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27 Posts
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April 20th, 2016 11:00
Can't maintain a stable connection
I am unable to maintain a stable wireless connection with any network configuration I have tried. I have tried several routers, various distances, and even different locations (places outside of my house). I have tried messing with the advanced properties of my network card and my drivers are all up to date. Anything short of using an ethernet cable results in a connection which will frequently disconnect, and my system is always unaware that it no longer has a connection to the network (it still shows an excellent connection in the on the taskbar. When this happens, my computer often BSODs or just crashes with no kill screen after which I need to manually turn the laptop off. Diagnostics show no issues with other hardware. Am I correct to assume that I am in need of a new network card?
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Vince T
27 Posts
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April 20th, 2016 14:00
To answer some of your questions: my laptop is the only device inside of the house that has this issue, and the wireless connection issue has persisted though 3 different routers. The signal on my latest router is excellent. I feel like issues with wireless connection has been an issue since I got the laptop in 2013, but I initially had assumed that the issue was with my router. After going though several routers and having issues on networks outside of my home, I can no longer believe the issue isn't my laptop. I have gone through several fresh installs and it never fixes the issue. Unfortunately, my laptop doesn't have driver support for Windows 10; I'm not sure about Windows 8, but I don't want to pay for it.
I will try uninstalling the driver and see how that goes. I have Complete Care on this laptop, but I don't even know how to get in touch with Dell and convince them that the wireless card is defective since it's not something that is easily reproducible-- it's random. I have tried about 3 times to get this issue fixed and, although something is always replaced, this particular issue always remains.
kirkd
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5.2K Posts
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April 20th, 2016 14:00
Does this happen with any other wireless hardware; cell phones or tablets? Does this only when you are trying to connect outside the house? Is it OK inside? There are certainly distance limits, and outside houses is sometimes difficult because of signal blocking by the exterior walls. You could using a signal booster. You could try a more powerful router or wifi card. Check the broadcast power ratings with what you have.
To try to fix this, first, reinstall the driver. Just uninstall it and let Windows reinstall it. Next, look for an updated driver. If none available, look on-line or on the wifi card manufacturer's web site. It's possible the card is defective. However, showing connections where there are none and getting getting blue screens is certainly not normal. If this has just happened, you can try to restore to an earlier time before the problem. You could also try to reset the OS without losing any programs or data; You didn't mention the operating system. If you have Win 7 or 8.1, you could upgrade free to Win 10. This Upgrade in some cases has solved operational problems. However, trying a new card is not difficult or expensive.
Vince T
27 Posts
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April 22nd, 2016 11:00
Still having issues after uninstalling and allowing Windows to reinstall the driver.