I use to have crashes like mentioned above, probably around 4-5 years ago. I am pretty sure it was do to a noisy home electrical system. The game would often crash when my forced-air furnas would click on. I fixed the problem by using an isolation transformer and CVS (Constant Voltage Supply). I bought one used (500VA, 1phase, 120VAC to 120VAC, ~5Amps good for powering two computers) from a local electronics shop for $100. A new one like mine can cost over $1000. I would recommend looking at UPS isolation transformers at a Bestbuy. Have to be careful though, the cheap ones can add more noise to an electrical utility. Also note, some CVS’s can be very noisy audible wise. Mine is an industrial CVS and I had to put it into another room because of the humming noise.
Another thing to consider is how many fluorescent lights (and CFL's) are used on the same transformer shared by you and your neighbors. Fluorescent lights (I haven't heard anything about the new CFL's being too noisy, but they may be just as bad) have a nasty effect on electrical systems. Fluorescent lights can add a lot more noise to an electrical system when placed farther away from the transformer feeding the home or business. So, for example, having a garage out back lit up with fluorescents could be an issue. Another fix to eliminating fluorescent light noise is to put them on their own isolation transformer. An isolation transformer will block most electrical noise from the lights feeding back to the remaining home/business electrical system. This type of transformer can be just an isolation transformer W/O the CVS built-in. These can be bought with the plug and receptacles included, probably around the $20-200 range for a 500VA sized transformer. Another place to look is ebay. If you’re not an electrical person I would recommend one with a built-in circuit breaker and receptacles. These things can overheat, smoke, and possibly catch fire if used improperly.
