Strange/Sudden wireless signal issue

D

DC4MVP

New Member
First, I have a Gateway NV52 with Vista. I believe I got the CPU in 2009.

Prior to 2-3 months ago, I could get very good wireless signal upstairs in my living room. My router is downstairs.

Now-a-days, I struggle to get an internet connection in the same places where I use to get 3-4-5 bars. I can't even get a connection at hotels and what not which should have strong signals.

This was very sudden issue that happened seemingly overnight. At first, I figured it was my router so I replaced it. No dice. I tried talking to Gateway support but they would only send me to site links since my warranty is up. Both links were no help.

Any ideas?
 
Try updating the wireless driver or its possible that the wireless card is dying and needs to be replaced. I know its a bit harsh but have you tried doing a fresh install of windows to see if that fixes it? Have you been infected recently?
 
johnb35 said:
Try updating the wireless driver or its possible that the wireless card is dying and needs to be replaced. I know its a bit harsh but have you tried doing a fresh install of windows to see if that fixes it? Have you been infected recently?
Click to expand...

I'm not too CPU savvy when it comes to internet issues so a couple of questions:

1. How do I update the driver?

2. If I do a fresh install, do I lose all of my files, docs, music on my CPU?

And no, I haven't had any virus issues. My CPU defense is top-notch.
 
Look in device manager and tell me what is listed under network adapters for the wireless device.

Your options would be either realtek, atheros or possibly ralink.

But give me the exact name listed.


If you do a fresh install of windows, yes, you would lose all your data so you would have to back it all up onto cd's depending on how much data you had.
 
johnb35 said:
Look in device manager and tell me what is listed under network adapters for the wireless device.

Your options would be either realtek, atheros or possibly ralink.

But give me the exact name listed.
Click to expand...

I get two options:

BROADCOM NetLink (TM) Gigabit Ethernet
Ralink 802.11n Wireless LAN CARD
 
Ok, if you right click on that ralink entry and click on properties, then click on the driver tab, what is the driver date and driver version?
 
The file was zipped, Did you unzip it and then run the setup file inside the folder? It would have told you that the install was complete and possible restart was needed.
 
johnb35 said:
The file was zipped, Did you unzip it and then run the setup file inside the folder? It would have told you that the install was complete and possible restart was needed.
Click to expand...

It said the install was complete. No prompt for restart so I did the install again and it told me the file has already been installed.

Not improvement to my connection as of yet.
 
Then either you have malware on your system or like I said before the wireless card may be dying on you.
 
Not driver, but the actual wireless card itself. Why don't you try getting a usb wireless adapter. It would be much cheaper than trying to replace the existing wireless card. You would have to order a replacement card and you can't get at a normal computer store, most lkely would have to go back to gateway to get the replacement, where as you can get a usb wireless adapter at all computer stores even walmart.
 
johnb35 said:
Not driver, but the actual wireless card itself. Why don't you try getting a usb wireless adapter. It would be much cheaper than trying to replace the existing wireless card. You would have to order a replacement card and you can't get at a normal computer store, most lkely would have to go back to gateway to get the replacement, where as you can get a usb wireless adapter at all computer stores even walmart.
Click to expand...

I assume a wireless USB does the job of my wireless card by picking up the signal of the wireless internet connection from my router or any router much like a cellphone or a wireless device for Xbox 360 and/or PS3?

Do I have to get a corresponding USB that relates to my router (Linksys) or will any do?
 
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Doesn't have to be the same brand as your router. What computer stores are near you so I can recommend one?
 
johnb35 said:
Doesn't have to be the same brand as your router. What computer stores are near you so I can recommend one?
Click to expand...

Got your basics like Best Buy, Walmart, Target. I do a lot of shopping from newegg.com.

Don't know of all too many "computer" stores these days since I do most my dealings online.
 
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