Asus G73JW Freezes after Windows 8.1 Update - Network Related

Anonymous
2013-11-19T13:41:57+00:00

Quick background.  I had trouble installing the Windows 8.1 update - it continually crashed on installation.  I contacted Microsoft Support and they directed me to this site: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/1e1adbc5-b78e-4b2a-9661-4139d13cc7d3/0xc1900101-0x30018-error-during-update-restore-win8?forum=w8itproinstall

In the end, I was able to install Windows 8.1 by disabling all of my onboard devices (audio, networking, etc).  When I re-enabled them, I found that the computer would crash anywhere between 0 - 2 minutes after logging in.  I assumed a driver issue and, in those 2 minutes, was able to update each driver via Device Manager (requiring several reboots).

Everything worked fine for a few days.  Now, the computer has started to freeze again.  Disabling the built-in networking solves the problem, but I would obviously like to access the internet.  On top of that, it's inconsistent.  Once the freezing starts, I *must* disable networking via BIOS.  But then if I re-enable networking, it doesn't automatically lead to a freeze - I'm writing this post from the troubled computer right now.

I've confirmed that it's related to the network card because I tried a dozen things, but it kept on freezing.  Disabled the network and boom - freezing is gone.

I don't know how long I'll have a grace period.  If I only need to disable the networking once a week, I can live with that.

Thoughts?  Drivers are updated.  The install is as clean as possible since doing the update required me to wipe my system.

I'm certain that going back to 8.0 will solve the problem, but I like to keep my system current.

Hardware: Asus G73JW Laptop with Qualcomm Atheros AR9285 Wireless (as reported by Device Manager)

Thanks!

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Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-10-08T05:53:51+00:00

    No trouble yet and its been almost 2 weeks now! :)

    This could be it...

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-10-01T06:48:50+00:00

    I thought i should share the latest also...

    Computer: Asus G73JW. Here are some facts...

    1. You can install Win 8.1 without problem by disable wi-fi from boot menu.
    2. You can run Win 8.1 perfectly if you set the computer in airplane mode.

    I have done this for a long time now...

    Heres my latest...

    I replaced the wi-fi card with a Intel Centrino advanced-n 6300 card.

    Its really easy to replace and the dual band provides a stronger and faster connection.

    Ive been running this for a couple of days now and so far everything is fine...

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-09-30T20:45:48+00:00

    Finally got this figured out and it's the intel chipset drivers!  I'm able to reboot with wifi / bluetooth and battery plugged in no problem.  No more hard drive lag either.

    Steps for full Chipset Install:

    1. Navigate to https://downloadcenter.intel.com/default.aspx
    2. Choose "Embedded Components" -> "Embedded Chipsets" -> "Mobile Intel HM55 Express Chipset"
    3. Download "INF Update Utility 9.2.0.1030" ZIP FORMAT!
    4. Extract all files from the INF Update Utility to C:\intel_auto (you'll need to create the folder)
    5. Open command prompt
    6. Navigate to C:\intel_auto (cd c:\intel_auto <enter>)
    7. Setup.exe -a <enter> (This copies the setup files to C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\INFINST)
    8. Setup.exe -overall <enter> (This opens the intel installer and forces installation of the chipset drivers.  The screen will go blank / flash and then at the end, it'll ask you to reboot).

    DONE!

    So far this has worked for me, wont know for sure until a few days of successful boot ups without freeze. Can anyone else comment on the success of using the CMD to install intel update? Also what other drive versions you are using without problem.

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-09-29T17:59:25+00:00

    Same problem here for my G73JH.

    Found a solution before visiting here that works consistently but doesn't eliminate the problem.

    Unplugging the battery and the power cord for a few seconds does the trick.  If I don't unplug the battery, the machine freezes within 60 seconds of boot up. 

    I've since upgraded all the drivers that are relevant and still get the issue on boot occasionally, I'll be trying the CMD install for the Intel controller next as well.

    ASUS support is a joke, I've had the machine in for repairs 3x for overheating shutoffs and all three times it came back with a disconnected heat sink ...finally had it repaired locally the correct way.  Tablets and other laptops all have more issues than I've ever had with PCs in my life, so unless the overall quality has degraded industry wide, I'm avoiding ASUS for a while.  USERS are the ONLY decent help I've found so thanks to everyone that took more time than the damned company that was paid to.

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