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Vista turning off network adapter


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#1
delawaredrew

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Just bought a Gateway t1616 with Vista Ultimate for my gf. It is my first Vista exposure. Vista consistently, but randomly, turns off the network adapter. It is a realtek rtl8781b wireless g usb 2.0 network adapter. I guess it connects to the comp through the USB bus although it is not an external USB device?
It frequently loses its connection to my network. If I disable then re-enable the adapter all is fine, but that is annoying, since sometimes it holds the connection for hours, and other times it will drop it after 3-5 minutes of inactivity. I cannot find a decisive pattern.
What I've done: I unchecked boxes for allowing "windows to turn off this device to save power" for all the network related items in Device Manager. No change. I then systematically did the same for all USB related listings, and anything else that seemed related. The only change I got was after unchecking that same setting for the usb mouse but that may have been coincidence, as it has remained connected for several hours before also. I am going to try a wired mouse next to see if anything changes.
My XP laptop does fine on the same network, rarely losing the connection.
Can anyone help shed light on this?
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#2
Makaveli213

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Hello,

Does the Vista have SP1 installed? Have you checked for a updated driver for the network adapter? Have you checked for updated chipset drivers?

Cheers,
Mak
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#3
delawaredrew

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Thanks for the response.
Well you bring up another issue I've been working on; SP1 isn't listed in the updates, nor it is listed in available updates in Windows Update. I've read a MS knowledge base article about it not showing up for a variety of reasons and am working on that too. Should I download the standalone version of SP1 to force the update?

Back to the network: There is an updated driver for the wireless adapter, however it breaks the connection also, only allowing limited connectivity. When I roll it back the thing works as before. Tried that twice, same result. Did not find a chipset update in Windows update.
I'll wait until the SP1 update is resolved then see what the network adapter does after that.
Thanks,
Drew
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#4
Jacee

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Should I download the standalone version of SP1 to force the update?

No....
When you've updated all drivers, added all security patches, recommended updates, and washed the dishes, you may have SP1 offered as a download. :)
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#5
delawaredrew

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With all the constant nagging about security issues I knew Vista would begin to sound like my mom!

I can't get the update outside of windows update anyway. The downloadable one is for networks and requires a Windows Live acct.
So I am stuck for now, if I need all updates to get SP1 I need that driver. But if I update the driver I lose the connection to download SP1, if it ever is available to me. :)
I am probably gonna have to let my gf take it to work, where her network guy has a better grip on Vista than little old me. Vista must keep pros in business.

Edited by delawaredrew, 28 June 2008 - 05:18 AM.

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