# Laptop wireless adapter "crashes"
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wireless-adapter-crashes/543527
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [June 17, 2010, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wireless-adapter-crashes/543527 "2010-06-17T07:59:56Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@kim\_jung\_il](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kim_jung_il)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2010, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wireless-adapter-crashes/543527/1 "2010-06-17T07:59:56Z")
My laptop connects to the internet no problem, then the internet will just spontaneously stop working. At first, I thought it was the modem/router, but after recent tests I’ve found out that it is my wireless adapter.
I get a “limited access” sign on my connection. Turning the wireless button on and off doesn’t work. Disabling and enabling in device manager doesn’t work. De-installation and re-installation doesn’t work either. The only remedy I have is a reboot of Windows and hey presto, everything is fine again.
My laptop is a Toshiba Satellite and it runs Windows 7.
Help me Obi-Wan, you’re my only help.
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### Author:  [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2010, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wireless-adapter-crashes/543527/2 "2010-06-17T08:18:26Z")
What sort of network card is installed in the laptop - there are some notoriously poor wifi cards (including some from Intel) that are really bad for locking up. I had to switch my wifes laptop to Linux to deal with her wifi issues.
Si
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### Author:  [@kim\_jung\_il](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kim_jung_il)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2010, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wireless-adapter-crashes/543527/3 "2010-06-17T13:57:14Z")
Its an Intel 3945ABG wireless adapter.
Is it crap?
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### Author:  [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2010, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wireless-adapter-crashes/543527/4 "2010-06-17T14:38:10Z")
Try [this](http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/cs-006205.htm). Otherwise, check the driver settings (from the Control Panel or Network Settings) and disable the checkbox that says _Allow Windows to power this device down to save battery_ (or something like that). Maybe set the power management to Maximum Power use, to prevent the wifi card from being put to sleep).
Si
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### Author:  [@kim\_jung\_il](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kim_jung_il)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2010, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wireless-adapter-crashes/543527/5 "2010-06-18T04:51:34Z")
Si, you are a gentleman and a scholar. I shall try this tonight and report how I get on.
Much appreciated.
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### Author:  [@cantara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cantara)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2010, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wireless-adapter-crashes/543527/6 "2010-06-18T16:32:35Z")
Interesting. I’ve had problems with my home setup and figured I had a bum router (still might). Try the settings under Manage My computer, Device Manager, Network Devices, your adapter. I found a setting under there that indicates Power Management and Roaming Aggressiveness. I’ll have to see if these help.