My computer constantly drops wireless internet connections. Solutions, please?

Question

This has been going on for a while, but whenever my computer gets on an internet connection other than the one at my parent's house, like one at school or at a cafe, it will constantly disconnect and reconnect, so my browsing constantly hiccuping. Even when everyone else in the room gets internet fine. The signal bars also never reach above two, even when the signal is full bars on other computers.

We have tried many different wireless cards and it happens the same with all of them, so it's probably something in my computer. It's really frustrating and I've had several different people look at it to no avail.

The card right now is a 2wire and so is the network at my parent's house and the computer runs Windows XP.

I'd really like a simple solution to this if possible! The other option another person gave me was to reformat the hard drive, but I'd rather not do that. Thanks!

Answer 1

Use 2Wire's software for connecting to an outside access point, NOT Windows' built-in software. In addition, right-click on My Computer and select Manage. Go to Services and Applications, then Services. Find Wireless Zero Config in the list, right-click it, and select Stop. That's the service that's causing your card to roam around looking for your home access point.

Your other option is to remove all your preferred wireless networks from the list when you leave home. This means re-entering any encryption keys you have every time, but it also means Windows won't be constantly searching around for your "home" network.

Answer 2

I think it's just that some wireless connections aren't that strong. When you set up a wireless connection the first time you bought your computer, that should be the strongest network. Other connections won't work as strong. You could also try moving the computer in a different position to test where a stronger connection is located at.

If you want a stronger connection, you can disconnect all the other networks you have and use the main network. That way you won't have other networks interfering with your main network.

Answer 3

Make sure you are using Windows XP service pack 2. SP2 improves the stability of the wireless connection. (You can check which version of XP by typing [windows key]-[pause] on your keyboard.)

Also perhaps visit the wireless card manufacturer's web site and see if there is a newer driver for your card. Good luck.

Answer 4

Because you have your network set to pick up other signals over the one you have. So when a weak signal might drift in and out it causes your connect to jump over.