I had this problem same router too. Maybe just a coincidence. It was very odd for me though. Every few minutes the laptop dropped the connection to the network, but still had internet access(!)
I am assuming you have some sort of security on your wireless network (WEP WPA etc). If not, then the following advice is of no use. If you have, then read on.
Windows XP is poor at saving WEP keys. Basically if:
(a)you get it wrong when you set the connection up, then go into the connections properties to change the key
or
(b)decide to enable security after the initial setup, then try and add the Key into the properties for the connection,
Windows does not save the new key. I have had similar issues with Outlook express accounts not saving properties when modified in the past too. If you have WEP enabled on your network, the best thing I found was to:
1)Open NETWORK CONNECTIONS from CONTROL PANEL
2)Right click on the connection and select PROPERTIES.
3)There should be a tab for WIRELESS NETWORKS.
4)Find your network by name near the bottom and click REMOVE.
5)Click ADD then you will need to enter your network information manually in the window that pops up. You will need to uncheck the box that says "My key is provided automatically"
SSID is the network name.
NETWORK KEY - This is the important one. get it wrong and click OK and when you go back in to modify it Windows screws up and saves it wrong. You can enter network keys in ASCII (typed letters) or the HEX that the router converts the key into. 5 ASCII/10 Hex is for 64 bit, 13 ASCII / 26 HEX is for 128 bit. Your key must be one of these 2 lengths.
All being well, when you click ok your connection will connect in the blink of an eye, and remain stable.
Mine has been stable for 1.5 hrs since I did this, with no drops at all, and it seems to have cured the problem. Hope it helps you too. I know what a pain in the *** it is trying to find an answer on the net!! Hope this is the one that fixes your problem.
ive been having problems with my wireless internet connection latley...it doesnt matter what im doing online, but my connection keeps dropping every few minutes or so. Ive got a linksys WRT54G router and im running windows XP. Basically what happens is i'll be browsing web pages or playing a game online and my connection will die for a few seconds and then either come right back, or come back when i right click the network icon next to the clock and re-connect to my network. The router is in a different room than my laptop usually is, but i dont think thats the problem because even when the connection drops out it still listed as 'good' or 'very good'. Im desparate for help, ive spent hours searching google but none of the fixes ive found seem to do much help.
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