One computer on network loses internet

[knilsilooc]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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/downloads/driverslist.aspx?os=WLH&catid=-1&dateid=-1&impid=-1&osl=EN&typeid=-1&formatid=-1&servicetag=&SystemID=INSPIRONI6400%2FE1505&hidos=WW1&hidlang=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/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

 

[knilsilooc]

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]

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]

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.

 

[chev65]

I read on a couple forums that your model E1505 Dell laptop was working well with the Vista drivers and the Dell adaptor so it might be worth a try.

 

[computersplus]

turn off power savings features for the wireless adapter also is there any 2.4 Ghz cordless phones right next to that PC as they can cause interference if so you may want to try setting a different wireless channel in the router and on the adapter make sure they are on the same channel

 

[computersplus]

also if your using sleep/standby/hibernation there have been issues with connectivity when the computer wakes try turning off all power saving settings and test

 

[knilsilooc]

Forgot to mention, I have tried the Vista drivers before, with no luck. Another thing I didn't mention (full of that stuff today) is that I also had a problem similar to this on XP, but it wasn't nearly as bad.

I've already tried changing the channel, power saver isn't on, and I don't use sleep, etc.

 

[computersplus]

Dell and HP both have suffered from failed internal wireless adapters and they usually start getting real sketchy like that before they just die

 

[knilsilooc]

I wouldn't doubt it, as I've tired so many things without being able to fix it. Accounting for the lesser problems I had in XP, though, this has been going on for quite a long time, ever since 2008.

 

[computersplus]

some of the firmware for the later version of the WRT54G were not so great I would see if you can load a version of DD-WRT firmware on it I think there is one available for the version 8 models

 

[computersplus]

here you go use the database i checked there is firmware for the version 8

Router Database | www.dd-wrt.com

 

[knilsilooc]

Thanks, last I checked (which was quite awhile ago), DD-WRT didn't seem to work with my router. Still, the other computers, and game systems, and phones, etc. on my network work perfectly, it's just this laptop.

 

[computersplus]

well you never know like i said something to try