I struggled to get the XPS 13 to connect with wireless on my home network (although it was working on my work network). After over an hour on the phone with a dedicated Dell tech - including an attempt on his part to patch in Verizon support, I was still without home connectivity.
I continued to Google the problem and found a "solution" for a similar problem on a Verizon support board suggesting that I not only cycle the power on my wireless router, but that I leave the power to the Verizon wireless router off for at least one minute - I left it off for five.
When I turned the router back on, the XPS 13 connected to my network and has continued connecting fine since then (2 days at this point).
It sounds like a crazy shot in the dark but it worked (and believe me, between myself and the Dell tech the wireless router was cycled many times before the 5 minute cycle that worked).
How are you trying to connect to the web? Are you trying more than one network? What routers and ISPs are you using to try to connect to? How do you have the routers configured for security? Do other devices connect using the networks?
If other wireless devices are able to connect, compare the wireless settings on the notebook and make sure that it is configured like the other devices.
Try safemode with networking, start the notebook while tapping F8 and choose safemode with networking, then log into Windows. The picture will look different here but that is fine, this is only a test. Try to connect wirelessly. If you have no problems in safemode in networking connecting, then you know that the wireless card is fine and that the router settings are correct. If you are able to connect in safemode with networking but can't in normal mode, then that implies that you have software installed on the notebook that is interfering with the connection. Check your antivirus settings and see if that may be blocking the connection, look for other software that tries to connect to the web.
If you still have the problem even in Safemode with Networking and the notebook wont connect to any wireless network, then I suggest uninstalling and reinstalling the Wireless driver. Please let me know if reinstalling the driver doesn't help.
Hi - Dell have a recognised (by everyone but Dell) design fault with the XPS 15Z. the XPS 14Z, so i cant imagine the XPS 13 is going to be any different. I have 2 dell XPS 14Z here at the moment - one was a replacement machine, but both will have to go back - and I am typing this on my old laptop as I can't get connectivity in my lounge (next door to the router) with either of the Dell machines. Shame as I really like the (new) machine, purchased beginning of March. And shame on Dell for still selling these without addressing or declaring the issue (had I known, I wouldnt have purchased). They finally offered a refund because they finally owned up to the problem and couldn't give me a guarantee the problem would ever be fixed. For an £800 investment in a highly portable machine, thats just unnacceptable. Have been googling for 2 days trying to find an alternative 14" ..... no joy as yet!
I just bought one of these new ultrabooks as well and I'm having similar issues. My experience since I first started the machine is that it will connect to my wireless network but it will not connect to the internet through ms explorer except sporadically. I called Dell Service last night who was able to connect to my machine over the internet with no problems and the tech, who had taken over operation of my machine remotely over the internet, could not get the computer to connect to the internet. Very bizare. So he changed some settings and eventually had me re-install the wireless card driver. And after 30 minutes of updating windows he and I parted ways and I had instructions to monitor the system to see if it improved. He's supposed to call me back tonight. Well, after making the changes and updates, the problem has not gone away. I tried downloading chrome and firefox when I was able to connect but even with the new browsers the problem persists. I'm perplexed because my new dell is connected to my network and other machines in my house are connected to the web through that network, but my new dell won't connect to the web. Any thoughts or suggestions? The Dell technician had me go through the steps you list above last night and the problem persists.
If the technician was able to connect to you remotely implies that there isn’t a problem with the actual hardware. If the WIFI card or antenna was defective the problem is that you wouldn't be able to connect at all or the connection would drop often. For a test try booting to safemode with networking, start the system while tapping F8, choose safemode with networking from the menu and log into windows. See if you can establish a wireless connection and then try browsing websites.
Safemode keeps any startup programs, utilities or drivers from running. Choosing safemode with networking, windows will run the wifi and Ethernet drivers but that is it so it creates a pristine environment for testing. If in safemode you find that you are finally able to browse websites implies that there some type of software that was causing the problem. At that point I would look at what antivirus programs that you are running, be careful of having more than one antivirus installed, take a look at any add on that may be installed on your browser. Test with another browser. If you do only have one AV installed run a full system check.
Please reply with what you find out, let me know if you were able to browse in safemode with networking or not, and if you where let me know what software that you determined may have been causing the problem.
I also have a recently purchased 13z and I am also not able to connect to the network with it... using WPA2 Enterprise at least.
The strange thing is that I can connect to our campus' guest network and get the browser to open the login page, so I know there is not an actual NIC issue. Whenever I try connecting to our WPA2-Ent network though, it fails every time. I have tried this in Safemode and with two different accounts and two different networks (the other being our eduroam network).
This is a software issue with something installed by Dell. I have not installed any software on the machine. The only thing on it is what Dell shipped, so if there is a driver or AV or some other software conflict, it has to do with what Dell is shipping out. I am guessing it has to do with the Intel driver/software on the machine.
Like others, I really like the hardware, but with no network connection it is completely useless and will be returned if I can't get this fixed.
EDIT: Also itrebbill's suggestion may work if you are at home, but in a work environment I have no control over the wireless access points. Also the fact that I can connect to the same network with my Mac sitting right next to me means this is just something that needs to be addressed on this machine.
Using msconfig, I disabled all start up programs. Still no connection. I then went in and disabled all the Intel extra services, bluetooth services, MS Defender... Still no connection.
I think there is some kind of problem with the Intel driver's implementation of some of these network protocols.
Hey - itrebbill again - I have the luxury of being able to control and test in both my work and home environments with many configurations. And though I'm now successfully using the XPS' internal card for network access I had enough pain early on that, wanting to keep the laptop for its many useful features, I found and ordered a very small, pretty cheap, USB WiFi adapter http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003X26PMO from Amazon. Now I never worry.
Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Power Options\Create a Power Plan
Select High performance.
Start, control panel, device manager. Click on Network and then right click on your wireless adapter, left click properties, power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.
I am an actual Dell Technician with the same issue as all of you are having. I have intermittent Disconnects on the XPS 13 Ultr Mobility notebook. I have noticed it only disconnects when the system is warm or hot. It holds a connection fine when the system is well Ventilated. I am going to attempt a replacement of the wireless card to see if that changes anything. Also i'll hook up my spare router and test further. I'll update with what I find out.
itrebbill
2 Posts
2
March 10th, 2012 19:00
I struggled to get the XPS 13 to connect with wireless on my home network (although it was working on my work network). After over an hour on the phone with a dedicated Dell tech - including an attempt on his part to patch in Verizon support, I was still without home connectivity.
I continued to Google the problem and found a "solution" for a similar problem on a Verizon support board suggesting that I not only cycle the power on my wireless router, but that I leave the power to the Verizon wireless router off for at least one minute - I left it off for five.
When I turned the router back on, the XPS 13 connected to my network and has continued connecting fine since then (2 days at this point).
It sounds like a crazy shot in the dark but it worked (and believe me, between myself and the Dell tech the wireless router was cycled many times before the 5 minute cycle that worked).
Good luck!
DELL-Terry B
4 Operator
•
3.5K Posts
0
March 12th, 2012 12:00
gloriainny
How are you trying to connect to the web? Are you trying more than one network? What routers and ISPs are you using to try to connect to? How do you have the routers configured for security? Do other devices connect using the networks?
If other wireless devices are able to connect, compare the wireless settings on the notebook and make sure that it is configured like the other devices.
Try safemode with networking, start the notebook while tapping F8 and choose safemode with networking, then log into Windows. The picture will look different here but that is fine, this is only a test. Try to connect wirelessly. If you have no problems in safemode in networking connecting, then you know that the wireless card is fine and that the router settings are correct. If you are able to connect in safemode with networking but can't in normal mode, then that implies that you have software installed on the notebook that is interfering with the connection. Check your antivirus settings and see if that may be blocking the connection, look for other software that tries to connect to the web.
If you still have the problem even in Safemode with Networking and the notebook wont connect to any wireless network, then I suggest uninstalling and reinstalling the Wireless driver. Please let me know if reinstalling the driver doesn't help.
TB
skyzabay
3 Posts
0
June 4th, 2012 07:00
Hi - Dell have a recognised (by everyone but Dell) design fault with the XPS 15Z. the XPS 14Z, so i cant imagine the XPS 13 is going to be any different. I have 2 dell XPS 14Z here at the moment - one was a replacement machine, but both will have to go back - and I am typing this on my old laptop as I can't get connectivity in my lounge (next door to the router) with either of the Dell machines. Shame as I really like the (new) machine, purchased beginning of March. And shame on Dell for still selling these without addressing or declaring the issue (had I known, I wouldnt have purchased). They finally offered a refund because they finally owned up to the problem and couldn't give me a guarantee the problem would ever be fixed. For an £800 investment in a highly portable machine, thats just unnacceptable. Have been googling for 2 days trying to find an alternative 14" ..... no joy as yet!
Good luck!
wvw
1 Message
0
June 15th, 2012 05:00
Dell-Terry, or other person interested,
I just bought one of these new ultrabooks as well and I'm having similar issues. My experience since I first started the machine is that it will connect to my wireless network but it will not connect to the internet through ms explorer except sporadically. I called Dell Service last night who was able to connect to my machine over the internet with no problems and the tech, who had taken over operation of my machine remotely over the internet, could not get the computer to connect to the internet. Very bizare. So he changed some settings and eventually had me re-install the wireless card driver. And after 30 minutes of updating windows he and I parted ways and I had instructions to monitor the system to see if it improved. He's supposed to call me back tonight. Well, after making the changes and updates, the problem has not gone away. I tried downloading chrome and firefox when I was able to connect but even with the new browsers the problem persists. I'm perplexed because my new dell is connected to my network and other machines in my house are connected to the web through that network, but my new dell won't connect to the web. Any thoughts or suggestions? The Dell technician had me go through the steps you list above last night and the problem persists.
Thanks
DELL-Terry B
4 Operator
•
3.5K Posts
0
June 15th, 2012 08:00
wvw
If the technician was able to connect to you remotely implies that there isn’t a problem with the actual hardware. If the WIFI card or antenna was defective the problem is that you wouldn't be able to connect at all or the connection would drop often. For a test try booting to safemode with networking, start the system while tapping F8, choose safemode with networking from the menu and log into windows. See if you can establish a wireless connection and then try browsing websites.
Safemode keeps any startup programs, utilities or drivers from running. Choosing safemode with networking, windows will run the wifi and Ethernet drivers but that is it so it creates a pristine environment for testing. If in safemode you find that you are finally able to browse websites implies that there some type of software that was causing the problem. At that point I would look at what antivirus programs that you are running, be careful of having more than one antivirus installed, take a look at any add on that may be installed on your browser. Test with another browser. If you do only have one AV installed run a full system check.
Please reply with what you find out, let me know if you were able to browse in safemode with networking or not, and if you where let me know what software that you determined may have been causing the problem.
TB
chaz95
8 Posts
0
June 20th, 2012 07:00
I also have a recently purchased 13z and I am also not able to connect to the network with it... using WPA2 Enterprise at least.
The strange thing is that I can connect to our campus' guest network and get the browser to open the login page, so I know there is not an actual NIC issue. Whenever I try connecting to our WPA2-Ent network though, it fails every time. I have tried this in Safemode and with two different accounts and two different networks (the other being our eduroam network).
This is a software issue with something installed by Dell. I have not installed any software on the machine. The only thing on it is what Dell shipped, so if there is a driver or AV or some other software conflict, it has to do with what Dell is shipping out. I am guessing it has to do with the Intel driver/software on the machine.
Like others, I really like the hardware, but with no network connection it is completely useless and will be returned if I can't get this fixed.
EDIT: Also itrebbill's suggestion may work if you are at home, but in a work environment I have no control over the wireless access points. Also the fact that I can connect to the same network with my Mac sitting right next to me means this is just something that needs to be addressed on this machine.
chaz95
8 Posts
0
June 20th, 2012 08:00
Followup...
Using msconfig, I disabled all start up programs. Still no connection. I then went in and disabled all the Intel extra services, bluetooth services, MS Defender... Still no connection.
I think there is some kind of problem with the Intel driver's implementation of some of these network protocols.
itrebbill
2 Posts
0
June 20th, 2012 15:00
Hey - itrebbill again - I have the luxury of being able to control and test in both my work and home environments with many configurations. And though I'm now successfully using the XPS' internal card for network access I had enough pain early on that, wanting to keep the laptop for its many useful features, I found and ordered a very small, pretty cheap, USB WiFi adapter http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003X26PMO from Amazon. Now I never worry.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 20th, 2012 16:00
chaz95,
Can you run an ipconfig /all log and post it back here.
Rick
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 21st, 2012 12:00
chaz95,
Try...
Dell has Updated Drivers for the Intel 6230 Wireless Networking Adapter
Intel® WiFi Products — Power Save Polling (PSP) causes connection issues with some access points
Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Power Options\Create a Power Plan
Select High performance.
Start, control panel, device manager. Click on Network and then right click on your wireless adapter, left click properties, power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.
Also try reading...
How to repair a connection
Try resetting the winsock catalog
Rick
chaz95
8 Posts
0
June 21st, 2012 12:00
Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : dmc-lt-loaner3
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
Wireless LAN adapter Wireless Network Connection 4:
Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter #3
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 88-53-2E-F1-BD-92
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
Wireless LAN adapter Wireless Network Connection:
Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6230
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 88-53-2E-F1-BD-91
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
Tunnel adapter isatap.{94F8AFC6-DE1C-48A7-9FE7-185CAC132080}:
Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Microsoft ISATAP Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 12:
Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Microsoft 6to4 Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
Tunnel adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:
Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
Tunnel adapter isatap.{998D5577-1AC1-4B9D-98C1-CDBCE6BAAE41}:
Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Microsoft ISATAP Adapter #2
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
chaz95
8 Posts
0
June 21st, 2012 14:00
- I was already using the 15.1 drivers. I have also tried the drivers straight from Intel.
- Changed power settings
- Went through winsock repair
Still no connection. I think its time to send this one back. I love the machine, but it just isn't going to connect to our WPA2 network.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 21st, 2012 14:00
chaz95,
If your system is still under warranty, Contact Dell Technical Support They may want to remote in it and maybe they have settings they can change.
Rick
gsxr6tck
4 Posts
1
July 10th, 2012 12:00
I am an actual Dell Technician with the same issue as all of you are having. I have intermittent Disconnects on the XPS 13 Ultr Mobility notebook. I have noticed it only disconnects when the system is warm or hot. It holds a connection fine when the system is well Ventilated. I am going to attempt a replacement of the wireless card to see if that changes anything. Also i'll hook up my spare router and test further. I'll update with what I find out.
chaz95
8 Posts
0
July 24th, 2012 15:00
Any update on this?