open your PC's case and then remove the screw attached your PC case and the network adaptor. Then you would have to slowly pull it out.

If you have never done such a thing, I suggest you get some help from your friends in school.

Unlink your network cable and then try using your PC. If this has solved the problem then you should replace the network adaptor. Also, before uninstalling the network adapter check to see in the device manager if you need to reinstall the driver.

Another thing to try would be to delete the ethernet controller from you device manager (click on the ethernet controller - yellow exclamation and then press 'del' key). Then reboot your PC. If the yellow exclamation is gone then you have had corrupted drivers and the problem is now resolved. If not you would have to replace the network card / adaptor. A new one should cost around $20.

 

[Acoshi]

When I clicked properties of the Ethernet Controller it said this: "The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28)" but it didn't specify the manufactuer or its driver information.

So should I still click on it and press the 'del' button?

 

[skoka]

I am assuming you are using windows XP here.

In any case try the following:
1) Click on the reinstall button in device manager. If you have to restart the m/c then do so. Check if the exclamation mark is gone. If it is gone then you have atleast resolved one problem. Most probably that is your problem.
2) If the reinstall does not work, then press the 'del' key and either restart your machine or you can go through the add new hardware stuff.

If you have windows XP then you it will reinstall the drivers for you automatically. If not you would have to install the drivers manually by inserting the ethernet card's CD.

Hope this helps.

 

[Acoshi]

There isn't a reinstall function only a uninstall should I just choose that?

 

[skoka]

OK. Click Uninstall and reboot the PC.

 

[huesmann]

His mobo alleges that it has dual LAN ports.

I would right-click on both LAN adapters, supposedly from 3com, uninstall them and let Windoze redetect them. Make sure you download drivers from the Asus website first, and if you have the opportunity to select which drivers get installed, use those.

 

[Acoshi]

Yea, I have dual LAN ports I just got the driver for it recently and it still gives me trouble. But I have yet to uninstall it. You think that is a good idea?