Vostro 1500 Wireless Internet Problem

I have a very strange issue with my Vostro 1500. I have the Intel Pro/Wireless 3945ABG Network Card. When using the wireless internet while the computer is stationary, the wireless light indicator is on and wireless works fine. Most of the time (70-80%), when I unplug my computer and move downstairs, the indicator light has suddenly disappeared and my wireless internet is no longer connected

At this point, some programs related to internet freeze. The Network and Sharing Centre is not updated to reflect that my internet is no longer connected and freezes. I cannot disable and re-enable the wireless card either through the device manager or the manage connections window because they both freeze.

With some troubleshooting, I find that the hardware is still listed as present, but it sometimes says the drivers are not installed. Using the Wireless Manual Diagnostics tool, it always says that the radio status cannot be detected.

A restart of the computer fixes this problem, which makes me to believe it is a driver issue. Reinstallation of the wireless driver does not solve the problem.

To be clear, I personally believe that the radio status of the computer suddenly shuts off when I move the computer.
Problem has stumped me for several weeks now. Anyone have this happen to their computer before?

 

Did you try the latest one from Intel? I had the 3945AGB in my Vostro 1500 for 3+ years no problems whatsoever. Just by chance do you have another working full height mini PCI-E WLAN card to test out?

 

I'm typing this on my 1500, no wireless issues and I have the Dell wireless card. It could be a driver issue but it sounds to me like interference when you go downstairs. Are you plugged in downstairs or are you running off the battery. A weak battery can not only drop your signal but cut off power to the wireless card.

Have you tried a different channel on your wireless router to see if the problem goes away?

Also on the note of hardware if the device no longer functions, drivers associated with it may not appear in device manager. Have you checked or tried moving on and off the wireless on/off switch of the left side of the laptop.

 

I am running off battery when I move downstairs, but the same problem occurs when I move upstairs to where my router is. Actually, it occurs even if I move from my room the adjacent room (where the router is). As to whether the wireless card is shut off due to a low battery, everytime I move my laptop, it is often in a fully charged state.

I don't believe it is the router itself because once this problem occurs, not only do no wireless networks appear, the network and sharing program itself freezes.

As for the switch, the switch works fine when I don't move the laptop. The moment I move it, moving the switch does nothing. Usually, moving the switch to the on position lights up the Wifi light on the right side of the computer. Once this problem occurs, moving the Wifi light from off, back to on does NOT light up the light.

Thanks for the contributions so far! It is a very strange problem.
Could it possibly be due to the accelerometer in the Vostro that detects movement or sudden falls that may put the hard drive in a protected state?

Also, just to add, sleeping the computer, moving it and then waking it up at the new location does NOT lead to this problem.

Edit: I've had this computer for 3 years, but it is only recently that it is starting to act up. Also, I have made sure to uncheck the "disable this device while on battery power" option in the device manager.

 

I forgot to mention something that could cause that problem hardware related. Flip the laptop over and remove the back cover so you have access to the wireless card. There's a white and black wire that goes to that card, check for a good connection.




Try re-seating those two wires. The black and white wires is what provides power to that card. They could be loose or not making a good connection.

 

The pins were seated fine, but I have reseated them.
I've tried walking around the house, moving my computer and so far, I am not having the signal cut out.
I'll post back if there are any issues.

Regardless, thanks for the help, especially Rodster!

 

Researting the pins seemed to only temporarily solve the issue.
Just had it happen to me just right now.
Anyone else have any other possible solutions?

 

Reseat the card

 

Still no luck. Still occurs.
I'm wondering whether it is software related. Restarting the computer solves the issue. If the card wasn't seated properly, restarting the computer would probably not solve the issue.

 

Have you tried a Linux boot disc?

Also try a known good WLAN card?