Recently upgraded computer, Some programs lock up entire machine.

Ack, unfortunately I do not have one spare nor one to bum off someone. I'll have to order a USB wifi from amazon, unfortunately the soonest I can get it here is June 1st because of the holiday (ouch..). I hope that solves the problem, I wouldn't mind going to USB Wifi especially because how old this current one is.

Amazon.com: Medialink - Wireless N USB Adapter - 802.11n - 150Mbps - 2.4ghz - Windows 2000 / XP / Vista 64-Bit /128-Bit Windows 7 Compatible: Electronics

Seems to be a solid purchase. I hope this fixes the issue, but until then, if you have any ideas definitely run them by me!!

Edit: Prime account lucked out for me, I can have it by Saturday.

Edit 2: Ug, I'm gonna try what you suggested and take it to the other room to try the hard connection. This is going to be nasty, but this would answer so many questions. I'll post my results.

Hopefully I catch you before you go, but I did a test.

So I moved the computer to the router room, and hard lined directly to the router. Low and behold (always wanted to say that) the server browsers work fine, for Steam and Brink. Good news right? Sorta. So I disconnect from the router by unplugging the Ethernet and switch back over to WiFi. I run the server browser.....still works, what? I tried Brink's in game browser, that also works. Did it manage to fix itself?? I got excited for a moment. Maybe the Ethernet just cleared some faulty settings, I have no idea. So I wanted to double check, I restart the computer with only WiFi. Run the server browser and BOOM, locked up. Now granted I think we can see the problem is specifically related to the adapter, perhaps I can still save myself the 30 dollars because of the new information that I picked up.

Any of this make sense to you? It sure doesn't to me!

I tried re-seating it. It's all I could do. But honestly all the parts are brand new and there's no dust anywhere. Even the old Wireless adapter is new as far as usage is concerned. I never used it until now. I blew out the the PCI slot and gave it a quick wipe down. I guess that means in the end it's always..dun dun dunnnn...drivers eh? Either way, the new one comes tomorrow. I don't mind the purchase too much either since it's also a wireless N adapter. I have a wireless N router that's just sitting here not being used, waiting for me to move outta this house into another.

I'll let you know tomorrow how it all works out. I imagine it'll be fixed. Since it's clearly related to the WiFi card. Thanks again for the help. You've added a new member to your forum because of your assistance =) I see myself hanging around the Windows Tweaks section a lot!

Just wanted to let you know all has been well. The USB Wifi adapter I bought fixed the issue. Steam server works fine, Brink server works fine, and I'm back to using Chrome. Thanks for the assistance Sledge!!!!