Wireless Problems

[gavinvs]

I have an ADSL connection connected to a D-Link Airplus DWL-650G+ wireless router. My laptop is running Windows XP.

The guy that I paid to set it up loaded XP without any Service Packs and everything was fine.

Since then I have followed the prompts from Windows Update and updated Windows as needed.

Since then, the connection is horribly slow. It seems to run out of steam. ie it goes great guns and then slows down and eventually drops out.

I have uninstalled the wireless adapter and reinstalled it, but to no avail.

I have also taken the wireless router out of the picture and the connection is fine.

I have spoken to D-Link and they advised me to roll back the service packs.

I have also disabled the default Windows XP Wireless handling as advised by D-Link and let the wireless router handle it.

The guy that installed the gear has since disappeared.

Can anyone advise me what else to do?

Thanks

[Statica]

Hi gavinvs:
Firstly, what router are you running? The DWL-650G+ is a PCMCIA network adapter.
Secondly, what service pack are you using for XP? From all acounts, Service Pack 2 is the most stable one for estabilishing a good WiFi connection. Pre SP2 XP (XP SP1 and XP) had issues with WiFi, especially with a secure network in the presence of insecure networks.
Thirdly, there are mixed results from using Dlink's program vs using XP's zero configuration utility; while some find success with one others dont.

What's scary is that a tech support would ask you to roll back from a service pack upgrade instead of trying to troubleshoot the issue. That is spoken by one who would rather get you off the fone than find a fix.

The first thing to do is check your router and your adapter's driver and firmware versions and make sure that they are loaded with the latest versions. Dlink has had huge issues with Wifi stability especially when running WPA and have continually upgraded their firmware versions in the hopes of some resolution. The good news is that that last versions of most of their routers seem to have been successful.

Originally Posted by gavinvs I have an ADSL connection connected to a D-Link Airplus DWL-650G+ wireless router. My laptop is running Windows XP. The guy that I paid to set it up loaded XP without any Service Packs and everything was fine. Since then I have followed the prompts from Windows Update and updated Windows as needed. Since then, the connection is horribly slow. It seems to run out of steam. ie it goes great guns and then slows down and eventually drops out. I have uninstalled the wireless adapter and reinstalled it, but to no avail. I have also taken the wireless router out of the picture and the connection is fine. I have spoken to D-Link and they advised me to roll back the service packs. I have also disabled the default Windows XP Wireless handling as advised by D-Link and let the wireless router handle it. The guy that installed the gear has since disappeared. Can anyone advise me what else to do? Thanks

[gavinvs]

You are right about the PCMCIA card. Sorry.

The router is a Netgear ProSafe 8011.2g Wireless Print Server.

I have tried to access the router via the IP address, but it's asking for the password (which I don't have). I know I can do a hardware reset to reset the password, but as I am so green (!), I am a bit scared to do this.

The wireless card has the latest driver.

I guess my next question is, is it OK to reset the router without knowing what I am doing?

[Statica]

Have you ever heard of being able to do anything without knowing what you're doing?

It is perfectly safe to do a reset to your router, provided you have a basic knowledge of what you are going to need to get back up and running. The first thing to do, and I would strongly urge you to do so rather than rely on someone else whom you can pay to fix it, is to read about your router - at least the quick start will get you on your way. What you have to understand is that when you do a hard reset on your router, all settings disappear - its as if you just purchased a new router. Of course, it is really easy to get back your settings.
The following checklist is as much as I can come up with to help you get started, if you require more assistance post back here:
1) Which router are you using? The exact model# is FWG114P right?
2) Do you have the manual with you? If not it is available here: http://www.netgear.com/support/suppo...asp?dnldID=677
3) What sort of internet connection do you have? Is it PPPoE or Cable? Do you have a static IP address? Do you remember your ISP's username and password if you have any? If there are doubts contact your ISP for these details (go thru the manual to see what it takes to get started with your ISP). As an additional help - here's a list of Oz ISPs clicking on the type of connection you have will take you to netgear's help on how to connect to your ISP) - http://www.netgear.com.au/support/isps.asp
4) From the manual, you should be able to see the default username and password (with netgear its usually 'admin' and 'password')
5) First be able to connect to the net (at least that will enable you to search for further help if you get stuck)
6) Go through the manual to see how to enable WiFi SECURELY

These steps seem more painstaking and long than they actually are, but it is your equipment and your network, and you will benefit from knowing how to configure it right.

HTH