Wireless network card _odd behaviour

Any help here much appreciated.

System specs_
Dell Inspiron 510m running XP (old but works just fine for me)
PRO/Wireless 2100 3A Mini PCI Adapter


I am from UK but visiting France for 8 weeks. In my French flat there is a wireless network. My housemate keyed in the wep (?) and the laptop briefly connected to the network. However, it quickly dropped the connection and would not detect it again. I reinstalled the driver _ oddly it detected the signal once more and I connected to the internet but then it failed (within mins) to detect and I have been unable to reconnect despite a further reinstall.

The housemates connection works just fine at all times.

Thank you.

Etienne

 

Hello

Are you on battery there?

Perhaps your NIC is dying because of its power management setting?

Device Manager > expand Network Adapters > right-click adapter > Properties > Power Management > clear the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power check box.

HTH

philby

 

It's either bad wireless device?
Are you using the utility that came with the wireless device?
If so disable that program and use the one that Windows has.
I find loading both can be an issue on some laptops.

 

Dear Philby and Tipster,

Thank you for your input and I am sorry for the delay in replying.

Philby-
I recognise your point about the power settings. I found in the UK (recently) that this laptop was detecting networks only when plugged into the mains. However, I've been plugged into the mains at all times here (in France)

Tipster-
How do I go about verifying what you suggest and correcting it? This is not a new wireless card.

Thank you.

Etienne

 

Hello Etienne and welcome back

To get Windows to manage your wireless connection:

start > run > type ncpa.cpl (this will bring up Network Connections) > Right-click your connection > properties > wireless connections tab > check the Use Windows to configure... box.

Personally, I would also try start > run > cmd > type netsh winsock reset. This fixed continual drop outs for a colleague of mine at work.

HTH

philby