Computer hangs when phone receives text message

[Bucks]

I have been experiencing a weird issue ever since I built my computer 6 months ago. If I have my phone on my computer desk (say 2ft away from the tower), every time I receive a text on my Galaxy S5, the computer screen goes black, as if the video card fails but all of the fans are still running. I have to restart the computer by holding the power button. Specs are below. Any thoughts on why this is happening?

 

[Smoove910]

do you have a wireless network card?

 

[alzan]

Could be because a Bluetooth paired device issue although that wouldn't necessarily hang the computer.

I can only speak anecdotally but when I download/upload items from my phone via Bluetooth my PC doesn't hang.

 

[corkyg]

Not Bl;uetooth - but ordinary Wi-Fi. If the computer has it "on," turn it off and see if the problem persists.

 

[Bucks]

I am hardwired and don't have wireless installed.

 

[Ketchup]

Do you have a Bluetooth device in/connected to the computer?

 

[Bucks]

Do you have a Bluetooth device in/connected to the computer?

Nope. Nothing Connected. Just hard wired ethernet.

 

[Ketchup]

Nope. Nothing Connected. Just hard wired ethernet.

Is the phone on a USB connection to the tower or the monitor at the time?

 

[Bucks]

No. The phone is not connected to the computer. It is just when I have it sitting on the desk next to me and I get a text, the issue occurs.

 

[alzan]

I'm not an electrician but could this be EMI/RFI interference?

 

[Fardringle]

I'm not an electrician but could this be EMI/RFI interference?

Possibly, but if so it is very severe and there is definitely something wrong. A properly functioning phone and computer won't do that.

 

[alzan]

Possibly, but if so it is very severe and there is definitely something wrong. A properly functioning phone and computer won't do that.

That's what I thought but based on what the OP stated it was my best guess.

 

[Bucks]

Yeah I am utterly clueless. Computer works fine. I game, etc. But if I have my phone on the desk next to me and I get a text, etc, Screen blanks out.

 

[alzan]

Have you tried placing your phone at various distances from your computer and having a text sent to you each time? I'm just trying to rule out the EMI/RFI possibility.

 

[Bucks]

I would say anywhere outside of 3-4ft of the tower the issue doesn't occur

 

[corkyg]

You have just confirmed the EMI suspicion. Either the phone or the computer lacks proper EMI shielding. BTW, check in BIOS to see if any auto wake up functions might be enabled. Those can open an EMI pathway.

 

[alzan]

I would say anywhere outside of 3-4ft of the tower the issue doesn't occur

Thanks for confirming. At this point you've got a few options (cheapest to expensive):

a) do as corkyg suggested with BIOS auto wake-up options
b) keep your phone at least 4' away from your computer
c) swap out your phone to different model that most likely has better shielding
d) buy some emi shielding tape and apply to the insides of your computer case side covers

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Conductive-.../dp/B0000WRJK2

 

[Bucks]

You have just confirmed the EMI suspicion. Either the phone or the computer lacks proper EMI shielding. BTW, check in BIOS to see if any auto wake up functions might be enabled. Those can open an EMI pathway.

Thanks for confirming. At this point you've got a few options (cheapest to expensive):

a) do as corkyg suggested with BIOS auto wake-up options
b) keep your phone at least 4' away from your computer
c) swap out your phone to different model that most likely has better shielding
d) buy some emi shielding tape and apply to the insides of your computer case side covers

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Conductive-.../dp/B0000WRJK2

I would assume it is the computer that is lacking the EMI shielding and not the phone. I have had 2 different models (Moto Droid X and Galaxy S5) and it happened with both of them. I have never had or seen a computer that had this issue. What part is exactly being affected by this issue? Besides the tape, would swapping out for a new case fix it? New motherboard? If the tape is $50, I can probably just swing a new one. My current case Corsair 200R. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139018

By the way, I appreciate your guys feedback

 

[alzan]

I would assume it is the computer that is lacking the EMI shielding and not the phone. I have had 2 different models (Moto Droid X and Galaxy S5) and it happened with both of them. I have never had or seen a computer that had this issue. What part is exactly being affected by this issue? Besides the tape, would swapping out for a new case fix it? New motherboard? If the tape is $50, I can probably just swing a new one. My current case Corsair 200R. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139018

By the way, I appreciate your guys feedback

My guess would be the power supply but I don't have a clue as to how to verify that other than buying and swapping in a new power supply. As far as the shielding tape that's amazons price for a roll; you don't need that much and may be able to get it cheaper at a local electronics supply store (Radio Shack). You could also check at DigiKey.

Before doing that though do as corkyg suggested and see if that stops the behavior; that costs $0.00.