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Really weird wifi problems? PC case blocking connection?

Tags:
  • Network Access
  • Limited Connectivity
  • Internet Connection
  • WiFi
  • Wireless Network
  • Wireless Access
  • Connection
  • Internet
  • Cases
  • HP Pavilion
Last response: in Wireless Networking
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September 9, 2014 9:04:24 PM

This is going to sound pretty weird, in my opinion, because it doesn't really seem logical. But it's happening, and i've tested it at least 4 times to make sure it wasnt just a strange coincidence. But i'm not very skilled at computers, so it could be a relatively common problem, hell if i know. Anyway, to the problem:

I went and cleaned out my pc with some duster. When i brought it back inside, i forgot the side panel outside. I booted up my pc and my internet was 4/5 bars, as usual (sometimes usual, my internet speed varies by month, but that's a whole 'nother problem. When it's good i get about 350kb/s.) I put on the side panel and watched the 4/5 bars drop instantly to 2, and then it disconnected entirely, losing the signal. It came back really weak, like 1 to 2 bars varying every couple seconds. I took the side panel back off, and viola, within seconds, it was back to 4. I've spent the last 5 days since the cleaning with the side panel off, because with it on, my internet is absolute garbage. Can anyone provide some logic to this? It's a pretty old computer, like 2009 with a few upgraded parts in 2012, and the case is a generic HP case. I'm getting a new one in a month or so, but for the time being i'd love to know if there was some way i could fix this problem.

(also, i don't go here often so i'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this? If it isn't, sorry!)

thanks!

More about : weird wifi problems case blocking connection

September 9, 2014 9:24:30 PM

A couple of questions -

What type of wireless adapter do you have (PCI/USB) (make/model)?

Location of the computer in reference to the router - and are there obstructions between them (i.e. desks, walls, floors, etc)?
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September 9, 2014 9:47:58 PM

ronintexas said:
A couple of questions -

What type of wireless adapter do you have (PCI/USB) (make/model)?

Location of the computer in reference to the router - and are there obstructions between them (i.e. desks, walls, floors, etc)?


1) The adapter came with the pc, (HP Pavilion P6620f), and it's an 802.11n Wireless Lan Card by manufacturer Ralink Technology Corp. It's PCI, location PCI bus 2.

2) The computer is connected via WiFi to a NetGear network extender that's across my bedroom (about 10ft), which is connected via WiFi to a NetGear Router (roughly 40ft), which is right next to the modem. In between the router and extender there is my bedroom wall, another bedroom, and then the bathroom and across the kitchen. (kind of diagonally). In between the extender and my pc there is nothing really, besides me. yeah it sounds pretty bad, i've tried putting it in countless other places with no real results and i don't want an ethernet cable laying across my floor 24/7 so i've dealt with it. (only lived here for a little over a year so far).

i hope that was enough information!
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September 10, 2014 5:21:27 AM

You have the wireless mini card inside the PC - there is a connector cable that should attach to the antenna (it appears to be internal to the case). It should be a black cable with a yellow connector. Make sure it is connected (if it is already, unplug it and reinsert it).
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September 10, 2014 7:03:53 AM

I can only guess the causes. A power-supply that is now 'electronically noisier'? Some other device in the computer that is now giving off more interfering signals? Or maybe it's all personal - maybe you've broken a few dates with it, you take it for granted, you no longer bring flowers, etc. (Gee - wouldn't it be great if that solved problems with electronics?!!)

This installed network card has antenna that are screwed onto the back, yes? OR are they hard-attached - not removable? (Holy Tenda, Batman!)

For detachable antenna, I will buy extension cables and/or replacement antenna with extension cables, and re-locate those antenna for improved signals. OR...

I'll uninstall that card (and its drivers, first) then physically remove the card. I buy a USB WiFi adapter with a cradle (essentially, a USB extension cord) and locate that USB device away from the computer.(I am not advocating or dismissing this TP-Link device - it's just an example of a USB WiFi with a USB extension cord.)
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September 11, 2014 7:57:03 PM

christinebcw said:
I can only guess the causes. A power-supply that is now 'electronically noisier'? Some other device in the computer that is now giving off more interfering signals? Or maybe it's all personal - maybe you've broken a few dates with it, you take it for granted, you no longer bring flowers, etc. (Gee - wouldn't it be great if that solved problems with electronics?!!)

This installed network card has antenna that are screwed onto the back, yes? OR are they hard-attached - not removable? (Holy Tenda, Batman!)

For detachable antenna, I will buy extension cables and/or replacement antenna with extension cables, and re-locate those antenna for improved signals. OR...

I'll uninstall that card (and its drivers, first) then physically remove the card. I buy a USB WiFi adapter with a cradle (essentially, a USB extension cord) and locate that USB device away from the computer.(I am not advocating or dismissing this TP-Link device - it's just an example of a USB WiFi with a USB extension cord.)


if only i could bring it a few flowers and tell it how much i love it, that'd solve all my problems! lol

but yeah, as far as i can tell there are no antennas on the outside, nor do i see any on the inside. Its hard to see the motherboard through all of these cables (wow, no cable management on my basic 2009 prebuilt HP? shameful!) but i have a feeling its something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131226731616?lpid=82 . If i have some free time tomorrow maybe ill just take out my gpu and see if i can find the wifi card. and ill look into the usb wifi extenders, sounds interesting!
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September 12, 2014 5:19:47 AM

If you consider removing that M-Sata device, be sure to do a proper and formal UNINSTALL that will tacitly remove drivers AND the Registry's attempts to load those then-useless drivers. Then do the physical removal.

I spent yesterday discovering - with horror - how few N300 devices have Win 8.1 drivers. They all stop with Win 8.0 dated months before Win 8.1's release. GAG. TP-Link was especially offensive in this regard, but Asus was no better. Dlink, LinkSys either. NetGear did have models with downloadable Win 8.1 drivers dated Jan 2014 or later. And their 3100 WiFi adapter has a cradle, too. Who knows if it works, though!
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