2 Different Routers, Same Lost Wireless Connection - Why?

Problem: I am trying to go wireless with my desktop but haven't yet been
able to get a
reliable wireless connection. I am always connected at start-up and I never
lose a connection during an internet session. The problem seems to occur
when I leave Explorer open and leave my computer for a while. When I
return, I've lost the connection and have to reboot the machine. It's
almost like something is timing out.

I have tried 2 different routers - Linksys and Netgear WGR614 v6 - and I am
using a Netgear WG111 v2 wireless USB adapter. I have also tried updating
the firmware for the router and the wireless adapter. Given that problem
has occurred with both routers and the fact that my TIVO wireless connection
appears to work flawlessly, I am inclinded to conclude that the problem lies
somewhere within my desktop. Desktop is 4-year old Dell running XP with
SP2. No problems and all virus definitions are current with no issues.
Router and USB adapter are currently about 7 feet apart and I have excellent
signal strength.

If you can't tell, I'm a frustrated newbie looking for any advice. Thank
you.

"Curious" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:6VwUg.282$(E-Mail Removed)...

> It's almost like something is timing out.

Anything in the Event logs?

Found the Event Log, but what might I be looking for and under what log
(i.e. Applications, Security, System) should I be looking for it? Thanks
again.

"CWatters" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:4522c8fd$0$8740$(E-Mail Removed)...
>
> "Curious" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:6VwUg.282$(E-Mail Removed)...
>
>> It's almost like something is timing out.
>
> Anything in the Event logs?
>
>

Check your power management settings on the device in the device
manager. I've seen this problem many times.. after a period of
inactivity, the wireless hardware is disabled, and the only way to
reconnect is usually to do it manually, or to reboot.

That's most likely your issue.

-Luke

"Curious" <(E-Mail Removed)> hath wroth:

>Problem: I am trying to go wireless with my desktop but haven't yet been
>able to get a
>reliable wireless connection. I am always connected at start-up and I never
>lose a connection during an internet session. The problem seems to occur
>when I leave Explorer open and leave my computer for a while.

Gremlins only attack when you're not looking.

>I am
>using a Netgear WG111 v2 wireless USB adapter.

In a recent thread, one person had an identical problem. His USB
wireless client would not recover gracefully from a power save
condition with WPA enabled, but would recover with no encryption. The
test is simple. Unplug the USB devices, wait a few seconds, and plug
it back in. Try it with both WPA and no-encryption. If it doesn't
recover, it's not going to recover after a power save hibernate or
possibly a standby. If it fails, and you still want to use it like
this, you'll need to disable some of the power savings settings. They
are scattered in 3 different locations.
1. Power save in the BIOS setup.
2. Power options in the control panel.
3. Advanced properties for the USB wireless device.

--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

On Tue, 03 Oct 2006 17:15:46 +0000, Curious wrote:

> Problem: The problem seems to
> occur when I leave Explorer open and leave my computer for a while.

Okay, you've isolated the problem. The solution to the problem may
require a little work on your part, but if you are motivated, the
payoff can be very satisfying. Long story short...get that friggin
windows virus off your computer and have a better day. "Newbie"?
Everyone was a newbie at one point in time.

Start here.

www.linux.org

It won't solve your problem tonight, but it may in a week or two.

"Curious" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:anAUg.296$(E-Mail Removed)...
> Found the Event Log, but what might I be looking for and under what log
> (i.e. Applications, Security, System) should I be looking for it? Thanks
> again.

Any Error or warning messages arround the time that you lost connection?

Actually I favour what Luke suggested. Take a look at the power management
settings or the screen saver. Got any security programs that might drop the
connection after a set time to reduce the possibility of attack/