Keep losing internet connection

badger09

Hope someone can help

Details:
new (October) Dell Inspiron 17R laptop
old Dell Dimension PC
Linksys WAG160N Modem Router
ISP Zen

For several weeks Laptop has been randomly losing internet connection. Haven't identified any particular day/time - usually lasts around 30 minutes. When this happens, internet, dsl & wireless icons all show on router as usual.

Dell PC is attached to router with ethernet cable. Sometimes when laptop has lost connection, PC can connect, but sometimes it doesn't.

Any idea what the problem(s) might be?

Thanks

closed

The symptoms conflict with each other, unless there are two problems (unlikely)

if it was the isp/dns/net connection, then both would fail at the same time.

If it was wireless, the laptop would fail, the wired would work

You need to rule out the connection (check router config page), wireless (wire laptop when it fails), and unlikely but possible - software configuration, eg security software/antivirus any dns or proxy changes you may have done

badger09

closed wrote: »

The symptoms conflict with each other, unless there are two problems (unlikely)

if it was the isp/dns/net connection, then both would fail at the same time.

If it was wireless, the laptop would fail, the wired would work

Thanks closed, that's why I was puzzled

You need to rule out the connection (check router config page)
how do I do that

wireless (wire laptop when it fails)
that I understand - presumably wire it when wired connection is working

, and unlikely but possible - software configuration, eg security software/antivirus any dns or proxy changes you may have done

I haven't installed/uninstalled any antivirus software - using Windows Defender on Win 8.1 and I wouldn't know how to configure dns or proxy changes

closed

router config = http://192.168.1.1 from there you should be able to see if it's connected to the isp, which according to your router lights you are

wire it if wireless is not working.

There's probably a 1001 similar threads listing fault diagnosis methods if you do a search for ping

Stooby2

If the laptop is Windows 8, try the steps on this site.

http://www.fixedbyvonnie.com/2013/10/how-to-fix-limited-or-no-connectivity-wi-fi-issues-in-windows-8/#.Uv0czn1FDbU

badger09

closed wrote: »

router config = http://192.168.1.1 from there you should be able to see if it's connected to the isp, which according to your router lights you are

wire it if wireless is not working.

There's probably a 1001 similar threads listing fault diagnosis methods if you do a search for ping

Thanks closed

I did try a forum search before posting but didn't see anything relevant. Have now searched under 'ping' and bookmarked a couple of threads.

I'll try the wiring method next time it happens

badger09

Stooby2 wrote: »

If the laptop is Windows 8, try the steps on this site.

http://www.fixedbyvonnie.com/2013/10/how-to-fix-limited-or-no-connectivity-wi-fi-issues-in-windows-8/#.Uv0czn1FDbU

Thanks Stooby2

That looks a really useful article. I've also bookmarked it on phone as backup for next time I need it

Ximian

Have you had a look to see if there are any updated device drivers for the computers? I had an issue with an old Dell laptop where the wireless connection would die randomly after ~20 mins, after applying the updated wireless drivers I never had an issue again.

badger09

Ximian wrote: »

Have you had a look to see if there are any updated device drivers for the computers? I had an issue with an old Dell laptop where the wireless connection would die randomly after ~20 mins, after applying the updated wireless drivers I never had an issue again.

Thanks Ximian

I thought I had new laptop set up to automatically update any hardware, drivers etc from Dell. Turns out I didn't and there are more than 20 updates to download & install

It seems to be taking forever but hopefully it will improve the wifi issues.

Some of the updates predate the purchase date (October 2013), but I had to have a new motherboard fitted in December, so assume that explains why there are so many

Magenta

Ximian wrote: »

Have you had a look to see if there are any updated device drivers for the computers? I had an issue with an old Dell laptop where the wireless connection would die randomly after ~20 mins, after applying the updated wireless drivers I never had an issue again.

I had the exact same problem with my Dell laptop.


I bought software to update the drivers (I couldn't find any other way to do it) and now it's fine.

FifaFan14

Get on to the provider