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
    2014-03-23T21:46:20+00:00

    It's absolutely critical that you install it using the cmd method and not the auto exe (the exe won't update any files).  Where did you find that 9.4.0.1027 driver for the HM55 chipset (series 5 chipset)?

    Ah.  So it is the installation method that is the difference maker?

    Intel's INF updates are not drivers in the most technical sense, but are instead updates to important files that tell Windows how to use Intel integrated hardware. However, most folks usually still refer to them as drivers.  You can get v9.40.1027 INF installer here: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail\_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=23061

    Although it was not packaged specifically for the older Series 5 Intel HM55 Express Chipset, the bundle still contains a newer INF file that supports the chipset (ibexcore.inf).

    Please give v9.40.1027 a try and let us know if works as well as the other version.  Thanks!

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-03-23T18:45:17+00:00

    It's absolutely critical that you install it using the cmd method and not the auto exe (the exe won't update any files).  Where did you find that 9.4.0.1027 driver for the HM55 chipset (series 5 chipset)?

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-03-23T17:18:33+00:00

    Thank you for the detailed instructions.  I've updated the Intel Chipset drivers before with a newer version (v9.4.0.1027), but the notebook would still have the occasional lock-up.  Perhaps the version number does makes a difference?  We'll see.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-03-19T02:10:13+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!

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-03-18T04:32:14+00:00

    I'm just checking in to say that I haven't had a problem in several months - not since whenever I last posted about an issue popping up.

    I have not grabbed the specific drivers John posted earlier - I've just been leaving default updates to do their thing.  Bluetooth is still disabled in the BIOS.  So, some combination of Bluetooth being disabled and/or an unrealized Windows Update has me, seemingly, in the clear.

    I've never taken my battery out and frankly, that seems like the weirdest fix for the issue we've had.  It sounds like you said you had problems....and then upgraded to Win 8.1.  All of the people in this thread had troubles *after* (or during) the upgrade to 8.1.  Still, weirder things have happened in my experience.

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