File corruption errors

[kaufmed]

Can anyone help me with this darn Win 98 issue. I have MS Wireless Broadband Networking in my house. The computer that is hardwired to the hub and running XP connects to and downloads from the internet fine. My wirelessly connected computer running 98 allows me to surf the web and download small files, but when I try to download anything that over 1M (usually), I get file corruption errors. I cannot update Windows, my Network software, or my antivirus software. I am curious if this is due to a corrupted swap file? I have seen (although I can't remember the exact phrase) a mention of a swap file issue when I try to unpack installer files. And since MonopolySoft is $35 per instance, I figured I'd try here first!! Any assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[GaryRouth]

For larger downloads, have you tried connecting the Win98 machine directly to the router/hub/switch with a Cat.5 ethernet cable? That would rule out interference interrupting your downloads. [although 1mb isn't really very large]

If you are using a "download manager" or a "download accelerator" type of program on the Win98 box, you can try things again with those disabled - MS recommends not using them wihen visiting Windows Update, nVidia recommends not using them when downloading it's drivers, so I'm thinking that they don't help the integrity of the downloads any.

If either fix works, let us know which (or both!) helped - so it anyone else is in the same boat, they can catch the fix too.
. . . Gary

[p.s. ...just noticed that this is your first post here at the PC Mechanic forums ... Welcome! ]

[kaufmed]

Physical location prevents me from using a cable, but I guess if it would help me rule out wifi interference I can move my box. Also, I dont use any kind of accelerators because I tried in the past and didn't notice any difference; and I've also heard that they are bogus from friends.

[GaryRouth]

I did a little more looking around - not catching much luck. Couldn't find an article that matches your situation. (Seemed like most of the folks were having trouble just setting up their wireless networks, or seeing other computers on their network ... I'd looked over on the MS broadband forums)

Is it an 802.11b or 802.11g network? If you can temporarily move the box & all is well with a wired connection, then you might be OK if you add a "repeater" access point closer to the Win98 box.
. . . Gary

[p.s. ...I'm not sure of the exact wireless terminology - an additional network device that receives the signal and amplifies and retransmits it is what I meant by a "repeater access point" -- they might be called "extenders" too ... I haven't done much wireless]

[kaufmed]

I wired the connection and successfully completed all updates-- I'm not sure why I didn't think to try that myself :P Anyways, I appreciate the help. I am curious as to why I'm having the breakup in transmission and is there a way for me to improve the signal so I don't have to relocate my box every time I dload a large file?

[GaryRouth]

Here's an example of a device that can help extend the range [boost the quality of the signal as well, usually] and might help your situation: http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=267

Since you have a Microsoft Base Station, I checked over on their site first, but I didn't notice any range extenders in their product line. If your station is 802.11g, it seems like the Dlink (which is also an 802.11g device) might work.

You might post a message on the MS Broadband forum (or also perhaps here, on our Networking forum), to see if anyone has added an extender to their MS base, and which they'd recommend.

Or buy a really long wire
. . . Gary