Wireless connection issue
 

I have a Gateway NV series laptop (approx 18 months old; Windows 7). Starting yesterday, it would randomly lose the wireless connection. The wireless status bar shows a red X (no connection). When I try to troubleshoot, it can't find any issue or recommends that I restart my router. It doesn't even show my router ID. I can turn off the wireless (using the hotkey on the top row of the keyboard) and turn it back on but that doesn't fix the issue. The only way I can get a wireless signal again is to re-boot the computer. Meanwhile, my smartphone shows a connection and hasn't had any connection issues.

Does anyone have an idea what might be wrong? Any input would be appreciated.

I'd start by finding the newest drivers - find the vendor name and model, and first check Gateway, then compare to the latest driver directly from the vendor.

I highly doubt it is a hardware issue - these things either work, or they don't - but it could be a loose connector. Most of these WiFi boards are in a MiniPCI slot, and if it is loose, it could drop the connection and not return till a reboot.

Hopefully a driver update / reinstall will do the trick.

The driver update application says the most current driver is already installed.

The strange thing about the wireless connection going out is that both times it has happened was when it was power save mode. Last night, I was doing some stuff then set it down to watch some tv. During that time, it lost the connection. Today, it happened when I left the house to do a few errands.

Like I said - the vendor is probably showing the newest to THEM. Gateway has a short memory when it comes to their machines, and chances are there is a newer driver from the vendor.

I assume I found my the maker of my wireless adaptor: Atheros. I plug in the type of adapter (AR5B97) and it doesn't come up. They have 93 and 95 versions. They did want me to download a program that will scan my computer for outdated drivers but wanted to charge me $29.95 for it do it automatically.

The good news is that I found a way to re-set the wireless connection without having to re-boot. I found a trouble shooting app in the wireless network connections and the apparently fixed the issue today when the wireless connection was dropped.

Since this happens in power savings mode, you might try looking in Control Panel, Power Options , select advanced options and find your Wireless Adapter. Set it to maximum power for battery instead of power saving. Print screen from my Samsung but should be close.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3...s448/power.jpg