While there are many reasons for your computer to lock up, mine was a weird issue that took me months to track down. Up until then I had a rock solid stable FSX and was able to do up to 18.5 hour long hauls without a problem. Back then I was using nhancer and older video drivers because it worked flawless and I did not want to do anything to jinx it.

 

But a few months ago a friend of mine talked me into using Nvidia Inspector and the latest drivers. About this time I started having a freeze problem where the computer would lock up in the middle of a long haul. This was so aggravating because I lost over a 200 hours in aborted flights. Originally I suspected Nvidia Inspector was to blame and possibly the FPS limiter. When I confirmed that was not the problem I thought well maybe it's hardware. But after a new video card and same issue was able to rule that out. I did tests on the memory and checked the temps on the CPU but nothing was wrong with any of that either. I then deleted and rebuilt my FSX.cfg and did the Bojotes Tweaks but still had the Freeze.

 

By this time I am pulling my hair out and thinking it's just not worth it and about to Format my hard drive and Retire. But being the dedicated Flight Sim Ethusiast I am I kept looking for solutions by process of elimination and I finally found the culprit!

 

Before when my system was stable I was on a Charter Communications Cable Router with Ethernet connection. When I moved a couple months ago to live with some friends they were using a Wireless N Network and the Cable Router was in a different room than my computer. I recently did some rewiring and now have the Router in my Room and the computer connected via Ethernet again. Yep it was the Amped Wireless 150N Compact USB adapter I was using causing the problem. It can only go maybe 4 - 6 hours before it either causes a BSOD or total system freeze.

 

Since I have been back on Ethernet everything has been flawless. I recommend the following 4 things for a rock solid and stable Sim.

 

1) Download and Install Nvidia Inspector and use the recommended PMDG Settings.

 

2) I highly Recommend the Bojotes tweaks. This smoothed my system out considerably.

 

3) Make sure you have the UIAutomationcore.dll Fix.

 

4) Use Ethernet instead of Wireless.

glad you sorted it out,there have been times when i almost launched my computer into space.Think Space shuttle x2,now with a new system those days are over,and i'm a lot calmer.happy days paul eh.

 

steve-0

4) Use Ethernet instead of Wireless.

 

Be careful with broad generalizations like this. My own system has run on wireless for years with no such problems. I'm currently using an Asus RT-N56U (incredible router btw) with their PCE-N13 PCIe wireless adapter. I'd buy that the specific adapter or router you're using might have an issue, but not a blanket statement like telling people to only use wired ethernet or they're going to get freezes.

 

FYI too - USB networking adapters rely on the host CPU for their processing rather than a dedicated chip like my PCIe card does - that could be involved in what you saw too.

Your Right Ryan sorry about that. I just had a very bad experience with the only 2 Wireless adapters I have used. Both were used on Cisco Cable Modem Routers provided by Charter Communications. The first one was a Wireless G and was a piece of crap that only got like 2 bars even when close to the router. The Amped had the best range and always had 5 bars. Was reliable enough for internet use. But when your flying with ACARS and need maximum reliability I don't think ethernet can be beat. Like you say though that doesn't mean all Wireless adapters are bad. I do not think the router was the issue though because the other 2 people using Wireless USB adapters on the Network have not had any problems. I also saw this reported on the web by another Amped Owner that had the same model as me. He said he averaged about 1 freeze or BSOD per day which is what was happening to me. So I'm fairly confident it was the Amped USB adapter causing the problem and not the Router.

 

I will rephrase #4 to avoid any confusion or misinformation.

 

4) Since Ethernet provides the best Connection possible I suggest using this whenever practical. Or as Ryan said a good quality Wireless Card with it's own dedicated Chip. :hi:

FYI too - USB networking adapters rely on the host CPU for their processing rather than a dedicated chip like my PCIe card does - that could be involved in what you saw too.

 

Was always under the impression using USB adapters wast a LAST resort just for the reasons Ryan mentioned, Ive never used anything but Ethernet for my networked simcomputers.

Like Ryan said, not sure about the wireless thing. I use a wireless connection (impossiblefor me to use ethernet) and I have never had a problem.

Guys, before this turns into an Ethernet vs Wireless debate. There are many things that can cause a freeze. In my case I tried many suggestions to resolve the problem but none worked. :help:

 

 

The Wireless USB adapter was the last thing that would have occured to me as the culprit. That is why it took me so long to track this issue down.

 

 

The reason I posted this was so if anyone else had a similar problem like mine they could save themselves some time and test to see if their adapter was causing the problem. :Cowboy:

For ME, I had lots of issues running my laptop with my destop over wireless as far as disconnects with programs (Aivlasoft EFB demo, FSINN, simconnect dependent programs).

Once I plugged directly into the router using ethernet I never had a disconnect with any program from that point on.

 

It's not for everyone, but for me I feel safer running all my 3rd party addons on my laptop over a wired connection.

For ME, I had lots of issues running my laptop with my destop over wireless as far as disconnects with programs (Aivlasoft EFB demo, FSINN, simconnect dependent programs).

Once I plugged directly into the router using ethernet I never had a disconnect with any program from that point on.

 

It's not for everyone, but for me I feel safer running all my 3rd party addons on my laptop over a wired connection.

 

I do something along the same lines. I run all my 3rd party stuff (FSINN, Activesky, VA's ACARS, etc.) on my old gaming desktop-turned file/media server. That machine as well as my my sim computer (new gaming rig) are always connected via the wire. If I leave the room for an extended period of time I take my laptop with me and create a Remote Desktop Connection (RDP/MSTSC) to the computer running the side stuff which lets me keep an eye on ATC (Can change Com frequency), weather, ACARS and a Teamviewer connection incase I need to connect back to the sim (sim does not support RDP).