uTorrent causes wireless adapter to restart when torrents are active

[44penfold]

I recently upgraded from Windows 7, where everything was fine and worked nicely, to Windows 8.1 (64 bit). Since upgrading though, when downloading a file, my USB wireless adapter seems to turn off for about 5 seconds then turn back on, as if the device had been unplugged from the computer. The device itself is a Netgear WNA1100 with the latest drivers. I'm running uTorrent 3.3.2 build 30303, and my ISP is Sky. Programs such as Steam have no problems downloading files however, and I can't find any connection or reason as to the disconnects. I've noticed that when it does this, some of the other USB ports seem to shutdown temporarily as well. Any ideas as to what it could possibly be?

[ciaobaby]

I've noticed that when it does this, some of the other USB ports seem to shutdown temporarily as well

Which is indicative a 'volt drop' problem caused by a device or devices momentarily drawing more than the maximum 500ma from a single USB port.

[44penfold]

That does seem like it could be the problem. Is there anything I can do to prevent this voltage drop? Thanks for the reply!

[ciaobaby]

Is there anything I can do to prevent this voltage drop

Avoid overloading the ports, especially if you use a line powered USB hub.

[44penfold]

Cheers for your help man! Thinking about overloading the ports, I changed some USB devices around, and wondered what would happen if I put the device in the USB 3.0 port. It seems to have sorted the connection out, and boosted my DL speed by about 5 - 10% so that's ace. Cheers again!