Forum Discussion

Naio's avatar
Naio
Explorer II
Feb 13, 2015

Why does my network adapter have to be reset so often?

I'm running windows 7 starter.

Most times, not every time, when I connect to a wifi network (say, at a campground), and then later I connect to my phone's hotspot, the computer connects to the hotspot ok but then says 'no internet access'. I run the troubleshooter, and it almost always finds the same problem: It needs to reset the wireless network adapter. It does that, and then it's fine. But the whole process takes about 10 minutes.

This has happened with two different model phones and numerous wifi systems.

Anybody have any ideas for a more permanent solution?
  • I certainly have no computer troubleshooting experience and my comment may not have any bearing on your problem. I also run Window 7 and have to reset my router frequently. Turns out our microwave trips the router. Tech said it is a common problem something to do with operating on the same frequencies.
  • x2 on ipconfig commands. You are describing a common problem when PC is not able to get an IP address from DHCP server and those commands fix that (resetting the adapter also does it).
  • What operating system are you using? I have two identical laptops sitting almost side by side. One running XP never fails the second is running Windows 7 Home Premium and it fails all the time. I have installed all available updates plus replaced the internal wireless adapter with a USB adapter. Still fails. I am beginning to think Windows 7 is the problem.
  • If the troubleshooting steps don't fix it, you might try a USB dongle type wifi adapter. They are pretty inexpensive now days. If nothing else, that should tell you where to look for the problem.
  • Have you tried updating your drivers? Running Windows Update might take care of this. Or just releasing/renewing your IP address might speed the process up.

    Click Start, type CMD, hit enter. You should see a black screen. Type "ipconfig /release" and press enter. Then type "ipconfig /renew" and press enter. Don't type the quotes. Do these commands after switching from one network to the next or if the internet just stops working. Hard to tell what the problem might really be without more details.

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