Article ID: 837123 - Last Review: March 9, 2004 - Revision: 1.2

Laptop computer produces buzzing noises when you use CardBus/PCMCIA wireless 802.11 adapters

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SYMPTOMS

If your laptop computer uses a wireless 802.11 CardBus/PCMCIA network adapter, you may hear popping or clicking noises from the laptop speakers.
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CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the sound card on many older laptop computers is not shielded correctly.

Because the sound card is frequently positioned close to the CardBus/PCMIA slot in the laptop computer, the waves of energy that are dispersed through the network adapter interfere with the sound card. This interference causes these noises to come through the speakers. The sounds correspond to data being transferred on the wireless network.
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RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the laptop computer can add more shielding for the sound card. To determine whether additional shielding can be added, contact the manufacturer.

For information about your hardware manufacturer, visit the following Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vendors/en-us (http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vendors/en-us)
Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP1
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Keywords: 
kbprb KB837123
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