Blue Screen (BSOD) when using ethernet cable?

Question

I have two laptops (one is a 5 year old Toshiba and the other is a 2 year old Acer.)  Both had been working perfectly well until about a month ago when I started getting the dreaded BSOD, first on the Toshiba and then on the Acer a few days later.  

My problem lies with the fact that I get the BSOD ONLY when I connect my Ethernet cable.  It's virtually impossible for me to pick up a wireless signal due to the mountains in the area, so in order to get Internet on my computer, I must use an Ethernet cable.  

Both computers work fine when in Normal mode and the Ethernet cable is not plugged in.  I can access the Internet on the Acer with the Ethernet cable plugged in, albeit only in the "Safe Mode -- with Networking" configuration.  I get the BSOD screen immediately when connecting the cord to both computers while they're in "Normal" mode; actually I get it under all the different modes (including the "Safe Mode -- with Networking" config) on the Toshiba, rendering it completely useless for trying to access the Internet. 

I've tried several different Ethernet cables and keep getting the same thing, so I'm curious as to how this problem has affected both of my computers (and out of nowhere!) and what can be done about it?  I've run Malware bytes and no viruses have been detected.  I've tried system restores, but neither computer has been able to successfully create a restore point.  

I'm definitely not a computer whiz, but also not completely ignorant either, and just wanted to see if anyone has any suggestions about what I can do before seeking professional advice.  

Thanks in advance, everyone (and please let me know what other information you may need to help diagnose this problem!)

bill-chz · Accepted Answer

BSOD is mainly caused by hardware related issues or some software. You have to uninstall your network adapter card from Device manager then restart the computer. Windows will identify new devices and then install the latest driver. Do the same to the other laptop and also if you are using a switch or router change the ports and see if that helps out.

EmZ · Answer

It might be that you have a faulty ethernet driver:

You must download a driver that is from the site of your manufacturer.

Look at the back of your Laptop or side of your PC for the Model ID.

On google, Search for "********* drivers" (********** stands for model id)

Better download it on its manufacturer (HP, Dell, Gateway, Sony, etc)

If you are using a PCI-E Ethernet Card, look for it's Model ID and search it on google.

or better option is to use a software download utility. I recommend using Driver Finder, it scans your PC/Laptop for missing and out-of-date drivers.

http://www.driverfinderpro.com/lp/error/bluescreen-errors.php

There is also a few instances that you may know the problem by reading a line from the BSOD Error

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic74712.html  - BSOD Error Code

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/tp/stop_error_list.htm - BSOD Error List

Just check it out, it might help you.

Regards !

Perfecto Manait · Answer

BSOD usually caused by two reasons. 1. is hardware and 2 is software

1. after encountering blue scren did you install hardware?
  if yes, please remove it and restart your computer.
2. did you install any applications?
  if yes, try to restart pc din press f8 and select safemood
 a. if your computer continue in loading windows,
 b. uninstall the application that you recently installed
 c. scan your computer with an anti virus
3. if the problem persists,
 a. remove your memory in the memory slot 
 b. clean it using pencil eraser or much better to replace it for testing

Hope it can help!

Thanks/Jay

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Blue Screen (BSOD) when using ethernet cable?

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