Gateway MX 6426 WiFi - loses connection, then reconnects

I can't keep my MX6426 laptop connected to my wireless router, but other WiFi laptops work perfect, so I assume the 6426 is the problem.

The factory installed MiniPCI Card has the Realtek RTL 8185L chip set. I've tried several different drivers, and a second identical card, with the same result.

It disconnects without warning, then reconnects. It can happen a number of times a minute, or can stay connected for hours without a problem. On rare occasion, it locks up the entire Wireless Connection and I have to reboot to regain Internet connection.

Here is the Gateway spec page: http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Q106/Blade/1014029Rnv.shtml

Any ideas?

 

I would have to ask, is the router updated to the lastest firmware as well?

 

Yes, but it's a Microsoft router, and they stopped supporting it sometime ago.

 

Forgot to say running XP Home.

I notice an icon in Control Panel for Broadcom Wireless, but it was completely empty. So, I deleted it. Made no difference, as the wireless locked up completely, requiring a cold boot.

I did a little research, and found info at MS Support about Wireless Zero, and tried to get the service to stop, when it was locked up. Even that would not let me stop or restart the service, as the buttons were seen in the window but not available to use.

Help, please.

By the way, the other laptops are running XP Home and Vista, with no issues whatsoever.

 

Ken,

Just saw your post and thought I would offer this link.

Basically, you want to turn of what MS calls "wireless zero configuration". It was designed to offer the end user an easy way for easy wi-fi connection. The problem you may be experiencing is that your laptop is actually attempting to jump to the next available network. If this next network is a open net, you will connect but it can be dangerous because of security. You may very well connect but along with the connection comes any malware that may be on the open network. Try the link below and see if this helps.

http://paininthetech.com/2005/10/25/disable-wireless-zero-configuration-in-windows-xp

 

Thank you very much for the reply.

I did try that solution, but I had no wireless connectivity at all after turning WZC off.

For awhile I suspected the problem was with the Broadcom Wireless Utility in Control Panel, which when open is completely empty of any settings, and says 'No Adapter'. I tried deleting it and reloading to no avail.

After a lot of trial and error, I figured out the 'Allow this computer to turn off this device to save power' was the problem, in Wireless Properties, Configuration, Power Management. Once I disabled that, everything has been fine.