x200 wi-fi randomly dies

Starting maybe three weeks ago, the WLAN on my x200 (Intel WiFi Link 5100) will just randomly and abruptly "die." Access Connections and Windows 7 Network center will both block out any wireless connections, and pressing the shortcut "Fn+F5" will only show the bluetooth antenna; the "802.11 Wireless Radio" option is completely gone in that window. The only option shown in both Access Connections and Windows 7 is to use an ethernet connection, as if the wireless card were not present. There appears to be no way to get the WLAN working again except for a complete reboot.

This problem will just randomly occur, with no apparent way to reproduce it and no explanation. I have the latest Intel platform and WiFi drivers from Windows Update and the Lenovo System Update. I also just recently did a fresh installation of Windows 7 about two days ago and the problem still occurs, albeit not as frequently as it did before the fresh install. What can I do as far as diagnosing or reproducing this persistent issue and where do I start?

 

Replace with a known good Lenovo branded FRU card, you should be able to put in a 5100/5300.

 

Is that my only option? Is there a way I can tell if it's a software or hardware issue before I have to go in and replace the card?

 

If you have a Linux boot CD, like Knoppix you can test it out in a Linux environment.

 

is your wireless router working properly? did you use another pc to try to connect to your router to rule out that possibility?

 

Yes, the router is working whenever this happens. The fact that the wireless radio disappears from the Access Connections menu (Fn+F5) also suggests it's isolated to my own computer.

Tsunade_Hime: Will the same wireless drivers work with a Linux distro or are there Linux-specific drivers I need?

 

I have used the Intel 5100 in Xubuntu, Ubuntu, and Crunchbang. I second what Tsunade has suggested as a way to rule out whether Windows is involved in your wifi adapter trouble. If you do decide to download a linux ISO keep it handy for future troubleshooting. Good luck

 

I haven't the live CD version of Knoppix not find WLAN drivers yet.

 

Just wanted to post a quick update: I did some research on similar issues with the Intel 5100 and one search result showed that someone solved all of their problems by opening up their computer and re-seating the card. I also noticed that I could occasionally cause the wi-fi to die when I would not-so-gently place the x200 on a desk. I figured it was worth a shot, so I opened it up and re-seated the card. Two weeks later, I haven't had any problems whatsoever with my wireless disappearing. So if anyone else has problems with their wireless card, this is definitely worth trying as much as anything else, especially if it saves you the trouble of having to order another card.