Downloads Causing Computer to Freeze

Technology and Gaming Help and Support
#1

I’m not sure if this should go in this forum or the help forum so move it if it’s in the wrong place.

This has been happening for awhile and I’ve asked on other forums but never got a good answer. Basically, downloading almost anything causes my computer to freeze, be it on Steam, BT, and sometimes during direct download. One Steam I can usually download for around 30 seconds to a minute before it freezes, BT usually freezes my computer right when it starts, and it varies for DD.

As an example, earlier today I was downloading a TF2 update and had to pause the download every 30 seconds or so to keep my computer from freezing. As you can probably imagine this gets very annoying very quickly.

I’m thinking it’s my router, an SMC USB router since it began shortly after installing it. Though I’m not sure if a router can cause an entire computer to freeze. I would prefer to not have to mess with the computer too much as my parents and brother use this computer as well.

It’s kind of strange because I can play online games without it crashing which you’d think would put more strain on the connection than downloading. And also just being on the internet sometimes freezes the computer. For example, Youtube doesn’t really work all that well.

I’m running Windows XP SP2 (not sure about the SP). My router is an SMC USB router. My ISP is Road Runner.

#2

Installed a router on a computer?

Wut, does not compute.

#3

Well, it came with a program, that’s basically what I meant. Sorry if it was confusing.

#4

What are your specs. Maybe your computer just sucks.

#5

It’s not a crappy computer. I was able to download anything perfectly fine up until we got a new router which is what leads me to believe that’s the cause. I’ll get the specs tomorrow. What do you need to know about it?

#6

If it’s newer then 3 years old or so it should be fine, thought it might be a 6 year old thing.
Wait, a usb router? Do you mean a wireless network device that plugs in via usb, or the router plugs into your usb port, because usb isn’t a exactly network interface.

#7

You know I might be using the wrong terms. I have a machine in my basement that sends out a wireless signal. The thing I’m talking about picks up those signals and allows me to connect to the internet.

Edit: This is the thing that plugs into my computer.

#8

I’m sorry if this off topic but, oh wow, you actually installed software for a router?

haha, oh man.

#9

USB router… ???
There’s your problem, basically ô.o

Get a real router

#10

Read the above posts, we’ve concluded he means a network adapter.
What were you using previously to connect? A cable, or a different wireless device?

#11

You have to install a new ethernet or wifi card, your current network card is obviously dead, this happens quite often too.

Or at least try a different USB port.

#12

Try reinstalling the wireless recvicer (the USB thing) if that dosn’t help, it could be faulty.

#13

It seems my computer is older than I thought. In the system menu of the control panel it says my Windows XP is from 2002. And before, I used sort of the same thing that I’m using now but it stood up straight. I don’t feel like messing with the computer too much so I’m just going to conclude that it’s from age. Anyway, thanks for your help :smiley: .

#14

WinXP is always from 2002, your PC could be as new as 2009.

#15

Oh. I know it’s definitely older than 2009. I’d say 2005 at the latest.

#16

Did anyone mention it could be the antivirus crashing it up? It could make sense since it scans newly downloaded files. Try disabling it maybe.

I read the posts pretty quick, maybe I missed something though…

#17

[COLOR=‘Red’]Moving to the Help and Support forum.

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