Sony SupportLaptop PC

Article ID : 00010730 / Last Modified : 11/01/2024Print

How to troubleshoot a Wireless LAN connection issue.

    Follow the procedure below to troubleshoot wireless connection issues, including dropped connections, failed connections or low signal strength.

    IMPORTANT:

    • If you are able to get an Internet connection but have dropped connections or low signal strength, download and install any firmware updates for the router and modem you are using from the router and modem manufacturer's Web sites and all SmartWi Connection Utility or VAIO Smart Network Utility updates and any other wireless adapter driver updates available from Sony. Downloads are posted on your model support page.
    • If model-specific information is required to complete any of the steps in this solution, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the product. Manuals are posted on your model support page.
    • Because each of these steps represents a possible solution to this issue, try connecting to the wireless network  and viewing Web sites using the Internet Explorer® or Google Chrome™ browser after completing each step.
    1. Verify the physical wireless switch is turned on.

      NOTE: VAIO Models released in Summer 2012 do not have a physical wireless switch.

    2. Turn on the WLAN adapter using the VAIO Smart Network Utility  or the SmartWi Connection Utility .

      NOTE: All VAIO computer with the Windows® 7 or Vista® operating system include either the SmartWi Connection Utility or the VAIO Smart Network Utility, but not both. If neither the SmartWi Connection Utility or VAIO Smart Network Utility are available, use the Windows Mobility Center  to turn on the WLAN adapter.

    3. Repair the wireless connection .
    4. Configure the WLAN autoconfig service  to start automatically.
    5. Start the computer in Safe Mode With Networking  and test the wireless connection.

      NOTE: If the connection works in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by anti-virus or anti-spyware software. Configure any installed anti-virus or anti-spyware software properly, per the manufacturer's instructions.

      WARNING: If anti-virus or anti-spyware software has been removed or disabled to troubleshoot the issue, Sony recommends enabling or reinstalling it to prevent exposure to malicious software. Once the software is enabled or reinstalled, configure it properly per the manufacturer's instructions to allow the Internet or network connection to work correctly.

    6. If possible, test another computer on the wireless network.

      NOTE: If another computer successfully connects, the problem is not with the Internet Service Provider (ISP), modem or router.

    7. Uninstall  the SmartWi Connection Utility or the VAIO Smart Network Utility software, and then reinstall it using the VAIO Care software.
    8. Turn off the power management setting  for the WLAN adapter.
    9. Check the WAN IP address of the router as per the manufacturer's instructions.

      NOTE: If the router is not getting a WAN IP address, the issue is likely caused by a problem with ISP.

      WARNING: There is a risk of data loss. If a router has been specifically configured (PPPoe, DSL, MAC address filtering, security, etc.), the settings will be removed by resetting the router and it will have to be reconfigured.

    10. Reset the router and/or modem per the manufacturer's instructions.
    11. Check to determine if wireless interference  is causing the issue.
    12. Try adjusting settings on the WLAN router, such as the wireless channel frequency or cloning the MAC address .

      NOTE: A good tool to inspect your wireless network and surrounding networks is inSSIDer.