Wireless Internet Problems

Question

Equipment:   Two (2) Inspiron 6000's w/Intel PRO/Wireless 2200bg network cards - ordered 11/30/05, opened on Christmas Day   Netgear WGR614 v6 router   Set up the router using the setup wizard, and connected my wired desktop and the first wireless enabled laptop with no problem. Set up the second laptop the exact same way but it was unable to even detect the wireless network. I've downloaded updated device drivers for the network card, disabled all firewalls, tried to manage the wireless connection using both Windows and Intel software, set up the network as both unsecured and secured, and reseated the card itself and checked the antenna attachments.   The best I've been able to achieve is intermittent identification and connectivity to my network with the second laptop. When the laptop can see the network, it can connect, but it doesn't see it most of the time. I haven't been able to identify any combination of conditions that allow for consistent connectivity. It's completely hit or miss, and mostly miss. BTW, if I connect to the router wired, it works fine.   Does anyone have any ideas? I'm at a complete loss.     Message Edited by paganja on 12-28-2005 09:52 AM

t-rexx · Answer

I have the same router and issues you have. I have several devices that perform flawlessly, but this new 6000 is not a nice boy. A temporary fix is to completely disable WEP encryption, which is what I did. As soon as I discover the issues with the 6000 and WEP, I will post the fix.

LtLeary · Answer

A few things to try. #1, don't use WEP use WPA-PSK or if you MUST use WEP don't use the passphrase generator.  Make up your own HEX values and use them not ASCII.   #2  Make sure you turn off UPNP on the 614.    I've got 3 inspirons and 2 Microns on my 614 as we speek with no issues doing this.   LT

t-rexx · Answer

OK, it's fixed. Jerry Park posted this link:

Yes. Get it here:
http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/cs-010623.htm

This is the dumbest thing. This computer is brand new, and Dell doesn't have updated drivers on it...go figure??? I downloaded the latest drivers for the intel pro-wireless 2200 and it solved the problem. I have WEP 128 back up & running, and all is well!!!.........at least for now

paganja · Answer

Dell Tech Support had me downloading SP2 and Winsock patches yesterday released in 2004, so not having updated drivers for the wireless card doesn't surprise me in the least. Unfortunately for me, the patches and updated driver (which I already had) didn't fix the problem.

I got tired of screwing around with this, so I bought a $30 external card just to see what would happen. Of course, it works GREAT!

Jerry Park · Answer

The Intel cards are not a good choice. Have one myself. Don't use it.

ch3howard · Answer

Am I glad I found you folks! I've been banging my head against a wall for the past day or two with the same problem, figuring it was my own stupidity! I have a refurb Dell Insp 6000 that I just bought from Dell - it came with the Intel Wireless. YUCK!! I also just got DSL. Had no problem setting up the router and host desktop, then I connected my son's desktop - no problem w/wireless. Now my laptop is not responding. Sometimes it connects, but IE won't show anything. I'll try the link posted by you, and hope it works. I'm ready to go out and buy a new wireless adapter and make sure Dell reimburses me!

C H

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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