Wireless takes forever to connect- keeps saying aquiring network address

[GSF1200S]

There are so many forums Ive joined it seems im a noob every week...

For some reason, my wireless router sucks, and it likes to break connection with the 3 laptops in my apartment frequently (well ventillated, not downloading a ton).

For my roommates, this is a minor inconvienience requiring them to re connect to the wireless router. For me, its a nightmare... When I attempt to click on the network, windows will sit at the waiting for network dialog box for at least 1 maybe even 2 minutes. Then, the dialog box says im connected and goes away. At this point, I can get on the internet. However, even as I write this post, my icon down in the system tray is showing that Windows is trying to locate an IP address (which I obviously already have). It does not matter what network I try to connect to, it will do the same thing. SOMETIMES it will go to the proper connected icon after like 30 minutes. More often than not, I wont even be able to connect to ANY network without completely restarting my computer, and sometimes I even have to that multiple times.

This laptop is like 3 weeks old, and I know it wasnt doing this when I first got it. This comp cant be lacking in stats:

2GB of RAM (533)
Intel Core 2 Duo @2.16 (533mhz FSB)
Gigabyte Mini PCI Gigabit Ethernet
Nvidia go 7600 256MB PCI-express video card
100GB 7200RPM hard drive

Once again, even in the time it took me to write this question, the system tray still shows windows trying to "acquire an IP address." Im completely baffled at this supreme annoyance.

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by GSF1200S

There are so many forums Ive joined it seems im a noob every week...

For some reason, my wireless router sucks, and it likes to break connection with the 3 laptops in my apartment frequently (well ventillated, not downloading a ton).

For my roommates, this is a minor inconvienience requiring them to re connect to the wireless router. For me, its a nightmare... When I attempt to click on the network, windows will sit at the waiting for network dialog box for at least 1 maybe even 2 minutes. Then, the dialog box says im connected and goes away. At this point, I can get on the internet. However, even as I write this post, my icon down in the system tray is showing that Windows is trying to locate an IP address (which I obviously already have). It does not matter what network I try to connect to, it will do the same thing. SOMETIMES it will go to the proper connected icon after like 30 minutes. More often than not, I wont even be able to connect to ANY network without completely restarting my computer, and sometimes I even have to that multiple times.

This laptop is like 3 weeks old, and I know it wasnt doing this when I first got it. This comp cant be lacking in stats:

2GB of RAM (533)
Intel Core 2 Duo @2.16 (533mhz FSB)
Gigabyte Mini PCI Gigabit Ethernet
Nvidia go 7600 256MB PCI-express video card
100GB 7200RPM hard drive

Once again, even in the time it took me to write this question, the system tray still shows windows trying to "acquire an IP address." Im completely baffled at this supreme annoyance.

Anyone? This is really getting annoying... its fine when it boots, but as soon as the router goes down or I change networks- eternal acquiring ip address- Can someone help me.. Im ready to completely wipe my system by reinstalling windows...

[Terrister]

Please post the make/model of the router.
Also type of internet service.

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by Terrister

Please post the make/model of the router.
Also type of internet service.

Motorola Surfboard
Cable broadband (COX San Diego)

But just to remind you, im not really concerned about the router cutting out. Im more concerned with my computer showing "acquiring network address" even when I can actively search the internet. Ill figure out the router, but it sucks having to reboot to get the connection to show connected. Thanks...

[TheMatt]

Hi,

Make sure the services DHCP and Wireless Zero Configuration are enabled and set to automatic in Services.
Start > (Settings) > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by TheMatt

Hi,

Make sure the services DHCP and Wireless Zero Configuration are enabled and set to automatic in Services.
Start > (Settings) > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services

Ok, they were both set to Automatic.. could it be something else?

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by GSF1200S

Ok, they were both set to Automatic.. could it be something else?

Heres something else thats weird.. if I open "view wireless networks" and look at "advanced settings" immediately upon closing the advanced settings. you can hear the computer work a few seconds and then it shows a full connection! I remind you all that even when it shows "acquiring network address" I can still access the internet.

I really wish they hadnt moved this topic, because now most people wont even look at it, AND i dont think this problem related to my router or my ISP. Ive already disclosed that 2 other computers have no issues reconnecting with the proper system tray symbol.. only mine does. This is really crap- sometimes I really think I should switch to Linux or Mac, but Windows unfortunately has dominated the market to where most applications need it..

Im stumped, so any help would be appreciated...

[hwm54112]

Im more concerned with my computer showing "acquiring network address" even when I can actively search the internet

Don't know why that would concern you, as long as you are connected to the internet. I've found that windows wireless can't always be trusted in this respect. You might want to try changing the transmit channel of the router. If you're not already doing it, enable ssid broadcasting as well. I realize you don't think it's a router issue, but it may well be that changing the channel will improve things, regardless of how well your roommates are connecting. After all, they are using different computers in different locations and the number and proximity of other networks can have an effect on your connection, especially if everyone is broadcasting on a default channel (6)

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by hwm54112

Don't know why that would concern you, as long as you are connected to the internet. I've found that windows wireless can't always be trusted in this respect. You might want to try changing the transmit channel of the router. If you're not already doing it, enable ssid broadcasting as well. I realize you don't think it's a router issue, but it may well be that changing the channel will improve things, regardless of how well your roommates are connecting. After all, they are using different computers in different locations and the number and proximity of other networks can have an effect on your connection, especially if everyone is broadcasting on a default channel (6)

Allright sounds good.. I definitely know very little in this department. What exactly is ssid broadcasting and where do I find it? I will try the router channel change until I get a reply.. Thanks alot

[TheMatt]

You will need to log into the router by typing its IP address into the browser. It is probably 192.168.1.1.

Also, make sure the MAC address filtering is disabled or the MAC address of the laptop wireless card is allowed.

[919263]

If the "Acquring Network Address" issue is the only annoying issue and you just want to get rid of it, open the NIC properties, there are 2 check boxes at the bottom,uncheck the "notify me when this connection has limited or no connectivity" box.
As for the disconnection issues, do the channel change, SSID broadcast enabled.
There is a program called "wirelessmon", google it, the trial version runs for 30 days, this will give you an exact picture of how many networks are there, and what channels they are using... you can make changes based on that information.
Also, see if you can upgrade the firmware of the router, dropping connections is not a good thing...


919263