e6400 problem: won't connect to wireless network

Hi, I'm having a problem with my e6400 with the dell 1520 WLAN card not connecting to my/any wireless networks. The wireless has randomly been disconnected in the past (I know the router/internet is still working because I have another computer that is wired; also, my neighbor's network is unprotected and I can't connect to that either.). The only difference now is that it won't reconnect, no matter what I do. I ran the hardware diagnostics in the WLAN utility from the control panel and it passes all of them, so the card isn't broken. The problem is that it fails the "association" test under connection diagnostics. This is what it's telling me.

"Move closer to the wireless router/AP for the network you are trying to test.

The Association test determines if your computer has been associated to the wireless router/AP for the network."

...Well I'm sitting next to my router so what the heck?


Even if it magically reconnects like is has in the past, I still have a problem right? I should be able to stay connected as long as the computer is on right?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

*sigh*

So just after I finished typing all that up and messing with connection manager for half an hour- I unplug my ethernet and try to connect and wala! I'm on.

I'm still annoyed that this happens at all though. Anyone have this problem?

 

Although you state that your other computer was fine - you do mention that was wired so it's worth checking another wireless however, there is a 95% chance it will be your drivers causing you your issues

I had issues in W7 on the first day I installed RTM whereby the default drivers couldnt maintain a connection for long and I had to keep turning it off via the hard-switch and then turning it on again to connect.
Like yourself, I could not connect/pickup other peoples connections either (not that I would be doing anything dodgy )

Updated to the latest drivers and everythings fine now

 

Have you check the antennas? Are they still in place?

If your machine is still under warranty, I think you should call Dell and let them check for you.