unknown device causing freeze

[dcsoxfan]

Hi...

My IBM ThinkPad (running Windows2000 Pro) tends to freeze up on a semi-regular basis. I've tried cleaning out spyware, and putting up a firewall, and those things do seem to help, but the problem keeps returning.

I noticed that there's a consistent error that pops up in my error log whenever I experience a freeze: "The DHCP Clent service depends on the NetBios over Tcpip service which failed to start because of the following error: A device attached to the system is not functioning."

That message seems to be the first one associated with every freeze; many others follow. Anyone have any thoughts or advice on what the error is, and how I might fix it?

Thanks,
Steve

[stevem1]

Hi...

My IBM ThinkPad (running Windows2000 Pro) tends to freeze up on a semi-regular basis. I've tried cleaning out spyware, and putting up a firewall, and those things do seem to help, but the problem keeps returning.

I noticed that there's a consistent error that pops up in my error log whenever I experience a freeze: "The DHCP Clent service depends on the NetBios over Tcpip service which failed to start because of the following error: A device attached to the system is not functioning."

That message seems to be the first one associated with every freeze; many others follow. Anyone have any thoughts or advice on what the error is, and how I might fix it?

Thanks,
Steve


sounds like your ethernet adapter-try disabling it in the device manager and see if the errors stop. If the computer locks up when you try to disable it then it's probably the ethernet adapter that's causing the problem.

[dcsoxfan]

The ethernet adapter... would that be the "Communications Port (COM1)"? It does look like every time the freeze occurs, when I reboot into safe mode, that device is not working. Also, the "IBM ThinkPad Fast Infrared Port" has problems.

By tinkering with the resources those two things use, I can generally boot back up in regular mode. But the freeze will eventually happen again. Any long-term solutions?

Thanks a lot...

[stevem1]

if these items are built into the board the only longterm fix is to disable them or replace the board-if they are actually the cause. To disable your ethernet adapter(network card) go to the device manager,click on the [+] to the left of Network adapters,when your network card appears,right click on it and select disable. Run for awhile to see if the problems have ended, if not disable other items one at a time until the problems end.
PS- The comport is most likely your dialup modem

[dcsoxfan]

Well, I tried to disable then re-enable the two devices that seemed to be causing the problem (the COM1 and the Infrared Port), and now I'm not freezing up, but I also can't get online.

There's also an "unknown" device listed among the "Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Embedded Controller". That began popping up around the same time these freezes started to become a problem.

Thanks for the help so far...

[dcsoxfan]

Hi again, all...

I'm still having major problems with this issue. Every time I try to boot up, I freeze during the Windows intro screen (as the progress bar is about half-full, or half-empty I suppose). My laptop only works in Safe mode now... that's not beneficial to thesis writing!

Help! The very first error in my event log, every time the freeze happens is: "The DHCP Clent service depends on the NetBios over Tcpip service which failed to start because of the following error: A device attached to the system is not functioning."

Disabling the ethernet adapter doesn't seem to work. And, no matter how many times I try to uninstall and re-install the Communications Port (COM1), it says it "has a problem" when I go into the Device Manager.

Thanks, and, help!

[PostCode]

Ok. The ethernel adapter and COM 1 are two different things. The ethernet adapter should be shown under the 'Network Adapters' area in the Device Manager. Check to see what is listed. Post what you have back here.

How do you connect to the Internet? Via a modem or a ethernet connection?

If the network adapter is not working then it may be an issue with the device driver. In the device manager, right click on the device and select uninstall. Rebbot and let Windows reinstall it.


Hope this helps.

[dcsoxfan]

Thanks for replying, PostCode...

I connect via an ethernet connection, and the adapter listed is Intel(R) Pro-100 Mini PCI. I have tried uninstalling it, to no avail.