Frustrating Limited Connectivity problem

[stormcrow667]

Hi guys.

First off, I'm not exactly a virgin when it comes to Windows - I spend my spare time repairing machines for people (although I'm not up to the level of most of you which is why I'm here!)

One machine in particular has me stumped, and it's happened to me on my personal machine (before I removed Vista and went back to 2000!)

Situation:

Dell machine with Vista Home Premium edition

USB wireless dongle (Belkin) with Vista drivers (also tried XP drivers)

Netgear DG834PN router

Windows constantly reports the wireless connection as 'limited' - I can't access the Internet through the machine (network is unknown although I can ping another XP machine in the house but it can't ping back - more later!)

I have gotten the system connected on several occasions, tested, all working ok. I leave, and then a day later get called back because it's dropped the connection again.

Windows reports that it can't connect due to "an unknown error" with no reference code (even in Event Manager) which of course is useless.

Disabling / removing / reinstalling the wireless dongle sometimes results in a connection but more often than not doesn't help.

It seems to be an IP / DHCP issue, as if I assign an address manually it USUALLY works, but sometimes doesn't!

I have tried the ARPGET 'fix' as well as the other Microsoft fix (I forget it now but it's to do with adding DHCP details into the adaptor's TCP/IP Registry settings) but no difference at all.

This is the same with the Mcafee firewall disabled or enabled (Windows firewall is disabled anyway).

Having 'Googled' it, it does seem to be a common problem with all hardware...?

Can anyone help?!

Edited January 3, 2008 by stormcrow667

[daymang]

Hi,

From reading your post I suggest you look at two things:

1) Firewalls: make sure all allow access to the local network, in and out.(ping should work, both ways)

2) If you are using DHCP from the router, check it out, if you have any issues

kill DHCP and use static addressing on the LAN. I have had simlar problems

especially if you are using WEP or WAP, but even without encrytion DHCP can sometimes cause

intermittant loss of wireless conectivity.(when the lease expires)

After reading your post again! Also make sure that:

1) All machines are in the same subnet, and

2) They are all in the same workgroup.

Also I have had more trouble with Belkin network kit, than all the rest put together, I avoid them if possible.

Hope this helps?

Edited January 3, 2008 by daymang

[fizban2]

has the firmware on the router been updated?

[stormcrow667]

Cheers for the replies guys.

I will check out the DHCP etc next time I'm over there

All machines are in the same subnet (the normal 255.255.255.0) and workgroup.

You may be right about the Belkin kit

The router firmware is the latest version.

Thanks

[stephens316]

I have this problem at college, and it is known but they (MS) i guess are not taking action to address it. My connection at my house seems to work fine so i don't get it. it use to work fine at college also i hope sp 1 fixes this or MS is gonna be sorry