M17x Wireless Problems

Recently when I start my computer up, my wireless connection doesn't show up and I can't connect to it. Luckily I have a USB adapter I can use to connect but obviously that isn't the most convenient way to connect to the internet. I was just wondering if anyone knows what the problem is or how I can fix it. I put this in the Alienware section because I thought maybe some of you know what the problem is. Also, I clean installed Windows 7 a little over a week ago so I was wondering if maybe the drivers didn't install properly or not. Also, sometimes after my USB adapter connects my computer will finally connect to the connection and I can pull the USB out and I'll be connected so I have no idea what the problem is. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

It sounds like your wireless adapter works, intermittedly. Typically these internet connectivity inconsistencies are caused by drivers or signal interference.

You should verify that your router isn't an issue.

I assume other devices can connect to your router without incident. True?

 

Yes, my brothers laptop connects almost immediately like it should along with the other computers in the house. It's only mine so like you stated, I think it may be a driver issue.

 

disable your ethernet adapter start-control panel-device manager - right click network connections-right click ethernet adapter disable and restart

 

But it's not the ethernet that is having the problem. It's the wireless.

 

i know is the wireless but on windows 7 wireles and ethernet got some conflict just try

 

Yeah, this isn't a common problem so it is best we start big and then work down.

 

Wow! That worked! Thanks so much guys! Now, if I enable the ethernet again will the problem show up again?

 

There is no need to disable the Ethernet Adapter. Click here for the proper solution.

 

OK I just did that and things seem to be fine. Should I download the Dell driver you have listed in that post? I'm not really having problems like you said but I would prefer not to in the future.

 

I had to uncheck "allow the computer to turn off this device..." for both the ethernet and the wireless adapters.
Under the properties> Power Management tab within device manger.

it is the only way I seem to be able to have them both enabled.
I found it because my wireless work like a charm until I unplugged the ethernet.

 

I downloaded the driver you listed and when I tried to install it, it said that it could not find the hardware compatible with the software and it canceled installation. What's the problem? Can I not install it?

 

just disable your ethernet adapter and when you need to use the cable enable it again easy :rolleyes2:

 

You need to install it manually via device manager. The setup program isn't compatible, as the driver hasn't been officially released for the M17x. I still wonder why Dell is so slow on this one, considering it's the only driver that works properly for the Dell Wireless 1510 card (and any wireless broadcom adapters, really) in Windows 7.

 

Ok, well could you kind of tell me how to do that because I don't think I have ever installed something manually into the device manager.

 

Since many people are in your shoes, I've written up a guide on how to fix wireless connection problems on the M17x, including step-by-step instructions on how to manually install the suggested driver via device manager. Click here to read it.

 

Ok, thank you so much! I got it installed and it seems like everything is good to go.