Wireless networking issues in Vista

[Anton Hinds]

Hello!

I am seeing the following issues. Does anyone have the same problems or
a fix?

1. Known wireless networks which do not broadcast their SSID often take
several refreshes before they are recognized and connected to. They
initially show up as "Unnamed Network". After a few refreshes, Vista
identifies the network name and connects just fine.

2. The wireless adapter disconnects when the screen is locked. This
problem is exacerbated by issue #1 (above) by requiring manual
intervention to refresh the network list to reconnect.

3. Sometimes the wireless does not see any networks at all (normally I
see about 12 networks at any given time). Auto diagnosing and repairing
does not work. Disabling the adapter results in a hang. This hang
prevents Windows from being able to shutdown properly.

This is what I am running:

System : Sony VAIO VGN-AR550U
OS : Windows Vista Ultimate Edition
WLAN : Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
Firewall : Windows Firewall
Anti-Virus : NOD32 2.7
Anti-Spy : Windows Defender


-Anton

 

[Guest]

I've experienced #1, I finally gave up and told my router to broadcast the
SSID.

I've also experienced #3, usually twice or three times a day it just quits
detecting any networks, and loses connectivity to the original one I was
using. My only option is to reboot, because like you, any step I take to try
to resolve results in a hang.

I've not found any solution yet: I've tried updating my drivers to the
newest ones available, and installing all Windows Updates.

I have an Intel Wireless card as well. I'm not on my laptop now so I don't
know the model number.

System: Asus G1 Laptop
OS: Windows Vista Ultimate
WLAN: Intel ProWireless
Firewall: Windows Live OneCare
AntiVirus: Windows Live OneCare
Anti-Spy: Windows Live OneCare

 

[MICHAEL]

I've experienced #1, I finally gave up and told my router to broadcast the
SSID.

I've also experienced #3, usually twice or three times a day it just quits
detecting any networks, and loses connectivity to the original one I was
using. My only option is to reboot, because like you, any step I take to try
to resolve results in a hang.

I've not found any solution yet: I've tried updating my drivers to the
newest ones available, and installing all Windows Updates.

I have an Intel Wireless card as well. I'm not on my laptop now so I don't
know the model number.

Have you tried this update?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941649/en-us

One of the improvements:
It improves the stability of wireless network services.

There's also a hotfix available for some
wireless problems;
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/932063/en-us
Several problems occur on a Windows Vista-based computer
when you work in a wireless network environment.


-Michael

 

[Guest]

Your first update (to "...improve the compatibility, reliability, and
stability of Windows Vista") listed many great reasons for getting that
update... but when I downloaded and tried to install it, I received a dialog
which said "the update does not apply to your system". I probably already
got it as an automatic update, because the versions of some files i sampled
to check match the versions and dates provided in that KB article.

Your second link listed five wifi issues, but none seem to describe my
particular problem, and the disclaimer to "not use unless you have these
exact problems or your puppies will be kicked" made me not want to install it.

Thanks for your assistance though. The first link, especially, with all
those listed benefits, seems like something everyone should make sure they
have. If you find any other info about making the WiFi more reliable, please
do share.

- Shawn

 

[MICHAEL]

Shawn,

Have you looked around to see if there might be
some type of interference? Around your wireless
router or laptop? 2.4GHz cordless phones can
cause interference with wireless signals. Try using
5.8GHz or 900mhz cordless phones. I've even had
a microwave oven cause problems with my wireless
network when it was in use. You could try changing
the channel- if it's on 6 try 11 instead.

Here's a link to two help sites that are run by
the same MVP, the sites have some of the best info
on wireless issues;
http://www.wifimvp.com/
http://www.chicagotech.net/

Let us know how things work out.


Take care,

Michael

 

[Dennis Milns]

I have a HP pavilion dv6250eu and since upgrading to Vista I have a problem
reconnecting to my Belkin wireless router after sleep/hibernate.
It seems that Vista cannot handle a change in IP address on the same local
network.
If I take my laptop to any location with a different wireless then
connection is fully automatic. Returning ot my home location and that is now
OK. I have seen a thread on this topic elsewhere but cannot find it. I hae
tried all upgrades and either they are not applicable or already applied.
Has anyone any ideas?

 

[Anton Hinds]

It seems many people are still experiencing these problems. SKeene has a
problem with #1 and #3. Phoenix5 is having a problem with #2
(http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=1145307).

It's been almost five months since my original post. Is there any way to
report these bugs to Microsoft or at least get some word back on if/when
they may be fixed?

-Anton

 

[Dennis Milns]

An uopdate.
Theis problem manefests as follows - the connection does not get past the
Identifying... stage.
Workaround - Disconnect (even if it says connected) then connect to the
required network.

 

[Dennis Milns]

I have just installed an update for the Broadcom wireless driver (it is only
an optional update in Windows update) and the problems appear to have gone
away - I saw the Identifying... state and then the fully connected state.

 

[Dennis Milns]

Last on this - I can confirm the BroadCom driver update has resolved the
wireless reconnect problems.