Hoping I can obtain some advise that will help me fix the problem because I'm ready to give this PC to the Goodwill. I've spent way too many hours reinstalling Windows, programs and running memory, hard drive, motherboard, diagnostic scans. All hardware scans produce passing scores. Problem: After installing two different types of wireless network adapters (Belkin N1 PCI and Belkin N1 external USB) the system works well for a while and then while computing, freezes and will not shut down without a hard boot. Upon start up I get the "Windows cannot start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \windows\system32\config\system". Repair option leaves the system buggy so I ultimately end up doing a clean install. The system came with Windows XP Media Center. The last couple crashes I tried a fresh install of Vista Home Premium but ended up with the same dump results. I'm guessing it's the Belkin drivers? But, why me? I know lots of people using this combination of OS and NIC with no problems. Worst case, I can make subject computer the "wired" system with router and cable modem and put hubby's system in the spectrum but I hate to give up. Thanks for any ideas. It's a Gateway GM5072: GM5072 Specs Dump File: My Dump File
Mods. Oooops. I probably should have put this in General Hardware or Networking. Sorry. Move if you see fit.
I've had the PC for a couple years and looking back, yes, there have been crashes while wired too. Back then, I even returned it to Gateway while under warranty and their alleged scans came back clear too. I was hoping they would id bad memory or something but all they did was reload Windows. Last night I ran a different hard drive scan (one from WD's website) and this one failed (code 8) and would not repair. I ordered another HD from Tigerdirect last night. I'm hoping that's the problem. Thanks for the reply.
Yea! Gateway is not a very good brand PC, I just finished working on a gateway last week. It was a GM5091E... The Motherboard was Fried.,, Gateway and eMachine are not Made good., they use cheap parts and there Power supplys and front on/off switches are defective..In your case it sounds like there is something wrong with computer itself. It might just be the Motherboard.
Kristine, Try disabling the onboard NIC card in the system BIOS and then running a clean install of the new nic card and drivers. I dont see anywhere where you mention disabling the onboard NVIDIA Nic solution.
