Thinkpads Forum

Hello all,

Recently (past 3 months or so), I have had trouble getting onto the internet through my wireless card. However, once its on, than its no problem, but when I turn on my computer initially, it normally takes a good 7-10 mins to be connected to both 'local and internet'.

When I turn on my computer, it will go to 'connected to local' first, and I normally either have to turn on and off my hard switch for my wireless, or right click on the wireless icon, click 'diagnose and repair' and than click 'start windows wireless service'....after these steps I am normally on the internet.
It is a bit of a hassle, and one that can hopefully be remedied with your guys' help

Thanks

sounds like the DHCP settings on your router are messed or your router is just running slower than it should.
the problem definitely isn't with your laptop since it's still getting the local connection quickly.

Thanks.
We have other laptops also running off of the same router in the house and they do not experience that same problem.
In addition, when I turn my computer on from off at my cousins house, I also need to go through the same hassle trying to get on his wireless network?
Would it be some DHCP settings with my own wireless adapter?

My old X61 was also at times very stubborn about getting on a wireless LAN, whereas our X31 never has been (on the same networks), and so far my X200s isn't, either.

The key question: are you using Access Connections, or the Windows wireless networking to make the connection?

I am using Windows to manage, and have always (before the problem started as well)

I would also check out all power-management-related wifi settings of the system (like in Device Manager and Lenovo Power Manager). You could also try:

1. reseating the wifi card;

2. deleting the network from your wireless networks and connect to it and save it again;

3. checking for malware;

4. checking for any other programs trying to connect upon or after windows startup (including rests of old programs -> use CCleaner to scan the registry for potential clues, but don´t clean anything yet);

5. disabling IPv6 (if enabled);

6. resetting winsock (somewhat hardcore);

7. checking for driver or BIOS updates that might be addressing similar issues;

8. For Vista only: disabling netshell "intelligent" functions: To re-enable it, replace "disabled" with "normal" in the above command.

BTW, you don´t mention what OS you are running on your ThinkPad.

Hope this helps,

Marin

Don't forget to check for other APs in the neighborhood with the same name. I once tore my hair out trying to figure out why a PC at work was having trouble getting on the wireless network. Turned out the AP had the default "linksys" name.... as did the AP in the next suite. They were both secured, and since the passwords didn't match, the PC couldn't access the net when/if it tried to connect to the AP next door. Which it did but only some of the time.

If you are connecting but it takes a long time, it is possible there is an AP with the same name at the edge of your range. The poor signal would make it take a long time to either connect or decide it could not and fall back to the correct AP.

Just a guess, but it fits the symptoms.

Paul