Wireless connection keeps dropping

[milokat]

Dear fellow T42 users,
I'm at my wits end trying to figure out what the problem is with my T42. My wireless connection keeps dropping out max 10 mins or so, and i am suspecting that it has got something to do with my laptop's internal intel wireless network adapter, coz i did a check on the network connection with my other laptop and it works fine. Any advise on where i should start troubleshooting?

[NorrisCell]

This has been discused a few times, but some users (Myself included) have had dropped connection problems after updating XP to SP3. Are both machines on the same Service Pack?

[milokat]

Strangely enough, both my machines are running on SP3, but the problem only occur on my T42.

[zdriver]

Go to the control panel, the advanced properties tab for the wireless card, and change the power settings from default to maximum. See if that corrects the problem.
Also, what is the relative signal strength of the connection? Is it better on laptop x, weaker on the thinkpad, the same on both?

[blink]

Hi,
i also have similar type problems. Sometimes it just drops & says limited/no connectivity. Rather than rebooting i find that closing & opening the lid (or hibernating) gets it back. Now im not sure if this problem is caused by my modem/router initially dropping connectivity for a split second & the internal wireless card having nothing to find or due to a fault on the card in the T42? I will say though that on my previous laptop using a pcmcia card this didnt seem to happen. It can be really infuriating.
Z driver i cant seem to find what you say in control panel?
Im using XP Do you mean the wireless network set up? The one that has an icon like a usb wireless device? If so that takes me into a set up screen. Or are you refering to something else?

On another note i have never been able to get infared to work on this T42 also. No great shakes but any help also appreciated.

Thanks

Andre

[zdriver]

In the control panel go to device manager - network adapters - select your wireless adapter - advanced tab - power management - uncheck default values - move slider to highest

For Infrared, I have not used that for about 10yrs when I had a HP IR printer connected to my 701c.
Make sure it is enabled in the bios setup and it appears in the device manager.

[blink]

Many Thanks for the 'heads up' zdriver i have given it a try & will see how i get on.

[milokat]

Signal strength is the same for both laptop x & t42.
I've changed the power management setting for the wireless card and am monitoring the situation. Will update when it goes on for more than 8 hours without disconnection

Thanks for the great advise, really appreciate it!

[RealBlackStuff]

Also in Device Manager, check that the option: Allow this device to be switched off to save power (or something like it) is UNticked.

[blink]

Great news is i dont seem to have dropped a connection since following the advice offered here so many thanks to zdriver who was a great help, realblackstuff & all who contributed.
Fingers crossed my problem is sorted now. I have the intel 2915abg internal card & am running xp serv pack 3 ok.

Hey it maybe would be a nice idea if possible that common problems such as this & known solutions could be perhaps made into stickys on a help section of the forum to assist other thinkpad users?

[Tim M]

I've had the same problem on occasion. I've combated it by keeping my 2200BG drivers up-to-date with the latest offering from Intel. Additionally, as I live in an apartment building, I've found that changing the wireless channel can also help.

[zdriver]

Andre, I am glad your wireless connection problem has settled down & thanks for the feedback.
The search function provides a great path to the resolution of just about any of the thinkpad issues. Some problems have more than one solution & I think the admins have done a good job of providing a sticky for the critical common issues.