Windows Vista Network problems

I have just bought a new Sony Vaio with Windows Vista Premium, after at least 2 weeks of light use, i have noticed yesterday when i start up the laptop instead of automatically connecting to my prefered network it does not find any at all. Yesterday i got lucky and somehow it started working again, but when i turned the laptop off and tried it today it is back to not finding any networks. The diagnostics is useless. I have tried steves blog, uninstalling/disabling drivers, rebooting, etc but nothing seems to work...

does anyone know a solution?

 

Have you tried powering down you modem and then restarting?

I once had to completely reset the modem to get my connection back. What happened...I have no clue, but that did fix the problem.

 

Also go to Start > Control Panel Network and Sharing Center and under the click the down arrow next to Network Discovery. Now turn on Network Discovery. You'll probable need to restart.

 

Is that "prefered network" your network or somebody else's unsecured network?

If it's your network, are you using a wireless router for your connection?

 

Its my network. I have two computers in my room, one laptop and one computer, both using wireless adapters, my desktop always connects on startup when turned on. Now to solve the laptop problem i have to bring it near my access point then it detects networks. The initial problem was it would not detect any networks at all, no matter how many times you pressed the refresh button, but i find it strange how i have to go outside my room every time to connect. When i first bought this laptop (and my previous laptop), they would always connect on startup. Im not far from the access point so internet is pretty strong...

Does anyone know why this happens? I have a feeling its only cause of windows vista. (my desktop and older laptop run windows xp, pro and media)

 

Are you sure? I have 1 other laptop and 1 desktop both using windows xp, and find networks with ease. There are 3 options when i right click and use properties on my network profile, 1. Connect automatically when this network is in range, 2. Connect to a more prefered network if available. 3. Connect even if the network is not broadcasted. My wireless chip is up to date.

Should i tick number 1 and 3 but leave 2 empty?

 

What you have is a networking problem and definitely not a Vista problem.
A lot of blame is heaped on Vista by folk who have not given it a fair try.

It's only 6 weeks or so that Sony was recalling Vaios because of faulty wiring so there is a chance that the problem is inside.

 

when i got it, it worked perfectly, and still does work, but i must walk out of my room and refresh the network list closer to my access point lol...

 

This sound as though some thing is interfering with the signal.
If it works when you get closer to the router then the laptop is not getting a good signal.
How far are you from the router/how thick are the walls between you and the router.

A short story, I live in an apartment and a young neighbour of mine asked if i could help him get online because he could not get a signal, so we tried several routers (i have a collection) and none gave a good performance that we worked out was due to re-inforced concrete so the only way we could get it up to speed was to use Devolo and he is extremely happy again.

http://www.devolo.com/co_EN/index.html

I can assure you it is not Vista.

Here is a good site to help with networking.

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wirelessproducts/a/howtobuildwlan_5.htm

 

That is odd because my old laptop put in the same position still gets network, and my desktop beside it gets networks.

 

You're right...calling Gateway would be a huge waste of time...considering the OP said he has a Sony Vaio........

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