Unstable network connection since 2/11 & 2/12 updates

Hi everyone!

I just want to start by saying thanks for taking a look at this thread; any help you can offer would be great and greatly appreciated!!

I have Vista Home edition x64 on a Dell Laptop, and since the Windows updates of 2/11 & 2/12 my network connection has been unstable; before the updates I had no issues connecting to the network. When I first start up the laptop it will see that there are networks I can connect to, and will even connect to the chosen network for about 5 mins before disconnecting. When I refresh the network list, the list often changes and the network I was originally connected to and other networks that originally showed will disappear or show that the connection is weaker; subsequent times of refreshing the list will give the same results (sometimes it shows available connections; sometimes it shows no connections available; sometimes it shows very weak connections available; on a rare occasion it says that my connection is not compatible to the network I want to connect to). If my network still shows after refreshing the list and I try to connect, it says that it isn't able to connect. All of this has occurred with various attempts to connect to various networks. I can connect to the networks with a wire.

Here are the things I have tried to do to repair this issue and the results:

• When I checked to make sure the network adapter itself was working, it says the device was working fine.
• I verified that there is no interference between the laptop and the router, and that I am not too far away from it (there is nothing between me and the router, I am no more than 8 feet from the router).
• I rebooted the router/s, but that didn't work.
• I tried to do a System Restore to just before the update, but I get a message saying that the restore was unsuccessful and doesn't tell me why. (I would like to note that I am not sure if this issue with the System Restore occurred before or after the latest update and if there is some connection between this and the network connection issues; I have not needed to attempt a restore untill now.)
• I tried to do a System Restore to before the next to last update, and I still get a message saying the restore was unsuccessful and doesn't tell me why.
• I updated the Intel Wifi Link 5100 AGN network adapter driver, but that was only successful for about 30 mins before disconnecting and having the same exact issues as before.
• I used Microsoft Fix-It to check for errors, and while it did find/fix a few issues, it did not fix the networking issue or the System Restore issue.
• I did an error check on the c-drive, but that did not fix the networking issue or the System Restore issue.
• I made sure that the option for the Power Saver to turn off the network adapter to conserve energy was not checked.
• I tried to use the Network Diagnostics, but it tells me that there is weak signal strength and to try another network, or that it can't find any issue at all.
• I tried to use the Windows Update Trouble Shooter, but that didn't fix anything either.
• I tried refreshing the IP address, but got a message saying it was unsuccessful since the "media was disconnected"; I am assuming this refers to being unable to refresh the IP address since it wasn't connected to a network.
• I also noticed that the Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper I/O protocol in the wireless network connection properties had been removed somehow. I reinstalled that, and was able to connect for about 30 mins before getting the same instability all over again.

I know this is long, and I am super sorry, I am just trying to cover everything I have tried so I am not wasting anyones' time.

Thank you so much for your help!

I appreciate it.

Katherine

Kate,
We can only go by the information that you give us, namely the problem is most likely due to the updates. If this is the case this solution may work.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/92402-windows-update-uninstall.html

richc46 said:

Kate,
We can only go by the information that you give us, namely the problem is most likely due to the updates. If this is the case this solution may work.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/92402-windows-update-uninstall.html

Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion, but it didn't work. What other information might you need to help you to help me? :-)

You indicated that you had not problem when connected with a "wire". I assume that's an ethernet cable. Since the problem occurs without it, that indicates some kind of problem with the router.

I suggest shutting off the router using a button, if available. Then pull the power plug to the router. Shut down for about 5 minutes.

Reconnect the power plug. Then turn on the router. After it's on for about a minute, start your computer. Does that help?