Anyone try the new Intel drivers?

Intel just released new drivers for the 2200 and 2915 cards: version 9.0.3.9 http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/cs-010623.htm
I wanted to know if anyone has downloaded them and does it help with the maddening disconnects?

 

It's excellent, alot more stable, than the earlier versions. But i'd suggest you to try at least 2 version, before you decide, since it's not the same in every laptop

 

Replied in another thread ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=11402&page=34&pp=10 )

2915 Card been on new drivers since last night no issues so far - need at least a solid week or so before I make commnets on increased stability - but so far no disconnects.

 

Good to hear- read you comments- although I need to know how it works with WZC (I know, I'm being difficult- but my daughter needs to use it to set up her wireless at school). Anyone try it with WZC rather than the Intel Pro-set utility? Thanks

 

Doesn't resolve my problems with disconnects with the 2915 card...any other suggestions?

 

That is unfortunate - For me, so far , no disconnects the last couple of days - but that is the kiss of death and I have gone several days before. Talk to me afer a week or so.

I assume you have tried all the usual tips
power cycle everything (usual order of power up are router / wait a few mins / Modem wait a few mins / computer(s)
change wireless channels on your router
run without security
Change security to WEP
Uninstall all 2915abg drivers and card, reboot , choose new driver where you have expanded it from the intel download
Update router firmware (some routers have specific task that need to be followed for a upgrade - beyond the upgrade task itself - be sure to check your documentation or go online)
Place Router in another area
ensure no other devices (cordless phones / microwaves / even a stack of cd's believe it or not) are near the router

Do have an external card you can test (to see if indeed it is the 2915abg Card). Are there other hotspots you can connect to to see if it is your router?

There are no silver bullets for this one I am afraid - and I as well as others can relate to the frustration. I have learned from experience to not do any work wirelessly that cannot survive a disconnect. I hear the next generation is better (MIMO routers) but they are still 'bleeding edge' and while I like to be current I like to just behind the curve and not on top.

Still some people have no issues with these SOHO routers and cards - some of us are not so lukcy. For me it works 90% of the time - something I am learning to live with while hoping the next firmware or driver upgrade will squeeze a few more percentage points ...

Good Luck..................dy

 

My daughter has the problem both in her apt. and at school, so I don't think the router is the issue. Interestingly, although it just may have been behaving itself, it was good at home (same brand router, but without the interference of wither multiple surrounding networks as in her apt. or numerous computers around her like at school). Also, even though she is getting dropped in her apt., her friend's laptop stays connected if signed on. Given that the laptop connection is problematic in multiple settings, I am assuming it is not a router issue.
She just update the drivers frm the Intel site by downloading and clicking on the executable file. The correct version shows in device manager. You mentioned "Uninstall all 2915abg drivers and card, reboot , choose new driver where you have expanded it from the Intel download" - is this preferable? If so, could someone offer specific instructions? Thanks

 

Check out post #279 http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=11402&page=28&pp=10

It is usaully preferable to install any softweare from as "fresh a base" as possible (think re-install operating sytem - likley start from blank drive)

Also try just running 'b' or 'g' instead of mixed mode (if you happen to know what the router is) 'b' is more than enough for Internet - if file sharing between machines is an issue then 'g' offers higher speeds.

Also someone in another thread offered "SingleClick Wireless Network Ignition" reviews on Amazon are good (only 4 though) apparenetly has a 30 day free trial not sure if it is restricted in anyway - if I continue to get disconnects might give it a go.

Good Luck

 

The new Intel drivers apparently fixed my year old problems with a D-link DI-624 router loaded with the latest (beta) firmware. Now the connection (secured with WPA2) is steady and fast.

 

well, i cant get the drivers because dell wont come out with their dis. until it is fully test.......

 

Daacon-
thanks- I found what you were referring to (although the link didn't work)- stupid question: step 10 ("10. Browse to the folder that the exe unzipped at and then go to the folder called drivers within that and select the driver, there will only be one you can select. Highlight that driver and click next and install it.")- besides just downloading the file from the Intal site, what do I have to do? Do I need to "unzip" it- if so, how without installing it? Sorry for what I know is a dumb ?.

The Amazon reivews (although there are only a few) of SingleClick Wireless Network Ignition were indeed impressive. Almost tempting to try, but my daughter's network at school requires the Microsoft client, and I don't know that there would be a workaround with this since it is relatively unknown.

Running VCom Systemsuite, and was told to try lowering the firewall security; was told that Sygate can be pretty aggressive, and might be the culprit esp. since there is a lag before I am able to reconnect. I am really hoping this works. The laptop is great other than this, and I know it is a common problem, but infuriating nevertheless.

 

Yeah step 10 just run the executbale it will unzip int the directgory you choose. If Intel Proset wants to do an Install just cancel it.

Oh and BTW I had my first diconnect this morning with the new drivers (no wireless networks found) lasted a few minutes then reconnected. I will blame it on I was updating my Iriver H10 (MP3 player) via USB port - otherwise last few days pretty rock solid connection.

And yes Firewalls can be the culprit - might even want to try and turn it off completlely to see if that adds stability.

Edit: I should have mentioned. If you orginally installed the Intel Proset just unistall it and the directory where you origianlly expanded the files will be there.

Good Luck..........dy

 

Thanks for the added info. We'll see how it goes with the firewall turned down, but I have written down all the info. as a next step (my daughter is real busy at school and I know would prefer not to do this, which is why I'm holding off for the moment unless it is needed). It would be nice if these new drivers do the trick

 

Second dsconnet today - biggest difference I have seen in both disconnects is it reconnects almost immediately - progress I guess ..........

 

Turning down the firewall settings seems to make a huge difference.

 

I installed the new drivers on campus at york university in bethune college cafeteria which is the lowest level....I was using the older ones and holy crap it kept dropping and giving me a weak signal...I then finally downloaded the new ones and installed on the spot...

After that it was pure strong signal...my download speeds increased two-fold in that current spot on a wireless G connection...some kid didn't have his security enabled so I tapped into his internet connection....the school has a wireless network too, but his signal was stronger so I used it shhhhh~!

When I came home I tried out my wireless with my Belkin Pre-N router and it was pretty good...even though the signal strength sometimes dropped to just good which is what....2 bars on the intelproset icon? it still had a consistent signal and didn't drop or give me any lag on the internet surfing and such...

Not bad if you ask me!!!

I am going to change my minipccard to an atheros though....as soon as I get some money....I hear those new ones, the sixth generation ones, are quite good and great with power consumption, so Atheros here I come

Cheers,
Mike