8943G Wireless disconnect

Picked up an AS8943G-6782 recently and overall am very impressed with it (except for a major issue with adding a second hard drive - I'll bring that up in another post though). My only issue has been a loss of my wireless connection after a period of time. It goes into a "limited connectivity" state, but there no actual internet connection left (still shows it being connected to my router). When I go to diagnose the problem with the tools in Windows 7, the system locks and I have to do a hard reboot. I've disabled the option for the OS to power down the adapter and that seemed to help some, but it is still happening.

It is a Broadcom adapter. Anyone else having this problem? I would really appreciate any help.

Thanks.

 

Try updating the drivers for the wireless and see if it sorts the connection dropping. Here a link Latest Broadcom 943xx Driver - LaptopVideo2Go Forums

 

I am having the exact same problem. It would disconnect from internet about every 30 to 45 minutes and I would have to do a hard reboot. Simply troubleshooting the problem would cause the 8943 to lock up.
I tried all the drivers on Acers website and still the same problem.
I returned computer for replacement and the 8943 still doing the same thing so evidently a software problem.
I will try the new driver you posted.
Thanks for the link.

 

Thanks Hex for the link. Wow Jim...interesting to hear that someone else is having the same problem, especially on two machines. I was thinking about returning mine, but it looks like we'll have to keep working on a solution (I love the 8943 other than this problem). I have the latest drivers installed...I'm wondering if there is a particular setting in the driver that would change this? It takes so long for it to happen, it is hard to replicate.

I swapped out the original hard drive with a Patriot Inferno SSD - planning on using the 500 GB that came with it as the second drive. I had the wireless issue with the original install and when I restored the system on the SSD drive.

Any network guru's have thoughts on settings in the driver? Thank you so much for any help.

 

OK...this looks to be a bigger issue. Been running some test at speedtest.net and discovered that the internet connection is extremely slow when connected with the wireless (it is fine plugged in). Have another wireless laptop on the same connection and it is working fine. I wonder if this is a defective broadcom card? Man, I just wanted this computer to work!!

 

I am also having the exact same problem. Love this computer otherwise. But not being able to stay connected wirelessly is a huge deal. Always thought that this was a software issue with the Broadcom driver. In fact, i got a BSOD the first time it tried to connect to the wireless network. Will try to see if I can get it to work for a couple more days. Otherwise, this one is going back.

 

My results from speedtest.net are 8.54 Mb/s download and .72Mb/s upload.

 

Wow, I thought I had a defective machine - it's almost comforting to hear that others are having the same problem!

Sometimes I could go a full day without the wireless going out, but other times it would only be about 45 minutes to an hour before I got the "low connectivity" message. My computer would lock up also when I tried diagnosing the problem, and the only way I found to alleviate it was to restart the whole system.

Since this machine is a desktop replacement for me, and thus not really moving around, I just hardwired it in and disabled the wireless. I'm still hoping a fix is in the pipeline though, as if I ever do take the machine anywhere it'd be nice to be able to have a reliable wireless connection.

As others have said though, overall I'm very impressed with the machine, and it has almost everything I wanted.

 

Today at the office, I was getting miserable results like .22 down and .17 up on a 6 Mb AT&T DSL connection (another computer in the office was pulling 5 down and 1 up). I am home now in my 12 Mb U-verse setup and am getting good numbers (About 10 down and 1.5 up)...but I got the same "limited connectivity" and freeze-up after 30 minutes or so. I have gone multiple hours without dropping over the last days, but it always comes back to that. This is so frustrating. I pulled out the Broadcom card and reseated it, but that didn't make any difference.

I've been emailing with ACER support and I get the feeling that is going no where fast...

 

Last night, I started the computer in "Safe mode with Networking." I left open a couple of web pages that refresh themselves every few minutes. The wireless connection stayed solid all night long (about 9 hours running now). Do you guys think this points to a driver issue rather than a hardware one?

 

I having been running the new drivers for about a day and a half now and still the problem persists on my second laptop.

I really want to keep this laptop but this is not acceptable.

If worse comes to worse can I just replace the wireless card myself with a different brand and therefore different drivers.
Although I really feel this is a software problem.

Would someone know what wireless cards would be compatible with this laptop?



Thanks.

 

Hey Jim, I've been wondering the same thing. I've done a lot work with desktops over the years - building them and the such - but I've always kind of kept my hands out of the laptops. There appears to be two mini pci slots and I would think that is a standard. There are two wires attached to it (they appear to have a connection, not soldered), and again, I would hope that is a standard thing. If someone else knows a definitive answer to this, I would really like to know also.

I'm with you...I want to hang onto this laptop - especially if I can get the second hard drive space cleaned up and usable. This is an upgrade for me from a 4 year old 17" Alienware unit that I have used and abused, but have loved. The 8943G is everything I could want for these next few years.

 

First off I do not have this laptop but I'm looking at getting one maybe.
Is windows managing the wireless connection or the driver software?
On other laptops I have had I found if I removed all the extra crap that the driver software loaded and just let windows manage the wireless connection it would solve most of my problems.

Brandon

 

It could be having a issue with the windows wireless manager or the card might be on its way out? Try a new wireless card you could find a decent one of ebay for around £5+

 

Windows is managing the connection...I figured there would be some kind of utility from Broadcom that would manage the wireless as an option, but I've found nothing. The Broadcom driver is just a driver with no other utility...I could have missed it though...someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

I have the same problem with my Acer Aspire 8943G (726G1.28TBN). I have installed the newest drivers for the Atheros Wireless Network Adapter, but it stills stops working from time to time. Sometimes it works for a couple of hours without any problems, but other times it stops functioning every couple of minutes. I have a netbook and a smartphone which use the same internet connection and router and have no problems with these devices. I hope someone has a solution for this problem, because it is very anoying.

 

So it seems that the same problem is happening with both the Broadcom and the Atheros adapters...hmmm

 

Ok one more dumb question.
Under the windows power settings is it set to let windows turn off the device to save power? Make sure it is set to never turn off.
That is the only other idea I have.

 

That was one of the first things I tried; didn't make a difference.

 

Here's another thing I observed though this doesnt really gets us anywhere. I had the laptop run on battery and after a while the same thing happenned with the wireless connection. But it just happenned that I forgot about the laptop for some time and windows went to sleep after about 15 minutes due to the power settings. When it resumed after I turned it back on, the wireless card had gotten reset and then it hopped on again to my network without any issue.

This to me clearly looks like a software problem. Like most other, I really hoped that this would go away. But I do not have the patience o debug it any further. Luckily I bought from Costco, so returning is not a problem

 

Hmm sounds like you guys are really having an odd issue with the wireless. And your right there isn't a program for the broadcom drivers, its just drivers. All I can think of is the wireless settings in device manager check them and also make sure that it isn't running on some low performance mode or anything like that. See if it makes any difference at all...

 

I talked to Acer and the fella was fully convinced that the tech support guys at their "Pay for support" could handle the issue...I have my doubts about that and I'm not quite ready to cough the amount of cash they are wanting. So, I guess for now I'll just keep trying to troubleshoot with all of you until something is figured out.

 

Lately for me , the wireless disconnect happens shortly after I turn on computer say between 5 and 30 minutes.
I restart computer and seems like I can stay online as long as I like (hours) without being disconnected.

Restarting the computer is not necessary. Just close the lid until the system goes to sleep then reopen and you are good to go. Only takes a few seconds and beats a hard reboot.
This is still not acceptable. Hoping for a fix.

 

deleted post

 

Hey Jim...thanks for the tip. I've been doing the same thing for a couple of days with good results. I've had to close the lid within 60 minutes several times, but it does beat the reboot (and especially the system freeing up when you try and have Windows analyze the problem). I'm with you - we need a better fix for this.

I have on order what should be the correct 2nd HDD cover from Acer...I'll post as soon as I get it and let everyone know if it is the right piece.

Brian

 

Brian, on a whim I decided to go for another 8943G replacement.

I am now on my THIRD Acer 8943G. It ALSO has the wireless disconnect problem.
This is so frustrating not knowing if there is a software fix or not.
I have tried everything I know to do.
Its obvious that continuing to get replacements is getting me nowhere.

Could this be a widespread hardware problem? I know the chances would be slim but I'm beginning to wonder.

Brian, you think you will keep your current machine?
I thought about returning this one for another brand of computer but there is nothing else I really want.

NewEgg has been very helpful, the last rep I spoke to said they would forward this issue to Acer.


Also, I took the wireless card out of my Acer 6920G and put it in the 8943G to see if I could get any better results.
On booting up the 8943G it did not recognize the different card. I figured the card would be plug and play but nothing.
I then manually downloaded the drivers for the wireless card from the 6920G. Still nothing on reboot. I'm at a loss.

 

I know...I've really gone back and forth on this. My 4 year old Alienware 5750 has been going out for a while now - video card failures, keyboard completely worn out, broken chasis, unresponsive DVD player (can not even play DVD's - all video playback is unusable), crashes up to 6 times a day. So, I've been limping along for 5 or 6 months now and researching what was out there. I really settled on this one because I thought it was better than what Toshiba and HP in the 18.4" variety.

My thing is that I use my laptop for everything - work and home. My job requires a fair amount of desktop publishing, photo editing, research, audio editing, occasional video editing. On top of that, I use it for a little bit of gaming (I'm playing Battlefield 2 and Mass Effect 2 a couple of hours a week) and watching videos. I take my laptop everywhere, every day - I don't mind carrying a larger machine like this because of the advantages I feel it affords me.

I work in the non-profit arena, so my decisions on equipment like this have to last me for a long time and accomplish that wide range of tasks. After pretty extensive research, I felt like this was my best purchase to accomplish my tasks for a number of years. (Sorry to go into so much detail!)

At this point, I think I am going to try to stick with it as there are a lot of things I love about the laptop. When I get the new hard drive cover and get that 500 GB drive back in, I think the wireless disconnect will be my only remaining issue (assuming the cover that comes is the right piece). I just have to believe there is going to be a solution for that issue in the near future. My only other wish is that the viewing angle was a little better, but other than that, I think the screen is absolutely beautiful.

Thanks for trying the other network card - I've kicked around picking up one and trying the same thing - but I think I'll hold off.

A couple of questions:

(1) Is Newegg willing to refund your money because of th wireless issue or only replace with another unit?

(2) Does the Broadcom card that comes in the 8943G-6782 have both the wireless network and the bluetooth functions on it?

Thanks,
Brian

 

Well you have options as you can get a usb wireless card ddand disable the internal one.

 

I was considering the usb solution as a last resort. I might have to do that until a fix is found.

 

1. They are upgrading the "replacement" RMA to "refund" only after I place another order with them for another 8943. Technically this is still a replacement it just allows me to get another machine quicker.

2. The Bluetooth is separate from the wireless card.

 

I've had the same problem with my 8943G. I did recieve a updated BIOS from Acer and so far it looks like that has done the trick. I'm not sure though, I have to use it more then a few hours to see if it really is stable.

Here's a download link if you want to try:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/455671/BIOS_Acer_1.03_A_A.zip

I might return my Acer anyway though; I've had other problems, this time with the screen. See this youtube vid. in which I explain my problem:
YouTube - *IMPORTANT* Acer 8943G Wifi and Screen Problems

Anyone else that has had similar experience with the screen - especially the "blackouts" that occur when you adjust the screen (after about 1 month of usage)?

Update:
It seem the BIOS update does not fix the problem entirely. Instead o BSoD and wireless dropping thecomputer now frezzes and I have to do a hard reboot ...

 

Woozie, your screen problem is not acceptable by any means. It's clearly defective.

Even if a refund is not possible, send it back for replacement. Ive had mine for a month with no major problems other than the wireless disconnect.

 

Woozie, what were you doing when your computer froze? Downloading a file etc? Watching flash video? Youtube , Vimeo etc?

After applying the bios that you posted, my internet connection was rock solid for 4 hours straight. Downloading mp3s, browsing etc.
I then tried to watch a youtube video, the computer started to become sluggish, then I lost internet connection.

My laptop always becomes unstable, sometimes freezing, on youtube videos when "hardware acceleration" is enabled. I had it turned off but somehow it defaulted back to enabled. (probably after an update)

Left click on the center of a youtube video. Then right click and un-check hardware acceleration.

If you don't see this option available with your browser, try using IE.

See if this helps your machine become more stable.

James

 

I've only had two crashes with the new BIOS, I haven't tested it more then a day though.

The first crash I was just browsing while watching a movie.

The second time I was playing the Mass Effect 2 demo.

I don't have any problems watching youtube videos though; the crashes seem much more random to me. Makes it hell to diagnose :/

 

After installing new bios, I had wireless disconnect at 4 hours.
I restarted and then had another wireless disconnect at 2 hours.

It does seem somewhat more stable but not yet perfect.

How can it work flawlessly for 4 hours and then disconnect? Frustrating.

 

I updated the BIOS and it seemed to go a little longer without disconnecting. I left the computer on overnight (disabled system sleep), got up this morning and I was back at the "limited connectivity" state.

 

Yeah - unless they suddenly release new drivers that actually work - I doubt any repairs made by support will be effective ... might fix my screen problem, but if the wireless problem still exists, I have to cross my fingers that the reseller sees reason and gives a refund. :/ Been on the phone with them today, and they say I gotta send it to repair. If it can't be repaired, then just maybe I'm able to convince them to refund.

 

$21 solution for wireless disconnect.

I purchased the Intel 6200 wireless mini card here:
PROVANTAGE: Intel 622AN.HMWWB Intel Wifi Link 6200 622AN.HMWWB Half Height Minicard VPRO Enabled Retail

and used the Intel drivers included on CD-Rom

24 hours use no wireless disconnects. Works great.

Specs on the card here:
http://download.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/prodbrf/323016.pdf

 

Hey James,

Still staying connected with the new card? Did the wires plug in easily with it? Does it affect the wireless button on the front left of the computer. If you are having a good experience, I think I'm going to order the same card.

Thank for the info,
Brian

 

Still working fine.

The wireless/bluetooth button on front left has full functionality.

There are just the two antenna wires that easily plug onto the new card.


Install the drivers first.
Turn off computer.
Remove original card (secured by one screw)
install new card
then attach antenna wires by pushing them straight down onto the terminals.
black wire to right terminal and white to left terminal.

Turn on computer.

5 minute fix.

 

Thanks James for the info! Looks like you tracked down the easiest fix for this issue.

 

Thanks for tracking down a solution, James. I went ahead and placed an order based on your recommendations and now hopefully I can put this issue to rest.

 

Great! You wont have any trouble with the Intel card/drivers.

 

Ordered my Intel network card this morning...now if we can just get the second HDD cover door dealt with. I've been working hard on that one - reached a dead end here in the US. I have emails out to firms in the UK and Germany to see if we can purchase the door from them. I'll let you guys know what I find out.

 

I take it that cover you had mentioned you had on order from Acer didn't pan out?

 

Looking forward to hearing what you find out about the cover.

Intel card still working flawlessly.

 

Unfortunately, it didn't. I finally got a hold of an Acer America division in Texas. They were really friendly and tried to help me. They shipped me the part they though was the cover we are looking for - 42.PWC07.009. When it got here, it was the identical cover to what our 8943G's shipped with (they get me the actual HDD mounting bracket which was nice). After further investigation, it appears that we might actually need: 42.PWC07.001, which appears to be unavailable in the States. I worked with a gal at Capital Data (she was super helpful and friendly), another Acer supplier, and she confirmed that she couldn't get the .001 part.

So, I've emailed Acer UK as well as another Acer parts supplier in Germany to see if they can actually look at 42.PWC07.001 and confirm it is the cover we are looking for. I hope it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, but I am sure it will be a bit pricier than getting it here.

If anyone else has any leads on this, please post them for all of us.

Talk to you soon.

 

Received my card this afternoon and did the install when I got home from work. Installation was a snap and everything seems to be working fine so far. We'll give it a day or two to see if it holds the connection like it should.

 

Glad you had no trouble with installation.

Over a week now, no wireless disconnects.

 

I installed the Intel Wireless this afternoon and my connection has been stable ever since I powered back up. It is amazing that the broadcom wireless chip is causing so many problems for people. Avoid the problems, follow James' suggestion and just replace the wireless with something more reliable.

Thanks James!