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Why am I not able to connect or stay connected to my WiFi network?

Software and driver updates are the most common source of issue resolution for WiFi connection issues. If you are experiencing a WiFi connection issue, first install an updated version of the software and drivers. If that does not resolve your issue, please see the troubleshooting steps listed for your specific symptom.

  • Contact your computer manufacturer for the latest system specific updates
  • Obtain generic versions of the software and drivers for Intel wireless products


Possible Symptoms

Note: This troubleshooting document is provided for the home or small-office user. It is not intended for complex networks containing many devices and advanced security settings.



Symptom - WiFi radio is turned off

Troubleshooting tips


Symptom - adapter disabled


Troubleshooting tips

  • Click Start » Control Panel » System » Hardware tab » Device Manager » click the + symbol in front of Other Devices to expand the section » right-click the Intel® PRO/Wireless Network Connection » click Enable if that choice is available
  • Click Start » Connect to » Show all connections » right-click the Intel® PRO/Wireless Network Connection » click Enable if that choice is available


Symptom - unable to connect to access point or WiFi broadband router

Troubleshooting tips

  • If shared authentication is configured, confirm that the passphrase or pre-shared key is the same for both the mobile device and the AP (applicable if using WEP, WPA-Personal or WPA2-Personal)
  • Verify that you have an IP address by referencing the AP vendor documentation or by contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP)


Symptom - network adapter not detected

Troubleshooting tips

The network adapter may not be detected if one of the following issues exists:

  • Network card is not seated correctly
  • Network card is defective
  • BIOS is not configured correctly

Please contact your computer manufacturer for the latest system specific updates and technical support information related to this issue.


Symptom - poor or no signal strength


Troubleshooting tips

If you have confirmed that there is a functioning AP or router in close proximity, your issue may be due to one of the following reasons:

  • Antenna loose or disconnected
  • Defective network card

Please contact your computer manufacturer for the latest system specific updates and technical support information related to this issue.


Symptom - persistent disconnects and other stability issues

Troubleshooting tips

  • Contact your computer manufacturer for the latest system specific updates
  • Check for possible sources of interference, particularly if using IEEE* 802.11 WiFi adapters operating in the 2.4 GHz spectrum (possible interference sources can include cordless phones, microwave ovens, Bluetooth* devices, other 802.11 WiFi networks)
  • Verify that your AP or router is functioning properly - contact your AP/router manufacturer for firmware upgrades or replacement of a defective product
  • Set Power save polling (PSP) to Continuously Aware Mode (Note: This will cause your battery life to decrease more rapidly if not connected to a power outlet)
  • Ensure the roaming aggressiveness setting in the adapter properties is not set to the minimum or the maximum
  • If the AP/router offers radio management or another feature where the AP/router conducts off-channel scanning (or something similar to off-channel scanning), disable that feature and see if the problem persists

This applies to:
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100 Network Connection
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Intel® WiFi Link 5100
Intel® WiFi Link 5300
Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5350
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN

Solution ID: CS-025332
Date Created: 28-Dec-2006
Last Modified: 29-Sep-2008
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