Lost wireless connection

[BigTimeNovice]

When I leave my laptop and the screen saver is on for some time and I return to the computer, it always drops the wireless connection. It will say from the "Wireless Network connection" very good signal strength, and show 100% connection with my D Link 614 router with my Linksys WPC54g card, but it won't surf. This problem has recently started and no new software nor firmware upgrades have been performed. I do have the latest firmware/drivers for all the devices. This happens when teh computer is plugged in also, and under my power schemes, the only thing that turns off when plugged in is monitor. All the rest are set to Never.

Thanks

[jmwills]

Check the options for the adapter. It sounds like the Power management option, which allows the laptop to shut down the adapter to save power, has been activated.

[BigTimeNovice]

jmwills,

How do i access this power management of the card?

[jmwills]

Doing this from memory, but go to the device manager and right click the adapter and go to properties. I think the last tab on the right has to do with power management and the default is to allow the laptop to shut down the adpater to save power. Uncheck that box and see what happens.

[ecross]

You can also get there by opening the Network Connections. Right-click "My Network Places" on the desktop and choose Properties. If you have a wireless network card installed, you should have a Wireless Connection icon present on the XP machine. Right-click the connection and choose Properties. Under the General tab, click the Configure button, and then click the "Power Management" tab.

[jmwills]

Eric is right as there about 4 different ways to do anything within Windows and as anyone knows who has ever sat for a Microsoft exam, "which is the best way"? That always confuses me as I gives a rats rear end as long as the problem is solved!

[BigTimeNovice]

When I go to properties under my Linksys card, I do not have the tab called "Power Management" under XP Home. I have these 4 tabs: General, Advanced, Driver, and Resources. The only tab that remotely has power use is under Advanced, which has Power Output already at 100% and Power Save Mode which is already disabled. Where should I look now?

Thanks

[ecross]

Personally, I have not seen where the Power Management tab was missing in the network card's properties. You might want to contact the manufacturer and they might be able to help you solve why you are losing connection. Here are some things to try but I cannot guarantee that they will all work.

1. Reinstall the network card.

2. Download the latest compatible drivers for the network card.

3. Try a different network card.