Extremely Unreliable WiFi On My Desktop

The WiFi internet access on my desktop computer has not been working reliably for the past week, despite replacing the WiFi adapter with a different, brand new one twice.

None of the other devices on my network have issues accessing the internet whatsoever, so I'm inclined to believe it's a problem specific to my computer. I also think it's a software problem, since three separate adapters (original plus the two replacements) did not fix the issue. Google isn't showing anything similar to my issue, so I'm at a complete loss. I desperately need this computer back online for school. Please help me.

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
WiFi Adapter: Netgear N600 Dual Band USB adapter

 

Do you mean not working at all, or working OK sometimes but not others, or always works but is slow or hangs? And is the machine reasonably near the router or well away, like other side of the house? As much info as possible please.

 

Earthling: My WiFi only works sometimes, and when it does, it's okay at best. The router is 25-30 feet from my desktop, with two doors and a wall between them, but the strength indicator shows a full five bars when I'm connected to the network.

plodr: Yes, the N600 WNDA3100 is the one I've got, I just couldn't find the exact model number on the box. If the drivers are said to not work well with 64-bit OS's, then I'll definitely return it tonight.

Question for both of you: my last adapter had a hi-gain external antenna on it that my current one does not have. Could that be what's causing my current performance problems?

 

You have not mentioned the brand of PC this is.

Do you have any software like "HP Wireless Assistant"? Or are you running the Windows Wireless Zero by default?

I've often found that OEM software suites like that have issues, and act up as such at some point.

 

This is a custom PC. I installed Windows myself.

 

If you are getting a strong signal then that suggests the adapter is working fine. I'm suspecting interference from some other device, such as an intruder alarm or mobile phone. Here's a useful article on the subject from Apple -

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1365

 

THIS might also be useful

 

...I think I fixed the problem, and it was simple enough that I feel like an idiot for not thinking of it sooner.

The newest adapter I bought (Netgear N300 WNA3100-100) came with a USB extension cable. So I moved the adapter from on top of my computer and in between my dresser and door, to on top of my dresser and in line-of-sight with my door.

And now there's no interference. So, yeah, thanks for your help guys and/or gals. I'll keep you updated if the fix doesn't stick.