Annoying, intriguing wireless problem

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting for computer help, usually I just find the solution myself, but this one is very strange.

My wifi card frequently disconnects from my network, and when this happens it is also unable to find any other networks, and my wifi light turns off. The diagnostic program reports that the 'wifi radio is turned off'. Restarting the router brings it back up around 50% of the time. Otherwise I have to restart the computer, and even that sometimes doesn't work.

It seems to have no rhyme or reason as to when it disconnects

The very strange thing is that this happens much more in different parts of the house, though the router is in range and connects fine to other devices.

This problem started about 2 weeks ago when I was running vista, I bought windows 7 and did a clean install but it persists. I also disabled the hardware switch, and tried a multitude of drivers, the one that seems to work best is the Microsoft one that installed with win 7. I also played with the power saving settings, and the roaming stuff.

The card in question is an Intel pro wireless 3945abg, and the laptop is a dell Inspiron 1720.

Thanks for reading/any suggestions, this one really has me pulling my hair out.

 

sometimes the drivers are not entirely compatible with windows 7.
you can see if there is an update on winupdate.

I have also seen cases where the computers wifi switch be it hardware or software
becomes glitchy. if all else fails, find another card of a different make.

 

Try this, click on the little battery icon on the bottom tool bar in windows. Select "More Power Options". Whatever power plan is selected, click on "change plan settings" for it. Click on Change Advanced power settings. Expand the Wireless Adapter Settings, Expand Power Saving Mode, change on battery and on plugged in both to be maximum performance.