3945 Problem with Inspiron 6400

Question

Hi folks.

This problem is similar to others I have seen, but I hope that it makes sense to open the thread again.

I have a new Inspiron 6400 with XP home. The wireless card is an Intel PRO/Wireless 3945. When I turn the computer on, it connects to my network right away. Signal strength is "excellent". Then, after a random period of time, it disconnects and I see that the wifi light is off. The 3945 software says that the radio is "on" but no network, but the panel light says wifi is off. There is no connectivity. Trouble shooter says everything is good. Toggling the Fn F2 keys do nothing. Forcing a repair takes time but does nothing. Rebooting gets me back up. A loaner laptop works fine with my router.

A wifi scanner says that there are no available networks, other than mine, in the area. There are no obvious sources of interference. (Phone, remote controls etc.)

I have scanned for viruses and spyware.

I have tried running System File Check.

Tech support suggested using Windows to control the card. No change.

I have tried removing the Intel control software (less of course the driver) and using Windows only.

I have tried deactivating the windows zero config service and only using the Intel software.

I have tried different driver versions from Intel in addition to the driver from Dell.

I have tried various combinations of power settings to see if the card was possibly being shut down. In one case it shut down with 93% battery remaining.

I did spend the $ to get a windows disk so reinstall is an option...just one I would rather avoid. Especially since I'm not confident that this will do it either.

Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks-

John

bacillus · Answer

are you using the latest wireless drivers?

John in Waterdo · Answer

Thanks for the response...yes the latest driver that I can find 10.5.0.0 Checked both Dell and Intel. John

1wrench · Answer

Go to this URL:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R130002&SystemID=LAT_PNT_PM_D610&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=7039&devlib=0&typecnt=2&vercnt=5&formatcnt=1&libid=5&fileid=173255

download this driver(version A13)
R130002.EXE

Use the Dell driver not the Intel driver
you can also try resetting the bios defaults/F2 key on boot-up to enter bios, and hold the Alt key down in bios and press the letter "f" one time to reset bios defaults, before you exit check the date and time and see if you need to reset, (do so if necessary-navigate using the "arrow" keys) then press the Esc key to exit, save changes and exit.
Flashing the bios may assist as it contains "patches" within that at times assist wireless operation

John in Waterdo · Answer

Thanks, I'll give this a try. Now just to make sure...the page you recommend says PRO/Wireless 2200BG.  Can I assume the driver is generic for 2200-3945 Intel cards?

Ptolemy_jwo · Answer

I had the exact same problem with my new 6400.  The Intel 3945 card would just turn off.  I would have to reboot it to get it to work for five more minutes.   Another forum pointed to the access point being the culprit, but my acess point was updated with the newest firmware.   I found a solution (workaround) to the problem in Intel's KB.  http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/cs-006205.htm   while the card is active, go to the device manager, click the properties for the wireless card, set 'power management' to 'maximum performance.'     Message Edited by Ptolemy_jwo on 09-16-2006 04:49 PM

John in Waterdo · Answer

Thanks, that seems to be the solution.  Kind of interesting that Intel blames the access point.  Based on the frequency this issue comes up, there must be a lot of access point manufactures that don't meet spec.  :smileysurprised:   Cheers!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

3945 Problem with Inspiron 6400

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