One computer on network loses internet

knilsilooc · 16 Jan 2010

Computer Model: Dell Inspiron E1505
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit
Wireless Card: Dell Wireless 1390 WLAN Mini-Card
Router: Linksys WRT54G v8.2

This is an extremely frustrating problem I've been dealing with. It was happening for over a week, and then it stopped... now it's back again.

There is one computer on my network which randomly stops connecting to the internet. It runs Windows 7, while the other computers on the network run either Windows 7 or Windows Vista. It's still connected to the network, with full bars, but it will not actually connect to the internet. Browsers do not show that there is no connection, but instead try to load the pages forever. Sometimes I can restart the computer or disconnect and reconnect to make the internet work again, but it still only works briefly before stopping again.

I do have a network bridge set up between my wireless card and LAN connections, in order to provide online for my Xbox 360, but even when I try to remove the wireless from the bridge, it still refuses to work. I've also tried changing the router's channel, but that hasn't helped either. There's also no malware causing this, as I've scanned with several programs, and cleaned the registry as well. And of course, I've searched all over the internet for an answer, and found nothing... does anybody have any insight to this, at all?

Venths · 16 Jan 2010

Hi,

Welcome to 7 forums :)

► Initially try these instructions as only one computer have the issue:

* Clear temp files and cookies in the computer,
* If it uses Wired LAN, unplug and and re-plug the LAN cable,
* Try disabling the firewall.

Please get back to us with the feedback.

chev65 · 16 Jan 2010

Is the problem machine using a 64 Bit Op system? If so there is a good chance that your router will need a firmware update to work with Win 7 64 bit. There have been a few reported problems with your model of router and 64bit Op systems. The latest firmware shows some fixes for 64 bit that should help. It might also help to look around for some tested Win 7 drivers for the problem machine.

Linksys by Cisco - WRT54G Support

knilsilooc · 16 Jan 2010

I've tried your suggestions before, Venths, to no avail. Thanks anyway.

Sorry, I forgot to mention that it's 32-bit, all of the computers on my network are.

chev65 · 16 Jan 2010

If that is the case you should exaust all means to find an updated driver for the problem Win 7 machine. I'm not sure what type of machine that is. Lots of dropped connections with older drivers.

knilsilooc · 16 Jan 2010

Windows 7 found my driver automatically, but I found an even newer version online, which increased signal strength. Both drivers have this problem though.

chev65 · 16 Jan 2010

Your E1505 doesn't show as supported for Windows 7 by Dell. From what I could find out, the Vista network drivers may work better than the generic ones that Windows installed according to everything I have read about your machine.

http://support.dell.com/support/down...ng=en&TabIndex=

This assumes that your E1505 is the problem machine.

You might also try running the Windows 7 update advisor.
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/win...e-advisor.aspx

knilsilooc · 16 Jan 2010

The wireless card is just a rebranded Broadcom card, which is why I was able to get Windows 7 drivers. I can't do the Update Advisor now (away, using my phone), but I'll be sure to try when I get home.

chev65 · 16 Jan 2010

Yes try the advisor it might help to pinpoint the problem. If you give me the exact model number of your broadcom device I can check to see if it works with Windows 7. It sounds like that broadcom device is causing problems to me. It might even work better to use the built in adaptor with the Vista drivers.

knilsilooc · 16 Jan 2010

So I ran the advisor, everything's already up-to-date. I'm not sure what the other name for the wireless card is, maybe you just replace "Dell" with "Broadcom". The point is, if you Google for drivers, you can get ones meant for Windows 7, which aren't available from Dell.