Possible Fix For Random Disconnections

[RickJ]

Hello. I'm new here at the forums. I'm also fairly new to Windows 7 RC Build 7100. Recently, I have been noticing that I have been randomly losing my wireless internet connection. It would disconnect after an amount of time. I am using a Linksys Wireless N PCI Card. The onyl way I could fix my problem was a complete restart. I came across these instructions on the microsoft website. This is actually for Windows XP, but it worked for me, so hopefully for you too!

How to use Registry Editor to disable network adapter power management on a single computer

Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

322756 (How to back up and restore the registry in Windows ) How to back up and restore the registry in Windows



To use Registry Editor to disable the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power network adapter setting for a single computer, follow these steps:


1: Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
2: Locate and then click the following registry subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002bE10318}\DeviceNumber

NoteDeviceNumber is the network adapter number. If a single network adapter is installed on the computer, the DeviceNumber is 0001.

(PERSONAL NOTE FROM RICK: I had to go through all the numbers, until I found "ProviderName" - Linksys. You need to search for your company brand of wireless adapter, you can continue on to 3 once you find your adapter's brand/company name)

3: Click PnPCapabilities.
4: On the Edit menu, click Modify.
5: In the Value data box, type 38, and then click OK.



Note By default, a value of 20 indicates that power management of the network adapter is enabled. A value of 38 will prevent Windows XP from turning off the network adapter or let the network adapter wake the computer from standby. On the File menu, click Exit.

Original:
How to disable power management for a network adapter when you deploy Windows XP

 

[davehc]

I may be going down the wrong trail, Rick, but that seems overcomplicated. Maybe it was neccessary in XP, I hav'n't used that for some years. I am surprised that MS give directions for "under the hood " customising, rather than through the GUI, which they themselves almost pioneered!
This is what I do when I customise after an install.
Open Control Panel (Small icon view)
Open Device manager
Open Network Adapters and right click on your default Adapter.
Select Properties.
Open the "Power Management" Tab
Alter the optional preferences to your desires.

I click "Allow this device to wake the computer" Then Untick the box above "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" (The previous box will then grey out, but still retains the altered setting)
Ok the lot.

 

[RickJ]

I did so this way, because of the fact I do not have a "Power Managment" tab, when I right click>Properties Only General, Advanced, Driver, Details, Resources. And none of those in which I can customize nothing power-related. I suppose it doesn't matter if I'm running 64-Bit? I doubt it, but you never know...

 

[davehc]

Understood. And you are certain you have the linksys card selected as your default, with the others disabled? I cannot explain otherwise, why you would not have a power management tab.
Another problem with the later Linksys products is a lack of suitable 7 drivers. If you have accepted MS updates, try again with your installation CD. You may have to run the program in compatibility mode for Vista(or XP)

 

[darkassain]

yeah i believe if you would have installed either the xp of vista drivers you should get the power management tab working...

i had a problem like this and installing the vista drivers worked like a charm...

 

[RickJ]

Bad thing, there ARE no Vista drivers for it. Linksys doesn't even support 64-Bit OS's yet and I got it to work on Windows 7 64-Bit. I can even run the utility for it... It's strange. I am using vanilla(Original)software/driver version that came on the disc. When I go into the device by clicking "Properties" on it, it tells me "This device is working properly." Which I find strange.