Sony Z - Random wireless disconnects (solved)

I just went through an ordeal with the wifi adapter on my Z591 (Intel WiFi 5100). I thought I'd share so nobody has to go through it like I did.

I've been running Windows 7 since the first version was leaked. Ever since version 7058, I had a problem where the wireless connection would drop after a period of time. I spent copious amounts of time troubleshooting the driver and various settings on my D-Link DIR-655. Nothing seemed to help and the disconnects happened very randomly.

I thought it may have been an issue with Windows 7, so I did a Sony system recovery and reverted to Vista. Once completed, the 5100 didn't even show up in device manager. I booted the machine back up the next day and windows found it. It seemed to randomly disappear, so I thought I had a bad adapter.

I opened the laptop to see if I could replace the adapter. The adapter is next to the modem jack on the left side. While removing some bits to get at the adapter, I saw that both the wifi and modem modules were on a PCB base and attached to the motherboard with some ribbon cable.

Long story short, the ribbon cable had moved ever so slightly and one or two of the leads weren't connecting. I pulled the module out, dusted it off with compressed air, cleaned the leads and reseated it.

I did this late last week and haven't had any problems since.

Looks like the card can move around and, if it happens just right, Windows will see it, just not connect. I think moving the laptop around made some of the leads connect again, giving me momentary functionality.

If you are wondering, the card I have is the half-length Intel Wifi Link 5100 Hmc. They are available on Amazon for about $32.

I wouldn't recommend trying to service this card unless you know what you are doing. It's VERY tight in there. I didn't take any pics, sorry.

Anyway, I hope this helps somebody.

 

Good info. Thanks for posting.