Wifi loses connection - help!

I need help!

When I'm not using my wired internet connection, I usually use whatever unprotected wifi connections are available nearby. Trouble is, my computer sometimes loses connection, and I can't connect to any other wifi networks because it says it can't detect any. I have to restart my computer and connect again, and this works fine until the connection inevitably drops.

I've tried switching the wifi switch on and off repeatedly and it still doesn't work. Any help would be appreciated and if whoever answers this needs more info about my computer, then I can provide.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT:: I went into Device Manager to see if there were any problems there, and in the 6TO4 adapter properties, I got this message.

This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)

Click 'Check for solutions' to send data about this device to Microsoft and to see if there is a solution available.

So I clicked on it, but nothing seems to be happening. Will look around to see if I can get any answers from elsewhere, but again, all help is appreciated.

Hi Nikkerloo,

Welcome to Vista Forums!

First, just because a nearby wireless connection is unprotected doesn't mean it is legal to use it. They typically belong to neighbors or other people or companies (who haven't the skill or knowledge or gotten help protecting the router) and when you use them you are using their paid-for access which not only slows down their connection, but may cost them money as they may be on a limited plan and thus would be paying also for your usage of their connection. Not only is this illegal, but it is unethical and immoral as well. Plus such signals are almost always weak (and the owners may turn them off), so getting disconnected is not all that unexpected even if everything were working properly - which the error suggests may not be the case here though it may be a factor. This does not apply to places like Starbucks and computer kiosks and such where wifi is provided and some may or may not be protected, but they have a specific connection (you can't just use any others that may show up) and it isn't "any nearby unprotected wifi connection" and, as a general rule, the signal is quite strong when you are in a location where connecting to that network is appropriate.

If you decide to setup and use your own wireless network (or need help connecting in places like Starbucks if that is something you need and are unable to do), I will be more than happy to assist you with this problem; however, I cannot in good conscience assist you in piggybacking off any unprotected wireless signals belonging to other people or companies. It is a violation of my principles and I believe it may also be in violation of this Forum's Code of Conduct.

Let me know if you get your own wireless router (including the manufacturer, make, and model). I will then also need the make and precise model of your Packard Bell (and the manufacturer, make, and model of the wireless adapter). Checking and updating the drivers (from the manufacturer's website) will probably be the first step. Next, we will gather information about the connection and see if we can resolve or identify the problem by you following the instructions in: http://www.vistax64.com/network-sharing/284688-network-posting-tips.html. Then, assuming that doesn't work, we will work on getting it setup and resolving the problem by digging deeper into the situation (unless setting up your own wireless router or updating the drivers or following those procedures resolves the problem with nothing further required) - even if we have to start from scratch. I've now assisted more than I probably should have done, but that's as far as I will go given my understanding of the situation.

Good luck and best wishes!

Okay, I apologise first of all for being unethical, but good news, I have a new router, just installed it today. But I'm still having the same problem. I'm in the process of upgrading my wifi driver right now, and I'm happy to give you any details of my computer that you need to have to help me solve this problem.

Thanks again for your help in this!

Well its all a driver issue it seems. ....or bsad hardware.

Report after you get the drivers.