1520 Inspiron keeps losing network connection

Hi Brett,

It does not appear to be a failing part as the issue occurs with wireless and wired internet setup both. The issue may be due to a corrupt firewall. It may be a software issue with Windows operating system. Please try the following steps:

1. Try using the laptop in 'safe mode with networking'
'Safe mode with networking' is a diagnostic mode and allows the laptop to operate with only the basic software; thereby causing minimum possible software resistance. You may use the following steps:
- Power off the laptop
- Power it back on and repeatedly tap < F8 > when Dell logo appears (If Windows logo appears, please repeat the steps)
- Advance Boot Options Menu appears (Mouse is inoperable on this screen; use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate)
- Highlight < Safe Mode with Networking' and tap < Enter >
- Windows desktop screen will appear (Icons appear large sized in this diagnostic mode)
- Try using the internet to see if that makes any difference

2. If issue still seen, try disabling the firewall of the anti-virus:
Try to disable the firewall of anti-virus that is installed in the computer and check the result. If Mcafee is installed on your laptop, please follow the steps listed below to disable the mcafee firewall temporarily:
- Locate the 'McAfee' icon on the taskbar. This is located in the lower right-hand side of your screen next to the clock
- Right click 'Mcafee' icon and go to 'Settings'
- Click 'Firewall' (Following screen appears)
  

- Click 'Settings'
- Turn off the 'Mcafee firewall' (Select 15 minutes)
- Click 'Done'
- Re-check the 'internet access'
- If 'Internet works, repeat the same steps to launch Mcafee firewall' interface
- Click 'Turn On' (following screen appears)

 
- Click 'Restore Defaults' and re-check the Internet access
(If a different security software is installed, try disabling it temporarily; you may temporarily remove the anti-virus to check results; Please re-install it later)

3. If the issue persists, try flashing system BIOS:

Note: Before flashing the BIOS please check the following:-
- Battery should have 10% or greater charge
- Adapter should be connected
- No external devices should be connected
- All other programs should be closed and documents saved

- Click  http://dell.to/RqUArI to locate 'BIOS' for your laptop
- Click on “Get driver”
- Save the BIOS on your desktop
- Right click on it and select “Run as administrator”
- Follow the prompts on screen to install BIOS (System may produce beep sounds and may restart)
- Check for the internet performance

4. Plug the laptop with the modem directly:

If issue persists, use an ethernet cable to connect the laptop to the mode directly and re-check internet performance. Though I understand that other devices at your home work perfectly with the router, however, under rare cases some router settings cause problems with only selected computers.

Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions. I would be glad to assist.

Thank you for your comprehensive response. I'm not sure I'll be able to try option 1, because this  is only happening intermittently, and I need to be able to work. Safe mode will introduce too many restrictions and I won't be able to work. I'm also not very keen on disabling my firewall for extended periods of time either!

I will have a go at flashing the BIOS.

I have tried direct connection, and I still get the issue.

Thanks again

Brett

Hi Brett,

Thank you for your prompt response. Computers run only with basic and most essential drivers/applications in 'safe mode'. So, if the internet connectivity does not drop in this diagnostic mode, it helps us isolate software as the root of the issue. Corrupt anti-virus firewall also has the knack of causing connectivity issues; which is the reason I suggested you these steps.

However, I now understand that you need the laptop for important work and cannot afford to use it in the diagnostic mode for too long. In that case, I recommend you try restoring the computer software back to factory defaults. That will help us isolate system software as the root cause of the issue.
However, factory reset of the laptop, results in complete data loss; but takes relatively very less time (close to 20 minutes). After the factory reset, the laptop will be completely re-imaged and will start like a newly arrived machine. You would need to go through the initial 'Windows setup'; If you installed any extra software apart from the factory installed applications on the machine, you will have to re-install those programs again.

If that sounds like a workable plan, please back up your personal data on an external hard drive/media and do let me know. I will provide you the steps for restoring the laptop back to the factory defaults.

Do reply if you have any further questions. I would be glad to assist.