Wi-fi disconnects when uploading large files on a network drive

Are you using Windows to manage the network connection or a client provided by the wireless card manufacturer?

Within the last few days I read a post by someone with a similar problem who switched from Windows management to client utility and the problem stopped. The poster also had a link to a Microsoft knowlege base noting that some wireless cards would have that problem with Windows managing the connection.

Thanks for your help.

I tried to turn the service off instead of automatic (it was not started anyway), but the problem remains the same. Any other idea ?

Not really. Since the laptop crashes, the problem is probably localized to the laptop.

Make sure you have the latest drivers for your laptop card.

If you are using WPA encryption (and you should), if you can use WPA2 (AES) rather than TKIP, it might help. AES uses hardware rather than software to encrypt, so could relieve some of the work on the card.

Since you note Windows is not managing the connection, you might try disabling the client software and letting Windows manage the connection.

Glad you got it working. WPA uses TKIP or AES, not both. WPA with TKIP was developed first as a replacement for WEP. Later, AES was substituted for TKIP in WPA2.

WEP is worthless. It will stop the casual person from connecting inadvertently to your network, but can be broken in less than a minute with the proper software.

In my experience WPA is at least as fast as WEP. AES, since it is done in hardware, is actually slightly faster than TKIP. Either WPA or WPA2 are good choices. Neither has been known to have been broken. Either can be compromised if you use a short, easily guessed passphrase (by a dictionary attack), but not if you use a good passphrase.

If you are using the Intel ProSet client, I suppose your card is an Intel 2200bg or 2915abg. Your problems are probably really from the card. I bought an Intel 2915abg for my computer. Finally decided to chunk it after multiple driver upgrades from Intel failed to fix its obvious problems.

Unfortunately my problem is not solved. I really don't know what else to try, since I can't easily change my wifi card on my laptop. You got it right, it's a &*ù^ 2200 bg.

The cards are really quite easy to change. You have to be careful removing the antenna connector (don't pull on the wire -- pop it off gently). When replacing the antenna, be careful to insure that the connectors are properly aligned before pushing them together. The connector on the antenna is easily deformed.

Here is how to replace it:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins9300/sm/sullivap.htm#wp1009645

Of course, cost is a factor in replacing a card. I replaced mine with an Atheros card costing $50.00 which is working very well:

http://www.netgate.com/product_info.php?products_id=126