[SOLVED] 2 netbooks won't connect or stay connected to internet

[Besoccermom]

My daughters both got netbooks last xmas, hooked them to internet & worked flawlessly for about 9 months. Then around the same time, both stopped getting internet. They can occassionally connect, but will not stay connected.

I am running Vista on the wired main computer & my laptop, laptop never had a connection problem even when the netbooks are. Netbooks are running XP.

Comcast is my internet provider

Have tried rolling back computer to previous setting, doesn't work. Doesn't seem to be a virus, at least not one anything has detected

I need detailed instructions as I am rather clueless. Help!

[2xg]

Hello and Welcome to TSF!

Try removing all wireless profiles stored in his computer and re-connect to your wireless network, make sure that you have the correct encryption needed if your wireless is secured. Here's a complete guide.

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I would also update the wireless network adapter's driver to the latest one. You may manually download it from the manufacturer's site. If you need help on this, please post the make and model of their wireless adapters. You may find this info. from Device Manager.
To access Device Manager from an XP computer type the following: Click on Start and type devmgmt.msc on the run box then press enter and locate Network Adapters and expand it.

[Besoccermom]

OK, removed all the wireless profiles.

As far as updating drivers, not sure where to look & can I do it from USB as I can't download onto this computer that won't connect to internet.

Atheros AR8132 PCI-E Fast Ehternet Controller
Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter

Thanks-April

[Besoccermom]

Oh, and it says it detects my network, says its is connected, but its not. And when I try to repair the connection it always says it cannot be completed.

[Besoccermom]

And when I plugged the ethernet cord directly into the netbook, I got internet

[Rivendale]

good morning April , that's good news :)

that means all the networking setup is correct, so change nothing there
i think now you are down to the wireless setup issues

there are several ways to update an adapter driver, i like to use the Windows Device Manager and completely Remove the device and then reboot the system

then windows will detect it and install drivers on startup

Riv

[bigriggers]

I have the same problem with all of my wireless devices, in my opinion it is down to interference from a near by wireless network. It may be worth you checking what networks are around you, and in particular, what channels they are using. There is lots of free software to do this, try netstumbler. If you see a neighbour's network using the same channel (or a nearby one), change the channel on your router to the one farthest away.

Also, out of interest, if you reboot your router, do the netbooks reconnect instantly? What router have you got?

[Rivendale]

good day,

Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector is supported by the team

it's a good little program for checking activity on wireless channels
http://www.xirrus.com/library/wifitools.php

you might need to install .NET, but that's not too painful :)

[Besoccermom]

Problem solved! Out of pure frustration, I bought a new router (mine about 8 years old). Within minutes everyone was up & running & fater than ever. I may have to back to Best Buy & kiss the guy who helped me find the right one!

[2xg]

That's good to know. We're glad that replacing your old router solved the issue.