Why does my wireless lan frequently slow down or disconnect from the internet entirely?

Question

I just got a new toshiba laptop and I attributed my weak internet connection to the range because the linksys router is connected to a desktop in the bedroom farthest from mine. However, my sister's gateway laptop also has a built in wireless lan and when I repeatedly compared each laptop's performance in the same place hers didn't showcase a lot of the connection problems mine was having.

Basically I experience frequent slow downs and disconnections In an estimate of about 5 or 10 minute intervals, but most times my computer still shows I'm connected to the network. Repairs are ineffective and I'm not the most tech savvy guy around so If anyone could tell me where to even begin with this it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Since your sister is not having the same issue as you, that eliminates a DNS, NAT or DHCP issue.

This leaves your adapter. It is possible that over time either your adapter's driver has become corrupt, or the adapter itself is failing.

Your first step should be to try updating your driver. Go to the manufacture's website, then to the support area, and download the most recent driver file.

Before you update your driver, setup a manual restore point, as driver updates are the number one cause of BSOD, or system crashes. While restore points are not 100% garanteed to stop a crash, they are a heck of a better chance to recover a driver install than without one.

It is very simple and quick to set a manual restore point.

In XP, click Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools-System Restore.

In Vista, in the Search box, simply begin typing System Restore, and click on it when it appears in the list on the Start Menu. Enter the admin password to elevate if needed.

Once open, click on the radial dial button in front of set a restore point, click Next, create a meaningful name, such as "updated adapter driver" and click Create, and Done.

Now, if updating your adaper driver does not correct your issue, it is time to buy a new adapter.

If your adapter is still under warranty, contact the store where you bought it and get a replacement.

Good luck and I hope you get this straightend out quickly, nothing worse than constant disconnects from the Internet, especially when in the middle of a download.