Wireless connection drops frequently

Question

I've got a 600m with the integrated 802.11B internal adapter.  It worked very well for a couple years.  Recently it started periodicly dropping the connection to the WAP.  Signal strength is good.  It always connects at boot but after a few minutes the connection will be lost.  Sometimes it comes back.  Sometimes it doesn't.  Turning the adapter off and then on again always gets the connection back.  My work laptop sits close by and never drops off line.   The system is out of warranty.  What do you folks think I should do next?

jmwills · Answer

Check the Power Management tab on the device. It may be as simple as being set to "allow to turn off the device to save power". Right click the adapter and go to properties and look in the Power Management Tab settings.

Do you have the most current driver installed?

gbarn88347 · Answer

I had exatly the same problem numerious calls to Dell and noone could come up with an answer but about one hour back i found the cause of the problem, anyon that has any sense has got there own firewall software and have disabled the windows firewall but I discovered by accident that even with the tick in the box to disable the windows firewall some features of the firewall are still active includind protecting the wireless network, the fix is simple in the advanced settings for the windows firewall there is a feature calle exclusions you will find all the boxes checked but when the box is checked it meens that that feature is active not deactivated as you would think, just untick the box and restart your computer and your wirless network will keep working ok also you will find your computer will start up faster

Ron Weiss · Answer

Ok, I might just be a believer, 'gbarn88347' might have found the solution to the dropping of the network connection with the Intel 2200 bg mini pci wifi card. It's been a few days and no drops! Usually I get 3-4 lost connections a day, sometimes de-installing the card works, but usually I'm forced to reboot to get back on line. Will get back to the forum next week with my final verdict, thanks gbarn ! ron w.

Ron Weiss · Answer

I use Zone Alarm as well and by default, disables the internal fire wall in windows, but even though it's not running, un-checking the wi-fi option resolved my issue of losing the connection. So far it's been two days error free, the first time since owning the 700m that it held it's wi-fi link without an drop.

Just go to the Advanced tab under Properties for the 2200BG, select settings for Windows Firewall and uncheck the wi-fi box under the advanced tab. Give it a shot, nothing too lose.

Ron W.

Message Edited by Ron Weiss on 10-08-2005 09:42 PM

waelwell · Answer

Well, I'm using Zone Alarm and the Windows firewall is deactivated. But I'll try the rough equivalent inside Zone Alarm.

However, I'm starting to believe that my problem may be some sort of very localized disruption. My work laptop that sits a foot away almost never drops out. If I take my Dell into a different room to work, the connection is great. It just seems that when I put the laptop in one particular part of my desk the signal strength varies from full strength to nothing and back again.

waelwell · Answer

Well...  I've got a 600M with a 2100 adapter and nothing is mentioned about the firewall on the advanced tab (or any other tab) of the adapter properties page.  :smileysad:

gbarn88347 · Answer

the check boxes are in the windows firewall settings not the wyfi card settings

start > control panel> security centre> windows firewall > advanced untict wyfi tick box

sales@thurcastonwebsites.com for more info

VBdotNet · Answer

The bottom of this page talks about several 'dropped connection' issues that may be of interest. Also, if the connection drops regularly - almost like clockwork - you may need to review the SSID setting in the wireless router or wireless access point. Depending upon what wireless utilities the you are using, you may need to enable the broadcasting of the SSID.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless connection drops frequently

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