If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
wireless connection lost
I've been having a number of problems with my WinXP laptop (for example,
desktop icons lose their filenames, and I can't do anything but reboot--at which point everything is fine again for a while). The latest thing that happened is that I lost my wireless connection. I've been suspecting malware, although Avira AntiVir, Malwarebytes, and SuperAntiSpyware report no problems. Tonight I discovered that I can get onto the internet by plugging the laptop directly into the wireless router. Does this sound like a possible hardware issue? Thank you! Jo-Anne |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
wireless connection lost
Jo-Anne wrote:
I've been having a number of problems with my WinXP laptop (for example, desktop icons lose their filenames, and I can't do anything but reboot--at which point everything is fine again for a while). The latest thing that happened is that I lost my wireless connection. I've been suspecting malware, although Avira AntiVir, Malwarebytes, and SuperAntiSpyware report no problems. Tonight I discovered that I can get onto the internet by plugging the laptop directly into the wireless router. Does this sound like a possible hardware issue? Thank you! Jo-Anne Change OSes. Boot a Linux LiveCD, and try testing the wireless there. Is it flaky in Linux ? If so, you could have a hardware problem. You can get a nice LiveCD from Ubuntu.com . It's a 700MB download, followed by burning a CD. Imgburn is an example of an application that can burn a .iso for you. It could be related to internal power regulation. Something takes the 14V from the battery, and makes 5V for disk drive, 3.3V for logic, and lower voltages for things like chipset and processor. If could be that one of those "rails" is acting up. An alternative explanation, is overheating. If the laptop has multiple fans, the CPU fan still works, but some secondary fan that cools part of the housing of the laptop is plugged, maybe that causes some of the other, less hot chips, to start overheating. On some laptops, the wireless module might be in the same bay as the memory DIMMs. Run the laptop for a while, then shut down, remove battery and AC connection for safety, then open whatever door exposes the wireless module and feel the chips for heat. The wireless module will be the one with two mini-coax cables leading from it, with miniature right-angle coax connectors that mate the cables to the module. Paul |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
wireless connection lost
"Paul" wrote in message
... Jo-Anne wrote: I've been having a number of problems with my WinXP laptop (for example, desktop icons lose their filenames, and I can't do anything but reboot--at which point everything is fine again for a while). The latest thing that happened is that I lost my wireless connection. I've been suspecting malware, although Avira AntiVir, Malwarebytes, and SuperAntiSpyware report no problems. Tonight I discovered that I can get onto the internet by plugging the laptop directly into the wireless router. Does this sound like a possible hardware issue? Thank you! Jo-Anne Change OSes. Boot a Linux LiveCD, and try testing the wireless there. Is it flaky in Linux ? If so, you could have a hardware problem. You can get a nice LiveCD from Ubuntu.com . It's a 700MB download, followed by burning a CD. Imgburn is an example of an application that can burn a .iso for you. It could be related to internal power regulation. Something takes the 14V from the battery, and makes 5V for disk drive, 3.3V for logic, and lower voltages for things like chipset and processor. If could be that one of those "rails" is acting up. An alternative explanation, is overheating. If the laptop has multiple fans, the CPU fan still works, but some secondary fan that cools part of the housing of the laptop is plugged, maybe that causes some of the other, less hot chips, to start overheating. On some laptops, the wireless module might be in the same bay as the memory DIMMs. Run the laptop for a while, then shut down, remove battery and AC connection for safety, then open whatever door exposes the wireless module and feel the chips for heat. The wireless module will be the one with two mini-coax cables leading from it, with miniature right-angle coax connectors that mate the cables to the module. Paul Thank you, Paul, for the detailed description of what might be happening and what I can try to deal with it! I'm going to be out of town--with my netbook--for a while. When I return, I'll see what I can do--or will take it to someone who might be able to do what you suggested. I think the laptop is still under warranty, but I need to convince myself that it's a hardware issue before I pack it up to send back to the manufacturer. Thank you again! Jo-Anne |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
wireless connection lost
With all the problems you've been posting lately, time for you to shut down
your computer and get a hobby that better suits you, such as knitting. "Jo-Anne" wrote in message ... I've been having a number of problems with my WinXP laptop (for example, desktop icons lose their filenames, and I can't do anything but reboot--at which point everything is fine again for a while). The latest thing that happened is that I lost my wireless connection. I've been suspecting malware, although Avira AntiVir, Malwarebytes, and SuperAntiSpyware report no problems. Tonight I discovered that I can get onto the internet by plugging the laptop directly into the wireless router. Does this sound like a possible hardware issue? Thank you! Jo-Anne |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|