Windows XP SP3 Causing Routers To Crash?
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So we now have the latest rumor that upgrading to SP3 for Windows XP is causing routers to crash. In fact this headline ‘Windows XP SP3 causing buggy home routers to crash‘, since the term ‘routers’ was used. Most of you know that English is not one of my strongest qualities, but I even know that ‘routers’ is plural, meaning more than one.
So in reading the article, it goes on to state:
Broadband modem/router maker Billion says XP SP3 has been causing its BiPAC 5200-series routers to go into a constant crash and reboot cycle.
The company has produced firmware upgrades that solve the problem, which relate to a bug in Billion’s code, not Microsoft’s. It relates to the fact that Microsoft has started issuing “flag 43″ as part of DHCP messages to the modem — something that has been built into the DHCP specification for 11 years, but not actually used in Windows until XP SP 3.
Although Windows XP SP3 has been available for manual download from Microsoft since May 6, it has just hit Windows Update as an automatic upgrade, which will cause unexpected problems for owners of “unpatched” Billion BiPAC 5200 routers, and possibly other brands or models of router.
Interesting. What the heck is a Billion router anyway? So I go to Newegg, Amazon, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Tiger Direct. Nothing. These must be a big seller! Sorry to anyone who owns one of these but it is not exactly a known name brand.
‘possibly other brands or models of router.’
Has anyone else had this experience with a name brand router? Let us know.
Comments welcome.
11 Comments
the oracle
June 11th, 2008
at 1:21pm
Billion Electric Pty Ltd is a Taiwanese network hardware manufacturer and distributor. Founded in 1973, it now concentrates on broadband modems.
Their range of ADSL modem/routers were introduced into Australia in 2002. Since then, features have been added including 4 port switches, wireless, VoIP, and VPN termination.
from Wikipedia, FWIW
Denny
June 11th, 2008
at 5:55pm
That’s What You . GETS . for Askin . . Ron
****
Ron Schenone
June 11th, 2008
at 6:40pm
I don’t think I’ll be running down and buying one anytime soon.
John Kotson
June 12th, 2008
at 6:11am
SP3 messed with my Westell 6100 modem using Verizon’s DSL service. It constantly cycled through clearing and refreshing the IP address into out of range/obsolete values. I had to rollback my laptop to SP2(which instantly restored my ability to get on the web) in order to download updated drivers for the network card in my desktop. A lot of hassles for which neither Microsoft, Verizon, nor IBM were willing to help.
Ron Schenone
June 12th, 2008
at 6:35am
Hi John,
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your experience with us. I did take a quick look at the Verizon support site and there is no help concerning problems with SP3. Rollback seems like your best solution for now.
Regards, Ron
John Kotson
June 12th, 2008
at 6:58am
Another thought I had was that Verizon might be partially to blame for some kind of software update in their system. I ran SP3 for two weeks on my desktop without any problems before this happened. When I updated the laptop it happened immediately, however this was 24 hours after I was already offline with the desktop. Considering how ‘open’ these companies are about admitting mistakes, we’ll probably never know for sure who screwed up.
Ron Schenone
June 12th, 2008
at 8:51am
Hi John,
Thanks for updating us.
“Considering how ‘open’ these companies are about admitting mistakes, we’ll probably never know for sure who screwed up.”
I agree.
Scott
August 5th, 2008
at 6:59am
Linksys WRT54GX2. Four computer network, three with AMD processors. When the XP machines finished their updates to SP3, that’s when the trouble began - router started rebooting about every 3-5 minutes. Old machine without XP did not affect the router. At first I didn’t know what to do, and what could be causing it until I googled “router rebooting”, and saw the recent info that specifically addressed XP and SP3. I went in and looked, and that’s when I realized the recent update I authorized was the SP3 update (my settings are set to ‘prompt’). I grabbed an old Airlink router, connected it, and within 5 hours it messed up, too (I use this router with Clearwire wireless on mobile situations). So I ended up installing an old Dlink wired router, which had no issues. The Airlink and Linksys were manufactured in the same year. Dlink was much older. Finally got a call from someone at Linksys, who confirmed there was a problem, but could not provide a timeline for new firmware. I doubt they’ll support the older products. Ended up buying a new router, no problems.
Terri
September 24th, 2008
at 5:39pm
John, Help!
I have the same problem with my Toshiba laptop/Verizon DSL. I can get on the web, but cannot get to my Verizon email account. Where did you go to get the download for updated drivers for the network card in my desktop? I haven’t rolled back to SP2 yet, but it looks like my only option.
Thanks,
Terri
Brian
December 7th, 2008
at 8:55pm
SP3 causes my router, a D-Link DLG4500 to go into a crash/reboot cycle. I have since formatted and downgraded to SP2.
Steve
May 10th, 2009
at 5:32pm
Ok, so SP3 is causing my Netgear WGT624 to crash. The machine doesnt reboot itself so I have to unplug it and hard boot it. It is random, every few mins to once an hour. This is bunk.