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1331295
Dell Inspiron 17r keeps losing wifi connection
hello, i have had my inspiron 17r since this christmas. its obviously still in great condition as it is not even a year old yet. however, after about a month of having my computer i noticed something that it did that was very annoying. the wifi connection is randomly lost for about 2 minutes and then re connects. during that time i cannot load any pages or anything. when it first started doing this, it would only happen about once every 2 hours, but it progressively got worse and worse to the point that i cannot even access the internet with it anymore. i boot it up and it has no connection then connects to wifi for 5 seconds and then loses it again. heres the deal though, this only happens with my computer out of all of my family's computers. i have a very good wifi connection because the connection says "good" whenever it does connect, and this problem never happened with my last computer which was a toshiba. i know for a fact it isn't a problem with my home wifi because i have brought my computer on a trip across the country before and it still happened. i have gotten help from a dell worker before and he gave me a link to update some drivers of which i cant remember. this helped the problem a little for maybe a week or two and then it started doing it again. please help me this is ridiculous how this happens considering how new and expensive the computer was
rtswapp
1 Message
6
June 26th, 2014 07:00
I can't believe the lame responses to the fixes for the wireless issue, it's not a driver problem, it's not a firewall or anti-virus issue.
The problem is that the wireless adapter that Dell is using in the 17R is a piece of junk.
It doesn't matter if you roll the driver back to an older version or install an updated driver it still doesn't work reliably.
It also doesn't matter what router you're trying to connect to or what type of security you're connecting to, wpa, wep, tkip the wireless adapter is junk.
It's obvious that there is an inherent flaw in the adapter if there are thousands of users experiencing the same problem. I have two 17R's and both experience the same problem and it doesn't matter if the 17R connects to a secured or unsecured network. The wireless adapter will always dump the connection and you are forced to to do a wireless adapter reset.
Only fix is to use a usb wireless adapter or run an ethernet cable which defeats being wireless.
There is another fix that I didn't mention above, buy another brand of laptop.
taken2
1 Message
0
February 23rd, 2015 15:00
Only fix is to use a usb wireless adapter or run an ethernet cable which defeats being wireless.
Well said, their warranty only covers hardware so I tell everyone to stay clear of a product being sold with a well known problem
Anonymous
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274.2K Posts
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May 4th, 2013 20:00
Hi,
Welcome to the community
Sounds like an issue with the wireless card. Have you tried to re-install the Wireless Driver? If not, you may try to check for latest driver online, at www.Support.Dell.com I can check for the exact link if you can send me the service tag through private message. Just add me as a friend and send a private message.
If you tried re-installing driver, you may want to check if it works correctly in Safe mode with networking. Restart the computer on Dell logo keep tapping F8. Then choose safe mode with networking see if wireless works fine within safe mode.
Regards,
jacob62497
2 Posts
0
May 5th, 2013 14:00
hi, thank you so much for your help. but i have a few questions. 1. how do i go about updating my drivers if i cant connect to the internet? (im posting off of another computer) 2. how do i change into safe mode. and where do i find my service tag? thankyou
Anonymous
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274.2K Posts
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May 6th, 2013 00:00
Hi, you may want to download the drivers first using a different computer, save it on a thumb drive or blank disc. Then install it on the defective computer.
For safe mode with networking, restart the computer on Dell logo keep tapping F8. Then choose safe mode with networking see if wireless works fine within safe mode.
Service tag is located on a white sticker, placed at the bottom of the laptop.
Anonymous
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274.2K Posts
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April 3rd, 2014 02:00
My PC was purchased in August last year and I am having the exact same issue. Doing full time uni and working full time this is frustrating me no end especially when I have to keep restarting lectures.. My last prac online took me 5 hours instead of less than one!!
PudgyOne
9 Legend
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30.3K Posts
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April 3rd, 2014 15:00
Anonymous,
Can you run Finding System Information REMOVE YOUR PRODUCT ID and REGISTERED OWNER and post the information back here.
Rick
Roger Xu
1 Message
2
July 1st, 2014 07:00
Hi,
I have a new 17r and have the same problem. I have already tried all solutions you suggested and all are no use. I think it is a physical fault on the wireless adapter. I google it and found tons of 17r have the same problem. Dell should recall it !!!!!
Roger
Kevin Su
1 Message
0
July 3rd, 2014 00:00
Yes. I have a new Inspiron 17R and have the same problem. My new laptop has been sent back to Dell to repair 2 times now. Now it is my third time to repair wireless problem. Everytime when laptonp back from repair, it works well for a week, then the laptop can't find wirless adapter again.
Very very disponinted with Dell. If possible, I will never buy Dell computer anymore.
TheOtherTiger
1 Message
0
September 8th, 2014 20:00
I just got mine and I have the problem too. It goes a random time before it acts up Sometimes 2 hours. sometimes 10 minutes. It doesn't say it's disconnected from the router. just pages don't work. I updated the wifi driver. I noticed I can "disconnect" then "connect" to the router and it works for awhile before quitting again. In fact, it did it while I was making this post.
I.Rados
5 Posts
0
November 3rd, 2014 20:00
I have the same issue with Inspiron 5748, wifi works fine, then seeminlgy random, while playing LoL or surfing, it loses connection, but the bottom right corner of the toolbar shows that it's connected. I have updated drivers and problem doesn't seem to go away.
KandGT
3 Posts
1
December 31st, 2014 11:00
I have two 17Rs also and experiencing the same wifi difficulties. I find that the issue is compounded when my son turns on his IPad and connects. Sometimes it happens without the IPad in the house.
tambh23
2 Posts
0
February 18th, 2015 20:00
I have been having the same issues, getting worse every day. Only can stay online for a few minutes at a time. Other computers, tablets, phones have no problem staying connected. Strong signal from my router. I disabled wireless on dell, plugged in a borrowed usb wireless and it works fine. I see this is a common problem with many and dell should take care of it. My laptop is still under warranty. Please resolve this....service tag . This is one of MANY problems I have had with this lap top since I purchased it 7 months ago. Not happy with dell quality anymore.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
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30.3K Posts
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February 20th, 2015 08:00
tambh23,
Try these tweaks....
Start, control panel, device manager. Click on Network and then right click on your network adapter, left click properties, power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.
Go to the power options, and changed the Wireless Adapter Setting, from Maximum Power Setting to Maximum Performance.
Rick
tambh23
2 Posts
1
February 23rd, 2015 14:00
I already tried that, and several other "fixes" that were found online. This is a Dell wireless card problem. One of many problems since I purchased this dell less than a year ago. Dell customer service is terrible and I will never own another dell again