Help! WLAN issues on my new Z690

I've got a new Vaio Z 690 (64-bit Vista) and I am having trouble connecting and maintaing a connection to LAN's. I had a Z 590 (32-bit) for a couple weeks and never had any trouble. Also my 4 yr old Toshiba Sattelite has never had any issues either. I did a semi-clean install on both Z's and I'm pretty sure I re-installed everything correctly. I've been on the phone w/ Sony tech support several times and and also Linksys tech support. Each time they change some settings and it works for a bit b4 crapping out again.

What we've already done:

re-installed the wifi drivers
changed the channel on the router
disabled AVG and Defender security programs
turned off WWAN
re-set router and modem

A few other tweeks as well that I can't exactly recall. It happens on all networks I connect to, not just mine. I know I'm asking alot but if someone out there thinks they can help me, I'd love to hear from them.

 

What kinds of LANs are you connecting to? Wireless, Wired?

Also what is your Network setup?

I have Vista64 Business Edition and I have no problems connecting to my Wifi network using Vista Network connection Utility.

 

I thought the W b4 LAN meant wireless? Anyway, it's wireless. When you say 'what is my network setup' could you be more specific. Sorry, but I'm a newb at this. Basically I have a modem, and a wireless router, that's it. The connection utility I am using is Sony Vaio SmartWi.

 

Anyone.......?

 

Hi there, To start here a few easy tips.

As simple as this one may seem, it can resolve quite a few issues...

- Remove AC power Cord
- remove Battery
- depress the power button a few times and then hold it down completely for 15-20 seconds to eliminate all of the electrical charge from the circuit board
- then let laptop sit for at least 60 seconds
- reconnect power cord / battery and start

-----------------------------------------------------------

Another simple solution is right clicking on network icon and choosing "diagnose and repair" option

-----------------------------------------------------------

You can also try stopping and restarting the WLAN Service

- Click on Start
- Type Services in Search Box then press enter
- Scroll Down to WLAN Auto Config and Double Click it
- Click on Stop
- Then Click On Start
- If not already selected - set the Start up Type to Automatic
- Click on Apply
- Close window and power down (not a restart - use shutdown)
- start computer

 

Go to msconfig and disable SmartWi

Uninstall / install Intel driver along with Intel Wireless Software

 

Cool. I'll try these when I get home tonight. Thanks guys. I'll let you know how it worked out.

 

One quick question I have though with regards to disabling SmartWi is that it also turns on/off: Bluetooth, WWAN, and GPS. Is there other programs I can use to turn these items on/off?

 

Any luck with the simple methods?

 

It's an intermittent problem and it seems to be working now. Once I get kicked off and can't get back on, I'll try your procedures. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

 

Unfortunately, none of these procedures helped. I appreciate the input though, thanks for trying.

 

So far I've disabled the SmartWi and everything still seems to be working. I've already got the Intel Wireless Software. I've downloaded the drivers but I'll wait to see if it stops working again b4 installing them. How exactly do I un-install the drivers? I think I've done it b4 but don't quite remember how.

 

Device Manager - (Expand) Network Adapters - Right click on Intel Wireless - Properties - Driver Tab - Uninstall

Your driver seems to be working already so I don't know if this would help. It couldn't hurt to reinstall but you might want to try this next step first...

Following the same procedure above click on the Power Management Tab instead and if checked - uncheck the box that says...

"Allow the computer to turn off this device to save Power"

Another important setting to have with a Vaio Z series is to click on your battery/ power indicator in the tray - select More Power Options - Change Plan Settings - Change Advanced Power Settings - (Expand) Wireless Adapter Settings - (Expand) Power Saving Mode - Select Maximum Performance on the Battery option as well as the when Plugged in option. This should be done on all Power Plan Schemes, i.e. High Performance Plan, Balanced Plan, etc.

Once again shut down discharge without power cord and battery and restart.

 

No Joy. I tried everything and am still having problems. I even un-installed the driver. After completely discharging the system and booting up, the computer automatically re-installed the wifi driver. How can I tell if it installed the new one that I downloaded? Is it possible that it could have re-installed the one that I un-installed?

One thing that seems to be working fairly consistently is dis-connecting from my network and then re-connecting but that's a PITA and doesn't always work.

 

If you uninstalled the driver and then ran the driver you downloaded followed by a reboot, then the new driver would be installed.

However, it seems like you are having a software setting related issue or an authentication problem which is failing. I say this because you do start with a proper connection which then eventually stops working.

So I'm thinking, thinking, thinking of different scenarios.

Are you sure your internal wireless router settings that you setup match your network adapter in your notebook?

i.e. WEP with no authentication, WPA, WPA2 (TPIK/ AES), 802.1X?

Linksys router - type 192.168.1.1 in web browser address bar - at prompt enter your Username/ password - enter the router - Wireless Security Tab

these settings should match exactly to (all 3 fields - Security Type/ Encryption Type/ Network Security Key) found here ...

Network Icon on your System Tray - Network and Sharing Centre - View Status (on right) - Wireless Properties - Security Tab

--------------------------------------------------------

Also in the same box as you opened above on the Connection Tab, if it is checked - uncheck Connect to a more preferred network if available.

Close and restart.


I'm just trying to exhasut all possibilites here to reach a solution by the process of elimination.

 

I think everything matches although in my Linksys router I don't see a "Security Type" which is set to "No Authentication (Open)" on my computer. I thought in one of my sessions w/ linksys they told me to uncheck either "Internet Protocol Version 6" or "Internet Protocol Version 4". Both are checked right now. I called back and the guy couldn't answer my question.
I really appreciate your efforts.

 

Here's my Linksys Settings working perfectly - WRT54GS router

WIRELESS TAB


Basic Wireless Settings

Wireless Network Mode: Mixed
Wireless Network Name (SSID):
Wireless Channel: 1 - 2.412GHZ2
Wireless SSID Broadcast: Enable


Wireless Security

Security Mode: WPA2 Personal
WPA Algorithms: TKIP+AES
WPA Shared Key: <Password>
Group Key Renewal: 3600 seconds


Wireless MAC Filter

Wireless MAC Filter: Disable


Advanced Wireless Settings

Authentication Type: Auto
Basic Rate: Default
Transmission Rate: Auto
CTS Protection Mode: Disable
Frame Burst: Enable
Beacon Interval: 100
DTIM Interval: 1
Fragmentation Threshold: 2346
RTS Threshold: 2347
AP Isolation: Off
SecureEasySetup: Enabled

 

Security TAB

Firewall Protection: Enable

Block Anonymous Internet Requests YES
Filter Multicast YES
Filter Internet NAT Redirection NO
Filter IDENT(Port 113) YES


Access Restrictions TAB

Dsable

Administration TAB

Access Server: HTTP
Wireless Access Web: Enable
Remote Management: Disable
UPnP: Enable

If you use WEP security then OPEN is the correct setting on your adapter - I use WPA2 with TPIK/AES

 

I'm hopeless. I was able to get in b4 w/ user name 'linksys' and password 'admin'. Now it's not working. Ugh...
Also, I've got 3 other computers that use this router so I'm afraid if I start tweeking the settings too much I might be doing more harm than good.
I'm seriously considering sending this thing in 4 repair seeing as how my Z590, which I had for 2 weeks b4 I bought the 690, never had a single problem with this. My only worry is that since it's an intermittent problem, they might make one tweek, then be able to surf the net, then wipe their hands of it and say "Here you go, we fixed it", only to have it crap out again. And this after waiting God knows how long to get it back.
On the other hand I hate spending over 2 grand on a comuter and have to keep dicking with the wireless connection wich all my other (much cheaper) computers have no problem with.

 

Use an ethernet cable to connect router to laptop.

I gave you my wireless settings to compare. If there's a big discrepancy you can try matching the settings, but write down which one of yours you do so you can change back later.

I'll try and think of some more tweaks for tomorrow - but one for right now would be to disable the wireless adapter, shut off your hardware switch, shutdown computer, discharge, restart computer, enable adapter, turn on hardware switch.

Yeah, I went with the Z540, 32 bit, 3 GB RAM and it smokes without many hiccups. I have reatail Vista Ultimate with 64 bit but as much as we want it to be, it's just not mainstream yet. But you shouldn't be having this problem and the magic bullet will appear soon enough and then everything will work as it should.

 

Also what router do you have

 

Also -

click Network Icon on your System Tray - Network and Sharing Centre - View Status (on right) - Wireless Properties - check connect even if network is not broadcasting

 

WRT54G.
I just noticed that you are a "newbie" with only 8 posts. I feel bad that your introduction to the NBR forums has been that of holding the hand of some blind fool.

Good idea with the ethernet cable. I'll try that along with some tweeking of the settings you mentioned. I say that because some of mine are different than yours (the wireless channel is diff. for instance). What is the difference between WEP and WPA2?

After clicking on 'view status' as described above, I do not have an option for 'wireless properties'. I'll try to find it though.

 

WPA2 is more stringent protection from outsider access to your router. But, if you have them, all of your other devices have to support it, i.e. wireless printers, Nintendo Wii, etc. - things that you allow in your home to acess your router wirelessly. Stick with your WEP for now since it has been that way and you can change later if you want to.

Don't mind at all about just joining as a poster but have been utilizing this website for a long time.

Check out an interesting Microsoft' statement about 64-bit...

( http://www.windows-vista-update.com/Windows_Vista_64_bit.html)

Is the Time Right for 64-bit Computing?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. The industry is reaching the limits of 32-bit computing for much of the higher end computer market such as enterprise and power users. If computers are to increase in speeds and processing power, it is necessary to make the jump to the next generation of processors. These are systems that generally require much more memory and large number calculations that will get the direct benefits of a 64-bit platform.

Consumers are a different matter. Much of the tasks that the average consumer does on the computer are more than adequately covered by the existing 32-bit architecture. Eventually, users will get to the point where the switch to 64-bit computing will make sense, but currently it does not. How many consumers out there will likely even have 4 gigabytes of memory in a computer system even in the next two years?

The real benefits of 64-bit computing will eventually trickle down to the consumers. Manufacturers and software developers like to limit the variety of products that they have to support to try and reduce costs. Because of this, they will eventually focus solely on the production of 64-bit hardware and software. Until that time, it is going to be a bumpy ride for those who choose to be early adopters.

Windows Vista and 64 Bit Computing

Virtually every Windows Vista edition (with the exception of Starter) will ship with both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions on the same DVD. Microsoft expects the computer buying public to switch to x64 during Vista's lifetime. There will not be an Itanium version of Windows Vista.

 

Do you think this could be the root source of my problem?! I've been saying all along to the various tech support people I've talked to that the only real difference between this computer and my last one is that my last one was 32 and this one is 64. They all said that souldn't make a difference. Hell I've got a 32-bit version of Vista and I'll use that in heart beat if it'll fix my wifi issues. Could I make some kind of partition to test it maybe?

 

Well the Z690 was built specifically for 64 bit computing and that's what they installed for you. You would have to download and reinstall every 32 bit driver including a new BIOS (assuming Sony even provides them)! That's what the Z500 series were for - the 32 bit operating system. So NO you can't just pop in the 32 bit DVD!

Here is another short article I found that confirms what I said about Wireless Power Savings mode and dropped connections...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928152/en-us

 

The problem here is, when I'm surfing, I'm always on a/c power. I only go mobile to watch movies.
I guess I should have just kept my 590. Do you think sending it in for repair would be a waste of time?

 

Urrr... not a waste of time but definitely an inconvenience! Sony wanted me to ship mine for a repair when they couldn't get something working but I held off and have resolved the issue on my own. I have 30 days from the 7th to still send it in based on the fidgety BIOS update they provided at the end of last month.


I found a lot of complaints here about your problem so it seems you are not alone...

http://infopirate.org/wireless-drop-off-with-vista-basic

I'll sleep on another tweak for tomorrow. I'm determined that way! Cause we just got to know.

You can also bring your laptop to the last WiFi spot you may have used your computer at and see if it works flawlessly there instead of at home... Back tomorrow.

 

Quick one - In Start Menu - Type & Select Intel ProSet/ Wirelss Tools - Click Diagnose to confirm adapter Failures

You can always try Setting Up A New Wireless Network again with Fresh Settings by typing Internet Options in Start - Connections - Setup (at top) - Setup New Connection

Later

 

I would probably disregard that guy's suggestion I pointed you to just above : P

It's late and he's talking about being on a Network at school. Never mind, I'll just erase it. Sleep time!

 

I'll try that when I get home tonight. I don't think it's a problem w/ my network though cuz I can get on my neighboors unsecured network and I still run into the same problems.
I was thinking about partitioning my hard drive and downloading the beta version of Win 7. Do you think this could help? I was kind of curious to check it out anyway.

Or maybe buy a new wireless N router? I've never been able to get my PS3 to connect to my router also. Something about having to get ports unblocked...

edit: Guess Win 7 is not available for download anymore.

 

Hi,

After further review, picking up a new router might solve your issues because we've applied solid tweaks that would have resolved most connectivity problems.

From here ( http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/wsk/thread/aa23ed7e-108a-4661-a368-9fa8302b7ec9/) you can see this is a documented issue with your router model...

PabloGlanville - Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2009 12:03:19 PM

I have the WRT54G v 3 router and recently bought a new HP HDX with windows vista x64 and had trouble staying connected to the internet. My Dell running XP and Mac computer both stay connect without any problems.

I can confirm that Linksys WRT54G lower editions do not work with Windows Vista. I changed numerous setting on computer and router, downloaded firmware, driver, and tried every trick I could find posted on forums to no avail. About 10 hours were spent with both Linksys technical support and HP HDX technical support and Vista technical support to fix the problem. Discovered this version is incompatable (although it says compatable on Linksys web site) with Windows Vista.

Linksys tried to charge me $30 to talk to their "special technical support" or $30 to get an extended warranty to try some "other things". I ended up just using their online tech guys and was much happier with their service/help - alas the "other things" did not work. Time was lost but didn't have to pay more money for nothing.

Decided to leave Linksys after the ordeal and looking for a new router. If you've tried everything including the help on this post - you are not alone.

 

The only other thing I can think of right now is a firmware update for your router. What version is your WRT54G? It should say on a sticker right on the router.

 

Wow, that is a great find. Thanks a bunch. Do you think Ver. 6 would be considered and "older" version. Probably cuz I think I bought that router like 4 yrs ago or something. I'm typing this from my van outside Micro Center. I'm gonna shop for a new router but I'm not going to buy one just yet. I'll try the tweeks you recommended on your previous post first, if that doesn't work, looks like I'll be buying a new router. Any recommendations? I'll keep you posted, thanks alot.

 

Well, I have a 4 year old version 1 Linksys GS and it has always worked without any problems since Day 1.

And there is a March 2008 firmware update available for your router.

I assumed you have already tried the other tweaks. Post again when you have tried everything. Later

 

The release notes on the firmaware update mention UPnP and DHCP WAN fixes, meaning it could be promising news for you. I have to recommend updating your firmware at this point, but it's totally up to you.

http://www-ca.linksys.com/servlet/S...nksys/Common/VisitorWrapper&lid=6105812181B03

 

Can't hurt. I'll try all these things tonight and in case all that fails, I went ahead and bought a new router. I drive by Micro Center everyday so it's no problem returning it if I get the old one fixed. I bought:

Linksys N ULTRA RANGEPLUS WRT160N - $75. Hope I didn't pay too much.

If it still doesn't work then I think I'm going to have to send it in for repair and possibly return it altogether. I'll let you know.

edit: Well I've just been reading some not so flattering reviews on this router. Something about dropped connectivity........great.

 

Bob,
What version of the WRT54G router do you have? If you have version 4 and below and want to flash your firmware, check out the open source firmware Tomato. I am using it on my old WRT54GS router and it works great. Just make sure your router is version 4 or below since it needs the larger memory that these routers provide.

In fact many people, including myself, buy the older version 4 and below versions of this router to run this firmware

 

Well I'm using a Vaio Z540 with an intel 5100 N Wireless card and a Linksys WRT54GS G Router and it works all the time. If I was going to upgrade routers today, I would buy the Linksys dual band WRT610N for the multiple streaming abilities it afords - people who are complaining usually have some settings wrong. I'm sure Linksys has figured out how to make a working wireless router. The one you bought should work just fine. Hopefully it was fully designed with a 64 bit computing OS in mind.

I've had issues with Vista and my router but they have always been resolved... so far.

 

Well I downloaded the firmware update to my desktop but I can't open it. It's a .bin file. What can I use to open it? Sorry, I'm kinda slow.

 

Mine is version 6 so it doesn't sound like this would work. Thanks for the help though.

 

Ha! You have to connect your router with a cable to computer.

Disconnect any devices wirelessly accessing the router until update outlined below is complete, i.e. Printers, Wii, etc.

Save the .BIN file to your desktop - open up the Router with the password (192.168.1.1) - go to Admisistation - Firmaware Upgrade - choose the location of the .BIN file (desktop) - download - wait for successful message.

Then shut everything down, unplug the power and every cable attached to the router in order to power cycle it for 60 seconds. Same with computer. Restart. It won't get any fresher than following this method.

 

O.k. I downloaded the latest firmware and it still dropped me. How can I verify my firmware version just to make sure it took? Also, I ran the diagnose test and everything passed even though I was unable to surf.

edit: never mind I found it. Looks like it's time for a new router.

 

When you open router it says Version number at very top right

 

Try your new router - see if the same thing happens. If it does, there is an obscure setting that just needs to be found and changed.

Did your connection drop when you were in the parking lot today?

 

I was on a diff. computer then (Panasonic Toughbook). However it dropped several times while being connected to various unsecure networks today. If it's kicking me off when I'm on other peoples networks, shouldn't that be an indication that it's not my router but rather my computer that is at fault? Maybe I'll try your advice first and go to a legit "hot spot" like Starbucks or something. If I get dropped there then that should rule out my router as the culprit right? I know I'm kinda running you around in circles here. Bear with me.

 

Indeed try it. Mine has failed at home before and then started working properly at a local coffee house.

Microsoft did the right thing, despite what anyone says, by making the necessary OS architectural changes to address year 2006 and beyond privacy and security issues by releasing Vista and now Win 7 coming up (thanks to all the rogues out there), but most of the world is still in an XP environment and that's where the tried and true interoperability lies with legacy equipment.

By upgrading to Vista and later, we often hear that things 'should' work with the peripheral equipment that we already own and is indeed usually the case. But "should' is the key word to look out for here. I believe if your connection drops with the new router, given a proper setup is installed, then you probably have a computer problem but not becasue of a drop with the older router.

If I installed 64 bit - I would bite the bullet and buy a router that I know is designed for a 64 bit OS.

You're an early adopter forging ahead with a 64 bit OS. I thought about it myself but didn't want the kind of headaches associated with incompatibility issues involving the millions of older legacy devices outside of my home. But if you work most of the time inside your home with new/ updated equipment then you'll be just fine blazing along in that environment.

There's a reason most businesses are even refusing regular 32 bit Vista and sticking with XP - they don't want to invest the time or the money to upgrade and get reacquainted with the new OS and the changes that were made in how devices communicate with it, not to mention no driver support for older devices laying around the office. XP downgrade is not an uncommon feature these days, even with a brand spanking new Centrino 2 lappy.

64 bit maturity is well known to be a couple of more years off but if you can handle some of the hiccups along the way then you will be fine. Everyone knows it will eventually be the norm, but not yet.

So try that new router and think ahead about if you only need access to the latest kind of software and equipment built for 64. But for sure, you are ahead of the times with the Z690 and it is a great computer. But so is a Z540/ Z590. 32 bit will not put you at a disadvantage in any type of way whatsoever. For ultra demanding applications you could invest in a 64 bit desktop at the right time on the cheap while having a smooth notebook experience in the mean time.

Either way, no worries. Your rig will definitely be up and running the way you want it to be soon, it just might cost you a few more bucks here and there along the way and the $100 for a new router might be all you need for quite awhile.

 

Well let me start off by saying I really, really appreciate all your support. You have been amazing!
It's people like you that make these kinds of forums a wonderful resource.

That being said, as I type this now, I will send it via the connection to my new router. I decided to give it a shot as I've got 30 days to return it w/no re-stocking fee so ,hey, why not? All my computers (1 desktop and 3 laptops) are now configured and functioning through my new router.
My old connection dropped pretty consistently so I'll know real soon if this helped or not. I will obviously keep you posted. Wish me luck.

 

I know it's only been 15 min. but I've dropped signal 10 times in 15 min. b4. So far, so good. Sometimes it'll hang for a second and I'm like "here we go again" and then when the page comes up there is this great releif. Pathetic, I know. Something I just took for granted b4 is now such a joy.

 

Right on! Glad to try and help. Hopefully you have the 160 router up and running today.