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    VGN-TZ11XN/B Wireless Issue

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by mscox, Mar 30, 2008.

  1. mscox

    mscox Newbie

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    It's a long shot but I was just wondering if anyone has come across this wireless issue before...

    Model Number-: Sony Vaio VGN-TZ11XN/B

    Processor Type - Intel Core 2 Duo U7500
    Installed RAM (GB) - 2 GB
    Graphics Chipset - Intel GMA 950
    HDD Capacity (GB) - 100 GB
    Wireless Card - Intel 3945ABG

    Issue replicated both with Vista and XP [No 3rd party software installed]

    On connection to a WPA-802.1x (aka RADIUS or WPA-Enterprise) / PEAP multiple access point wireless network after X amount of time the connection drops out. X can be anything from a few seconds up to several hours. When the connection drops out the light at the front of the laptop, which denotes that the wireless device is turned on, goes out.

    Vista

    When the issue occurs with Vista the laptop then starts running very, very slowly. Using Process Explorer from SysInternals I have determined that the CPU cycles are being taken up by DPCs (Deferred Procedure Calls). It is not possible to use the wireless device until the laptop is restarted (the light remains off even if you switch the wireless device off and back on again).

    The following event is recorded in the System log:-

    ": The embedded controller (EC) did not respond within the specified timeout period. This may indicate that there is an error in the EC hardware or firmware or that the BIOS is accessing the EC incorrectly. You should check with your computer manufacturer for an upgraded BIOS. In some situations, this error may cause the computer to function incorrectly."

    XP

    When the issue occurs with XP no CPU cycles are ‘lost’ but again it is not possible to use the wireless device until the laptop is restarted (the light remains off even if you switch the wireless device off and back on again). In Network Connections the wireless device becomes disabled when the issue occurs and it is not possible to enable it again unless you restart the computer.

    Additional Information

    1. All BIOS, operating system and driver/application updates were installed before replicating the issue. In addition to this all start-up programs were disabled. I have also managed to replicate the fault in Safe Mode with Networking. Please note that XP and VISTA require different BIOSes. The latest BIOS for Vista is R0052N7 and for XP R0071N7. I have read about roaming issues with the Intel 3945ABG card on several forums and have tried reducing the Roaming Aggressiveness but to no avail.

    2. The laptop has been returned to Sony twice. The first time the wireless card was replaced and the second time they replaced the antenna. The laptop was returned with scratches all over the top of the laptop after the second ‘repair’.

    3. I have been unable to replicate the issue on a WPA-PSK single access point wireless network.

    4. I have replicated the fault on the wireless network in question in two different buildings.

    5. I have tested connecting a very similar model laptop (VGN-TZ11MN), which uses an identical integrated wireless card (Intel 3945ABG), to the wireless network and have been unable to replicate the issue. In addition to this we have NOT experienced this issue with any other make of laptops connected to the network.
     
    mscox, Mar 30, 2008
    #1
  2. scottyinco

    scottyinco Notebook Evangelist

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    it really sounds like a bad wireless card or motherboard. i have a TZ180 with the same wireless card, and have only experienced problems like that (where the WLAN light goes out) if i try to overclock the cpu too high.
     
    scottyinco, Mar 30, 2008
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  3. kuncheesh

    kuncheesh Notebook Evangelist

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    wow......first of all lemme appreciate the method of you posting the problem....may i recommend the mods to stick this thread as a model post.....however you could also include your full system configuration
     
    kuncheesh, Mar 30, 2008
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  4. kuncheesh

    kuncheesh Notebook Evangelist

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    now coming to the problem.... in vista you may try this one

    in device manager right click on the name of your wireless adapter > properties>power management > uncheck the option 'allow the computer to turn off this device ' ..
    i donno abt the xp case as i have not used wireless in xp however there maybe a similar tweak, tell me if it works
     
    kuncheesh, Mar 30, 2008
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  5. mscox

    mscox Newbie

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    Well Sony have replaced the wireless card twice so if it is a hardware issue then it is almost certainly the motherboard. The main issue is that they are unable to replicate the fault on their wireless network and
    Sony refuse to send out an engineer to our site so that I can demonstrate the fault.
     
    mscox, Mar 30, 2008
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  6. mscox

    mscox Newbie

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    I will try this if the issue is still present when Sony return the laptop for the third time.

    BTW thanks for the compliment.
     
    mscox, Mar 30, 2008
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