Problem with Atheros Wireless Driver on Hannspree SN12E2

Hi all.

I found a problem with the Hannspree (not a computer problem, but driver issue) which most of you won't see, depending on how you use Windows update or if you run on battery or AC adapter.

This happened with my first Hannspree from newegg 5 weeks or so ago. I couldn't figure out what it was at the time and had to return it before my 30 day return expired. I just got a second one today (new, different serial number) and it worked fine at first, but after updating all Windows software (about 90 updates using the update Windows option in the control panel), the same probem showed up again.

The problem only happens on battery power. I don't see it with the AC adapter.

When running any video or audio on battery, I see a 1 sec buzz which happens every 5-30 sec. But it happens even if not running audio/video, it's just less obvious since it just shows up as the cursor or scrolling freezing for a second, and hard drive access stops too. But the whole computer freezes for that random 1 sec.

Here is the problem:

When you run Windows update, you are given important updates which install by default, plus optional updates which only install if you select them. I selected all of them. There were about 86 important updates, plus 4 optional ones.

After spending a lot of time on this, I looked into the optional updates. There were two hardware updates; one for the Intel video driver, and one for the Atheros AR9285 wireless network adapter. It's the Atheros driver suggested as optional by Windows update that causes the problem.

If you go to the Device Manager, Network adapters, Atheros Wireless, Driver, you'll see the current revision. The more recent Hannsprees should show revision 8.0.0.238 which is dated 10/5/2009. That one works fine and I can get 150 Mbps on my wireless N router.

I wish I wrote down the newer version that has the problem, but it was dated either in June 2010 or June 2011 (version 8.0.0.3xx, I think).

If you want to test your recent Hannspree, just run any audio or video on battery power. There is a nice HD video that comes with Windows 7 called "Wildlife" in the Library/Videos/Sample Videos folder.

With the problem, you'll see 1 second buzzes every few seconds. If you don't see it, then maybe no problem.

If you do see the problem, you don't have to reinstall everything. In the Device Manager, just select "Roll Back Driver". That fixed it for me.

Again, you won't see this unless you select the optional update for Atheros, and then run audio/video under battery power. But it happened on two Hannsprees for me, so I think it is real.

 

I have the updated driver and do not experience this issue and use my machine almost exclusively on battery. I did a fresh Windows install though, so not sure if it's entirely related to the wi-fi driver. Perhaps something in the power profile causes the problem too, I don't know. I'd like to help if I experienced it but so far have not. Will keep an eye out for it and if I can recreate it I'll take your advice and/or work on a fix.

 

Thanks for the input.

I tried removing all background programs, even the anitvirus. The problem still showed up on battery power. I played with the power profiles too.

I hit F3 on reboot, and reinstalled the whole system image. The problem goes away. But once I install that Atheros Wireless driver, the problem appears again.

How did you update your Atheros driver? I accepted the optional update that Windows update offered. That's not always the latest driver. Perhaps you installed an even newer driver from Atheros or somewhere else and that one works?

OK, maybe I'll check at Atheros to see if there is an even newer driver. Like I said in my post, the driver that caused the problem was dated in June 2010, or June 2011 (wish I wrote it down). And both Hannspree's did the same thing.

Anyway, this new Hannspree is working perfect so far (without installing that driver). I really like this computer considering the low price!

 

I did a full fresh install without the system image. Maybe something else with the system image package and another driver conflicting. I don't know. I installed the latest drivers from Hannspree, then that was replaced by one in Windows update.

 

Just looked at what Windows update offered as the optional new driver for the Atheros Wireless driver. I see the date is 6/23/10. No version number shown. I'm pretty sure that is the date of the problem driver. What date do you show in Device Manager for the Atheros driver?

If I have to, I'll install it again to get the version number. It's still being suggested by Windows update. I can always roll back, and from yesterday's experience, I'll probably will have to.

 

I got my SN12 only 3 weeks ago. I installed all the updates, including SP1.

I tried to replicate the issue but cannot see the same "buzzing". I am unsure if you mean graphic artifacts or something audible.

Here is my device manager info FYI:
Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter
Driver Date: 09/06/2010
Version 8.0.0.351

Windows is up to date.

Cheers