Hi jongras,

Welcome to the Community,

If your system model is  XPS 14 (L421x)  the latest BIOS version available on support website is A06 released on 8/7/2012.To check your system BIOS version,click on start menu,in the search box type System Information,click on it open,under System Summary on the right hand side of the page,look for BIOS Version/Date.

Use this link to download and update BIOS (if needed):

www.dell.com/.../xps-14-l421x

Regarding the wireless card,go to Control Panel,System,Hardware,Device Manager,expand Network Adapters,right click on the wireless card listed,click properties,click on Driver tab,look for driver date and version.

Post back the name of the wireless card listed,along with driver version and date.

Thank You

Thank you for your quick response!

The machine is an XPS L421X.  The BIOS is listed as A04 (6/26/2012).

So, it looks like I will  be reflashing the BIOS on my brand new laptops.  (My second one is scheduled to arrive today!)

Is there a link to instrucions for completing this process on an UltraBook?  (I have no optical drive, yet.)

Device Manager reports that the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 Wireless adapter is at Version 15.1.1 (3/12/2012).

Thoughts?

Hi  jongras,

Seems like you need to update the wireless card driver  and that should help to fix the wireless issue.

You don't need to have a optical drive to update  BIOS/Drivers for the system.Just make sure system has internet connection,open this page on the system for which you are trying to update BIOS/Driver.

Click on this link below to download and update BIOS and Wireless card driver:

For BIOS Version A06 Release Date:8/7/2012   :

www.dell.com/.../xps-14-l421x

For Wireless card Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 version  15.3.0.16, A02  Release date  9/10/2012 :

www.dell.com/.../DriverDetails

Note:While updating BIOS AC adapter should be plugged in and battery should be adequately charged.To update open the link above,click Get Driver,select single file download,after download is complete run the file.

Let me know if the wireless issue gets fixed after updating the BIOS and the wireless card driver.

Thank You  

Hi, I have the same issues with new XPS 14 (L421x).

Tried all of the above, new bios, wireless drivers etc but still unusable wireless connection. Hence I'm writing this on a Dell Vostro right beside my unconnectable shiny new XPS, which might have to be returned!!

Hi jongras,

Glad you got it working.

Hi patchrisian,

Did you try the BIOS version A09 ?

If you haven't here is the link :

If the issue persists even after updating the latest BIOS and wireless card driver,please post the type of wireless card your system has and also the kind of difficulty you're having with the wireless connection.

Is the system able to pick up the wireless signals? Do you get any error message while trying to connect to wireless?

Thank You

Hi Roshan, got the Bios update eventually but has made no difference. Still struggling to maintain a connection with the wireless, will only work comfortably if I am 10ft from the router.

The wireless card is the Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6235. Have updated drivers and Bios but still problems persist. As mentioned before I have a Dell Vostro which at the moment puts the XPS to shame!!

Hi  patchrisian,

I would suggest you to change few settings under wireless card properties and see if it helps.In Device Manager,right click on the wireless card,click Properties,click on Advanced tab,here make the following changes :

1>Change Roaming Aggressiveness option

2>Change the wireless channels to 11 or 6

3>Disable Bluetooth Collaboration

Note:Click OK at the bottom after making the above changes.

For the wireless security key (router setting) use WPA TKIP,if you are using WPA2 (TKIP/AES).

If the issue persists try connecting the system to a wireless network at a different location (may be your friends house). Observe if it continues to have the same problem on that network too.

If its the same on a different network,run the diagnostics on the wireless card from Start —> All Programs —> Intel PROSet Wireless menu.

Also go to Driver tab,under the wireless card properties,post back the driver version and driver date.

Hope this helps,

Thank You

patchrisian,

In addition to what Roshan stated...

Download and install the latest drivers. Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 drivers

I used these tweaks...

Intel ~ Recommended settings for 802.11n connectivity

Start, control panel, device manager. Click on Network and then right click on your wireless adapter, left click properties, power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.

I went to the power options, and changed the Wireless Adapter Setting, from Maximum Power Setting to Maximum Performance.

Rick

Hi,

I believe this has to be a hardware issue. Have tried the various software solutions but to no use. Dell Tech Support are apparently working on it, and as an interim measure, they are posting me a USB wireless dongle until they find the solution.

I can't say I am overly satisfied with this, laptop is only 3 weeks old and cannot be used over wireless. Any suggestions how I can return this machine??

Hi patchrisian,

Please private message me your system service tag number.To private message click on my user name,click start conversation.

I will check on your system details and get back to you.

Thank You