e1505: Wi-Fi Disconnect Problems

I'm having some trouble with my Wi-Fi on my dell e1505. In the middle of web surfing or online gaming my Wi-Fi light on my laptop turns off and I'm unable to connect. When this happens FN+F2 only enables and disables the Bluetooth light and not the Wi-Fi, where it normally controls both. When I'm in the network connections page, it shows my wireless card (Intel 3945) as disabled and when I try to enable it, it does nothing. I've tried enabling it through the Windows Mobility Center, and nothing happens either. The only thing that will allow me to connect wirelessly again is a full reboot. This feels like a hardware issue, even though it could be driver related. I've installed the latest drivers on the dell website but the problem remains. Any advice or should I call Dell? It happens sporadically and not on demand, that what makes diagnosing this problem so hard. Thanks.

Brice

 

this is a common problem with the IPW3945 card with vista, its not a hardware issue, its the drivers that intel supply, if you uninstall them and revert back to using the drivers that vista uses instead you shouldn't have a problem with it anymore

 

Sweet. I'll give that a try and hope that fixes the problem. Thanks.

 

Okay, I went back to the vista drivers and things seemed better. Yesterday, everything started acting up again. I called the Dell tech support, and they reinstalled the Dell/Intel drivers & updated my Bios. The wi-fi light still turns off and I'm unable to connect to any wi-fi networks. Later on tonight I might spend another 1.5 hours of my life with Dell. Does anyone else have any suggestions or solutions before I call? Any help would be greatly appriciated.

 

Here is a GUARANTEED fix, and all I ask is for a rep point from you

First, go to Device manager. Then go to the Intel PROSet 3945ABG network card under the Network Adapter's tab, and right click and select Update Driver Software. Select Browse my computer for driver software, then make sure to select the Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer. You want to select the one that says "Intel® PRO/Wrieless 3945ABG Network Connection (Microsoft)" and make sure it has Microsoft after it, and NOT Intel.

Don't ask me why this works, but it does. Also, you can NEVER AGAIN use ANY Intel Driver (even those that worked before). You MUST continue to use the Microsoft Driver until Intel fixes it (which I wouldn't give my hopes up for). Dell blames Microsoft, Microsoft blames Intel, Intel says they do not provide support for OEM devices. But I GUARANTEE you this works, and you will never again have this problem - just NEVER, NEVER, EVER touch your drivers anymore. If you do, you'll have the same problem. If you are feeling daring though, you can always revert back to the Microsoft Driver after you realize you f'd up

 

Okay, I just what you described and things seem to be up and running. 3 hours and no disconnects. Thank you!

 

So much for the rep point <_<

 

DoubleBlack, YOU DA MAN! thanks for that advice. It worked perfectly. I registered just so I could give you a rep point. Good lookin out.

 

np man, glad I could help

That drove me crazy for the longest time, it appeared after adding support for the 4965...but luckily I just got a new machine, with the 4965, and I'm using the latest INTEL drivers flawlessly...