Windows/network suddenly become unresponsive (not frozen)

[Xax]

Starting this morning, this problem has occured several times. Suddenly all network transfers will stop, and I can't launch any new programs. Already-running programs remain responsive, except for network connectivity. For example, Chrome is still open, and I can open new tabs, but if I try to load google.com or even my router's admin page (192.168.1.1), nothing happens. No error; just nothing loads. My router and Internet connections remain intact and functioning (I tested using other devices).


A reboot will fix the problem for upwards of an hour, and then the same thing will happen. When it does happen, I'm unable to End-Task explorer.exe, or log off Windows; I have to hard-reboot. If I don't already have Task Manager open, it won't open via CTRL+SHIFT+ESC, and nothing happens when I press CTRL+ALT+DEL. I can WIN+R to enter a program name, but no program will launch.


Memory/disk/CPU usage all seem fine, with no apparent hard drive throttling, and there's plenty of free memory. I've never seen something like this happen before. Any ideas?

 

[Nuccii]

Hard reset your router and use the Network troubleshooter in the control panel.

Verify if Limited Connectivity is a problem:
https://www.wiknix.com/no-internet-access-in-windows-8-1/

 

[Xax]

Hard reset your router and use the Network troubleshooter in the control panel.

Verify if Limited Connectivity is a problem:
https://www.wiknix.com/no-internet-access-in-windows-8-1/

I should've mentioned that I initially tried hard-resetting the router to see if that would do anything, but it doesn't. The router continues to work fine from other devices, and wouldn't explain the software issues.

 

[Xax]

(I should also mention that I'm connected via Ethernet.)

 

[Xax]

Alas, I've yet to find a solution, and have had to reboot about 10 times over the last 8 hours. System Restore failed to work for some unknown reason, so I'm feeling rather frustrated. The last thing I want to do is wipe and re-install Windows, but I'm at a loss here. Such a bizarre problem.

 

[Nuccii]

Have you updated your network adapter drivers lately if so try rolling them back? Or uninstall them and reboot the computer, Windows will use generic drivers and see if your problem continues. You could always update them from the manufacturer's site.

 

[Xax]

Have you updated your network adapter drivers lately if so try rolling them back? Or uninstall them and reboot the computer, Windows will use generic drivers and see if your problem continues. You could always update them from the manufacturer's site.

I hear what you're saying, and I appreciate your help and don't want to see seem dismissive, but I strongly feel like the source of the problem isn't the network side of things. A router or network adapter issue shouldn't cause problems with not being able to load/close other programs or bring up the Task Manager, for example.

All of these issues coincide, and happen at the same time.

 

[Nuccii]

I am not saying it is causing all your problems but as I re-read your original post the drivers may be causing some of the problems