Wireless Internet Problems

[RJHNY1]

My desktop is a Windows Vista Ultimate x64.

In my house, we have 3 computers. One in the basement, that's wired and 2 others that connect via wireless (a laptop and desktop).

On Tuesday 5/5, the computer worked fine. Tuesday night, I was using it. But before I went to bed, I noticed the Internet was out. Since it was late, I figured it would be fine by the next morning. I shut the computer down. I woke up yesterday morning and the computer would not connect to the Internet. When I asked Windows to diagnose the problem, it tells me to "turn on wireless capability."

Here are the facts.

-In device manager, the wireless card shows up. There are no red x's or yellow question marks. When I open it, it says it's working properly.

-In network connections, "local area connection" is disabled. "Wireless network connection" is enabled, but not connected.

-I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the wireless card w/o luck.

-I tried shutting down the computer then restarting it.

-There are no switches or buttons on my desktop computer or keyboard that would turn the wireless internet on or off.

-I did not do anything on Tuesday that could have affected the Internet. I shut the computer down before bed.

-My wireless card is a Linksys Wireless-G PCI Network Adapter with Speedbooster, Model # WMP54GS-RM, v1.1

-I have tried the laptop in the same room as the desktop and there are no issues with the laptop connecting to the Internet.

-I tried a system restore in case if my computer downloaded any updates that could have interfered with the wireless network. I restored to Tuesday morning. No such luck.

-I called up Verizon and they said that everything seems fine with the router and Internet. It's an issue with the computer, not with Verizon internet.

-I uninstalled the card, physically removed the card, started up the computer, put the disk in, put the card back in and reinstalled.

-I tried installing the driver from this site: http://forums.linksys.com/link...board/me...ding&page=1

I put the file on my zip drive, put it on the desktop and manually tried to update the driver, but the computer told me that the drivers are up to date.

I'm at a loss here. I've had no issues with the internet on the desktop. The internet runs great and there's very little slowdown. Once in a while, I may lose an internet connection, but it comes back up a few minutes later.

I contacted linksys, but they were no help. They claim my wireless card is fit for 32 bit, not 64 bit, so there's nothing they can do. But the wireless card worked for 6 weeks w/o an issue.

What do I do next?

 

[earthman]

Consider trying a different wireless card, it's not impossible there is a failure in the card itself.

 

[RJHNY1]

Seems like the last resort...I don't have another one lying around. I would have to buy it. Just trying to find any solutions before I put the money down to get a new one.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Cheap solution: Bring the router and desktop closer together and run a cable. Your better off wired anyway. Faster data and internet transfers.

 

[guyver01]

Is your PC seeing the router? Are you connected to the right SSID?

There should be an option to SCAN for available wireless networks. Does it see your wireless, or any wireless?

Are you using a generic SSID? or did you change it to something you recognize?

Has WEP encryption been enabled? Did you enter the right WEP key?

If you're connected to the router, are you getting an IP address? What is it?

 

[Rottie]

I am thinking it could be wireless losing signals to wireless router if the doors is closed..you say the computer is downstair? and the door is closed when you go to sleep or the wall is too thick for wireless router to signal to your laptop. I think you can buy mimo wireless router that have strong signals.

 

[RJHNY1]

Signal issue is not a problem. I've had wireless Internet set up this way for years without a problem. The Internet runs great when the door is open or closed for both a laptop or desktop. To the user who suggested moving the computer downstairs...obviously I don't want to do that. That is not the issue. The issue is the card itself, not the ability to connect to the Internet emanating from a weak signal.

I am picking up no wireless networks at all. Usually I pick up my own and another 2-3 networks from elsewhere. I pick up nothing.

The WEP encryption key is correct. I've checked several times. It's not that. The SSID is something I recognize. I have a specific name for it.

What do you mean by getting an IP address?

 

[guyver01]

Originally posted by: RJHNY1
The issue is the card itself, not the ability to connect to the Internet emanating from a weak signal.

I am picking up no wireless networks at all. Usually I pick up my own and another 2-3 networks from elsewhere. I pick up nothing.

if you're not picking up any wireless, then yes, 99% probably the card, since you said there's no way to turn the radio on/off on the card.

only two ways to verify:
(1) Take PC to a wireless hotspot. can it pick up a wireless there
(2) Try another wireless card.


no other way to diagnose

 

[wiin]

Originally posted by: RJHNY1
My desktop is a Windows Vista Ultimate x64.

In my house, we have 3 computers. One in the basement, that's wired and 2 others that connect via wireless (a laptop and desktop).

On Tuesday 5/5, the computer worked fine. Tuesday night, I was using it. But before I went to bed, I noticed the Internet was out. Since it was late, I figured it would be fine by the next morning. I shut the computer down. I woke up yesterday morning and the computer would not connect to the Internet. When I asked Windows to diagnose the problem, it tells me to "turn on wireless capability."

Here are the facts.

-In device manager, the wireless card shows up. There are no red x's or yellow question marks. When I open it, it says it's working properly.

-In network connections, "local area connection" is disabled. "Wireless network connection" is enabled, but not connected.

-I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the wireless card w/o luck.

-I tried shutting down the computer then restarting it.

-There are no switches or buttons on my desktop computer or keyboard that would turn the wireless internet on or off.

-I did not do anything on Tuesday that could have affected the Internet. I shut the computer down before bed.

-My wireless card is a Linksys Wireless-G PCI Network Adapter with Speedbooster, Model # WMP54GS-RM, v1.1

-I have tried the laptop in the same room as the desktop and there are no issues with the laptop connecting to the Internet.

-I tried a system restore in case if my computer downloaded any updates that could have interfered with the wireless network. I restored to Tuesday morning. No such luck.

-I called up Verizon and they said that everything seems fine with the router and Internet. It's an issue with the computer, not with Verizon internet.

-I uninstalled the card, physically removed the card, started up the computer, put the disk in, put the card back in and reinstalled.

-I tried installing the driver from this site: http://forums.linksys.com/link...board/me...ding&page=1

I put the file on my zip drive, put it on the desktop and manually tried to update the driver, but the computer told me that the drivers are up to date.

I'm at a loss here. I've had no issues with the internet on the desktop. The internet runs great and there's very little slowdown. Once in a while, I may lose an internet connection, but it comes back up a few minutes later.

I contacted linksys, but they were no help. They claim my wireless card is fit for 32 bit, not 64 bit, so there's nothing they can do. But the wireless card worked for 6 weeks w/o an issue.

What do I do next?

have you tried enabling Local Area Connection (guess MS don't like the term Local Area Network anymore)?