Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update

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Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update

This past week I blogged a problem I was having with a friend's Sony Vaio Vista laptop and wireless randomly dropping. After some digging on the Sony site, I came up with this: http://www.iq.sony.com/srvs/autoresponsev4.asp?id=568483

Details from the Sony KB article

Knowledge Article C568483

The wireless network connection intermittently fails to connect.

When using the internal LAN-Express (Atheros) wireless network adapter to connect to a wireless network the following issues may occur:

    * Not able to connect to a wireless network after a long period of usage or after resuming from suspend or hibernation.
    * The LAN-Express wireless network adapter intermittently disappears from device manager or VAIO Smart Network.
    * The wireless network connection intermittently fails to connect.

This issue is currently being investigated by Sony. Please contact the Customer Information Service Center at 888-476-6972 to speak with a customer service representative.

that's pretty much our issue in a nutshell. I guess it's good to know it's nothing we did wrong and there's nothing we could have done to fix it, but it sure is annoying still. Hope this helps someone else from going crazy trying to fix this.

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Posted On Saturday, February 02, 2008 7:09 AM

Comments

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Scott Kuhl on 2/4/2008 1:47 PM
Holy cow! I just ran into this problem yesterday. We had replaced our router and I was sure it was the problem. But no other equipment in our house was having an issue. I was just getting ready to look into this later this afternoon.

Thanks!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Kevin on 2/7/2008 12:30 AM
How completely odd. I have a Sony SZ640 notebook w/ Vista (about 4 months old)... and I've had intermittent problems with my wireless connection over the past 2 weeks. It feels like I'm browsing the modern internet on a 2400 baud modem! It's terrible.

Oddly... I have a coworker who recently got a Dell notebook in the past 3 months (with Vista) that started having the same exact symptoms around the same time I started having them. Very frustrating. Any chance that this is a vista problem of epidemic proportions?

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Jim van Scoyoc on 2/17/2008 1:52 PM
My wife just bought a Sony VGN-NR-160 almost two weeks ago, but started having this problem yesterday. The wireless indicator light was not lit and I worked with the Sony support tech for over two hours first just to get it set up so the indicator would light up like it was supposed to and the computer would "think" it was ready to connect. But it still didn't work, so he had me download a driver (luckily I was able to do this through my own notebook). After spending over 2 hours with the tech, the onboard wireless connectivity still isn't. Lucky thing we have Verizon National Access.

I don't think the problem is Vista generally, as my notebook is Vista and I've had it for over a year without any problem--but it's HP not Sony. However, I have Vista Home Basic so it could be something with Home Premium.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by sophie on 2/18/2008 10:40 AM
Sometimes I can trick it into restoring access by using the on/off wireless LAN switch located on the edge of the laptop.

So annoying, tho.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Des on 2/20/2008 10:29 AM
Been having the same problem with my Vaio PCG-384L. Like others, it seemed to work smoothly for the first month or so, then it started dropping the wireless intermittently. Now it's down every time I return to my laptop after a period of non-usage. And regardless of what fixes I try, it seems to come back magically after I leave it for a while longer. Very, very annoying!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by bwana bob'o de bush on 2/21/2008 10:28 AM
i have also been trying to solve the sony vaio laptop (VGN-120e) wireless problem. worked fine until we used hotel (wired) ethernet? and came home to find that our linksys wireless router was recognized but would not connect (icon would show connection during start-up). tried every trick from every discussion group (router firmware update, registry fix per MS web-site, sony updates, hard wiring in TCP/IP router address, etc.) so... if you have spent days working on this like I have don't feel bad or better yet don't waste your time until Sony responds with something useful? Vista sucks in general- won't implement souncard functions, or recognize XP drivers or allow sony wireless to work right? I knew i should have waited until vista SP2 but the X-mas bug got the better of me.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Derek on 2/23/2008 10:24 AM
I started having this problem the day after I brought this laptop home. I thought it was something I was doing wrong until I took a better look. The wireless card actually disappears from Device Manager, like it doesn't even exist. I called Sony and they told me to bleed the system of power and boot it up. This has worked every time that I have had the wireless card go missing.

Just shutdown the pc, pull the battery out and hold down the power button for 30 seconds. Pop the battery back in and boot. Sure enough the wireless card is working like nothing happened.

Frustrating as hell, but it works.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by This might help on 2/23/2008 9:53 PM
Helpful article on this issue: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/09/15/intel-pro-wireless-3945abg-wifi-radio-adapter-shut-off-randomly/

Basically it appears dell was having the same problem. It's a compatibility issue with the intel wireless network adapter used by sony vaio and Vista. Dell has a work around that might help sony users as well.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Kayhan on 2/24/2008 9:50 AM
Really? My NR 160 works fine

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by More info on 2/24/2008 4:03 PM
Sony instructed me to load this driver for my Intel wireless Link (4965AGN). It appears to be working.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNFZ285U&upd_id=3053&os_id=30

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Amnat on 2/29/2008 12:29 AM
search driver Network adapter model PCG-384L

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Problems
Posted by Arty on 3/3/2008 4:15 PM
Hi guys, i have a Vaio VGN-AR31M, i'm using vista, and while working online (as i am now) it suddenly goes away, disappears, and i'm stuck with limited connectivity for a couple of minutes (or more). It resumes suddenly, but it's really a pain. The "diagnose and repair" doesn't do anything. What do you guys suggest? Thanks.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Skip on 3/4/2008 3:33 PM
I have a Sony Vaio VGN-NR180E that's having the same problem. The Vaio is a couple of months old and when it goes into sleep mode it will lose the wireless connection. When this happens the Vaio will not located any wireless networks and the wireless connect light goes out. Only solution I have found is to restart and it's back working again ... a lot can be lost in this process .... can you say, pain in the butt!
Skip

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Ramesh Ranjit on 3/10/2008 1:12 AM
I just bought VGN-CR320E/R sony laptop 2 weeks ago,everything works fine,but whenever I try to update VAIO Update it doesn't work, it says- the internate explorer cannot display the webpage. If anybody know how to fix this problem then PLEASE help me out.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Tim on 3/23/2008 2:06 PM
All I had to do was turn on the switch through the VAIO Smart Network. This worked for me.

http://www.iq.sony.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=880,E=0000000000825726360,K=4152,Sxi=3,Case=obj(567313),VARSET_OBJ=567313,VARSET_TSRC=results,UseTemplate=case.tem,VARSET_TOP=TRUE#

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Mario on 3/24/2008 6:36 AM
Hi guys,
some info at the following link

http://www.iq.sony.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE?New,Kb=CISCV3,Company={46BFA530-E01F-4F7C-B98B-69C2AA06051B},Case=Obj(568429),TS=externalv4,T=case.tem,VARSET_MODELNUM=VGNNR115ET,VARSET_OBJ=568429,VARSET_TOP=TRUE,workstage=all,question=ref(QC):ord(1),question=ref(QB):ord(1)

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Terry on 3/28/2008 8:51 PM
Brand new Vaio NR220E, wireless lan will not come on. Three sessions w/Sony chat "help" downloaded Vaio Smart Network Update, and Atheros Wireless LAN driver. Nothing. Now Sony recommends performing a System Recovery. Any thoughts?
Thanks

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by heather on 3/29/2008 10:03 AM
thanks tim! that did the trick.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Derek on 3/31/2008 7:03 PM
Using system restore worked on my machine (Vaio NR10E/S) to fix a completely screwed up Network Adaptor.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Steve on 4/2/2008 1:10 PM
Thank you so much for this posting. My Sony Vaio completely refused to recognize that any wireless capability was installed, even though it worked fine yesterday. The comment posted 2/23/2008 worked for me: I removed the battery pack, drained the computer of residual power by holding down the power button for 30 seconds, put the battery pack in again, and here I am with wireless interenet connectivity once again! What a hassle...

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Scott on 4/7/2008 4:55 AM
I bought a Sony Vaio VGN-CR320E two weeks ago with Vista. I've recovered the machine twice - trying to resolve some other issues that I was having (not related to Sony) but to my VPN client. Everything works great now - except that VAIO Update cannot connect to the update website - it gets an "Error on page." at the bottom of the window. The VAIO update worked originally - and I believe it worked after the first time I recovered the C drive from the recovery partition. Very frustrating.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Dee on 5/30/2008 4:58 PM
Thanx a lot Tim. it worked :D

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by japs on 7/4/2008 10:21 PM
hi guys, i was able to fix my problem with my vaio. i used to have a problem with my wireless lan not being detected after sleep mode or hibernation. i had to restart my computer after it goes to sleep mode or hibernation just to have a wireless connection again, that sucked. just check this link and download the sony notebook utilities software. its gonna take awhile to install so just be patient. when it's done, restart pc and open program VAIO Control Center and on the list tab, open VAIO Smart Network and on the general tab, check both Launch options and apply, then restart again. Try sleeping mode and when you get back you'd still have connection to wireless. Hope everything would work with other brand or find something similar in the support websites for you pc.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNNR240E&upd_id=3347&os_id=28

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Daniel on 8/2/2008 3:08 PM
My problem is that the wireless lan switch will not turn on at all. I have had it for about 2 month's and the switch lights up green, but while on my laptop the light suddenly dissapeared and won't turn back on. I can no longewr access the internet on my New Sony Vaio vista

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Nick on 9/28/2008 7:53 AM
My wife purchased a VGN-NR38E/S when she got it home it wouldn't connect to our wireless network or even pick up any networks in the surrounding area even though all the other machines have no problem. She took it back to the shop and it picked up their network no problem. Back home and again, no networks, the shop again said 'it works here so no problems with it. It must be your router'! We took it to a public network and it wouldn't even pick that up so now its back in the shop and see what they come up with next week!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Machel on 10/2/2008 2:46 PM
Hey Everyone. im in desperate need of help. My Dad bought a Vaio NS and had it about 6 months now, however, he never used the Wireless connection. When i took it to try connecting to a network, it says that the Wireless LAN switch is off, eventhough it is on. the light next to the switch when it is in the on position is not lighting. The Laptop did not fall or anything like that. is it a physical problem? or a software problem? or am i doing something wrong? Can anybody help me out?

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Justin Fuller on 10/3/2008 6:33 PM
I figured out how to solve this problem on mine, I was having the exact same issue - read how I fixed it in my blog - and if it helps you please digg it for me

My Blog

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by nanci on 10/3/2008 7:00 PM
Justin Fuller's answer in the comments fixed mine immediately! Thanks.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by David on 10/12/2008 6:11 PM
Amazing! it worked! Ive been doing my nut for the past 3 days with the same problem. Could only use wireless if restarted computer.....could never get it to work when I came out of sleep/hibernate.

read through this brilliant blog and tried the easy version for starters. The one which says, shut down, remove battery pack, press on button for 30 seconds and then put back in and restart......AND GUESS WHAT!!!!!! It worked

So thanks to everyone that posted the solution...

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Kirk Neumann on 10/17/2008 7:46 PM
I have model VGNNR110E and removing the battery pack process worked! I tried several of the other methods discussed with no luck. I thought I was going crazy! Thanks everyone!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Rao on 10/20/2008 10:48 PM
Thank you so much Justin Fuller. It worked quickly..thank you

# re: Sony Vaio/PCG-384L/Vista Update
Posted by DIWAKAR on 10/26/2008 3:15 AM
webcam not functioning after reinstallation of windows vista home premium

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by JC on 10/29/2008 10:38 AM
Hi if you're Sony Vaio laptop wireless switch is on and the windows network diagnosis says the switch is off and the WLAN is off. Then switch the wireless back to off then instead of moving it all the way to on just go halfway. I found this worked while fixing my cousin's Sony Vaio VGN-CR510D.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by sodahead on 10/31/2008 8:29 AM
Experienced all the above issues. Then simply uninstalled Sony "Smart Network" (oh, the irony) and no problems since.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Jeremy on 11/22/2008 5:54 AM
I have had bad luck with Sony Vaio on a number of occasions in the past. Other Sony products I love and have good luck with. Maybe I just have had bad luck with vaio's. Next time I am looking for a laptop I will probably consider another brand, or spend a more time researching and testing first.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Richo on 11/25/2008 6:07 PM
hey guys,
lost my WLAN after an Adaware clean up on my VGN-NR17G.
Re-installed the original driver then went to the Smart Network and turned her back on.
Thanks to all as i was about a minute away from a full system restore.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Paco on 11/26/2008 12:32 PM
Why is it that we need to reinstall all that driver it's annoying. The problem I've encountered with my vaio VGN-NR17G is everyone was able to connect to the network and unfortunately I couldn't connect. do I have to reinstall the driver? and if I have to, where can I get this driver? I was trying to look all over my notebook but I couldn't find it. Could somebody help me about all this?

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Justin on 12/2/2008 1:18 PM
As I posted above you may be able to fix it without reinstalling the driver. It could be a simple conflict between the sony software and vista.

See this blog entry for details with pictures
Sony Vaio VGN Series Vista Wireless Connection Issue

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Aaron aka sarwiz on 12/14/2008 11:10 AM
Thanks Justin, I'll be trying your fixes later on when it goes off again. We have been uninstalling the wireless card before shutting down for a couple of weeks now. Great blog.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Robert on 12/18/2008 8:00 PM
Hey the people who are having trouble with their wireless light being on...Sometimes the computer will shut it down to save power if you go to your network connections and hit properties on Wifi then configure, under the power management box uncheck allow the comp to turn of wireless to save power...it worked for me maybe it'll work for you.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Anita on 12/22/2008 3:36 AM
I'm having the same problem but my computer is a VGN-FJ270 using XP. Does anyone have a solution for XP?

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Aaron Hawkins on 12/23/2008 9:47 AM
I fixed it, too:
In Control panel, uninstall the Sony Vaio Wireless thingy. Problem solved. Windows Wireless will config everything for you.

My wife's laptop was having this problem. It stopped for a while and started again. I began working on it, saw some issues in the error log and began uninstalling the Vaio bloatware. When I accidentally opened the Vaio wireless thing, the network dropped out but the light stayed on. I uninstalled it 2 days ago and the computer is much faster than it was. Also, I just woke it from hibernation and everything is perfectly fine.

For the record, I don't recommend this computer to anyone. Since we've had it, we've had to 2 system restores, send it back for repair, and the track-pad quit after 2 weeks (Sony said it was our fault).

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by mai on 12/26/2008 12:33 AM
mine doesnt have the smart network...helpp?

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by nameless on 12/26/2008 9:10 PM
Ditto problem - wifi card light would not come on, wifi would not work and VGN-NR260E seems to think the wifi switch is off.. whereas it is on...

The power off + battery out + hold pwr button down solution quoted above did not work for me.

** What DID work: in task bar next to clock, double click on the VAIO Smart Network icon in the taskbar (looks like grey arrows split in half sideways); Then click DIAGNOSE / REPAIR .. which will reset the wifi device .. Walaah! That works !

Strangely updating the driver or 2 reboots did not fix the problem but the grey arrow thing with diagnose option worked .. Go figure..

I guess vista has a ways to go before its stable.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Justin on 12/30/2008 1:07 AM
I actually just started a tech help site, and am supposed to be having a network expert start tomorrow. Networking Section of Tech-101

Feel free to start your own help thread for our volunteers to offer solutions. I know what a pain this was and will offer whatever help I can

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Ace on 12/30/2008 3:05 AM
re: # re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Justin Fuller on 10/3/2008 6:33 PM
I figured out how to solve this problem on mine, I was having the exact same issue - read how I fixed it in my blog - and if it helps you please digg it for me

THANK YOU!!!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by chris dunn on 1/5/2009 9:33 PM
THIS IS WHAT TO DO UNINSTALL DRIVER FROM WIRELESS LAN REBOOT. BECAUSE XP AND VISTA HAVE AUTOMATIC DETECT HARDWARE IT RELOADS DRIVER AND LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND HAVE TO RECONNECT.DONE

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Anna on 1/6/2009 3:18 PM
I have a VAIO VGN-FJ170 and since yesterday the WLAN indicator stopped lighting up, even though the switch is in the 'on' position. I have talked to techs at Sony and also done a system restore but I still cannot connect wirelessly. The OS on my laptop is XP. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by pomme on 1/9/2009 6:20 AM
im trying to hook my iphone to a wireless connection to my vaio, aswell as keeping the wifi connection to the internet open, is there anyway to have both open at the same time

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Z on 1/14/2009 6:17 PM
VGN-FW235J. Got two days ago, installed office, AV, and couple of updates. Worked great for two days, then we closed the lid for the night. Came back - no tework.

Switch is on, light is on, SmartWi says it's on, "Connect to network" says that there are no networks detected. Intel Diagnostics says Radio Test failed, while hardware is fine and driver is fine.

After a couple hours on the phone with level 1 and level 2 Sony support (very nice and pleasant), no result. I uninstalled VAIO SmartWi Utility and VAIO Wireless Wizard, rebooted the computer, and I am back in business. I did not have "Smart Network".

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by VA on 1/21/2009 12:56 AM
I bought the VGN-CS215J last week and I have been having the issue of losing wireless connectivity intermittently. Not sure, how long my fix will work or even if it is related or not, I turned off the wireless switch and turned it back on. System prompted me to make the bluetooth discoverable and I did. After that I went to advanced power savings option and selected the high performance on battery option for network adapter. So far so good...I have been browsing for the last few hours without a glitch.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by dubz on 1/31/2009 10:20 PM
This was helpful, but I also found an interesting, basic and comically simply fix on my laptop.

It's a Sony Viao VGN-NR220E.

After searching around and getting frustrated because I have the latest updates, I discovered that a second user on the laptop had turned the wireless off in Sony's Network status window that pops up over your desktop. Wireless was working fine under my username (that is until I closed to cover and the pc went to sleep), but this must have crossed some wires.

Needeless to say, I clicked the check box on the other user's account and all is well. How stinking quirky. Sometimes I feel like I'm Beta testing Vista.

Not sure if this will work for all of you, but hopefully it helps.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Dave on 2/4/2009 7:43 PM
Setting high performance battery option got wireless connectivity working again for a VGN-FW laptop.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Scott on 2/4/2009 11:41 PM
Had the same issue with an FW series. flaky wireless connection then died all together. Uninstalled the sony wizard and smart wifi, removed battery and pressed start button for 30 sec. Replaced and started back up. Windows had to troubleshoot to turn on wireless, then the light came on and all was well. Did seem like it was faster as well. restarted again to make sure and everything was extremely smooth...

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by frank on 2/7/2009 3:48 PM
Jesus this is frusterating, same issues described, connection works, then doesn't work, appears to be connected but none of the browers can reach the internet.

I just got the VGN-FW390 laptop, I uninstalled the Sony Wizard but the Smart Wifi? Where is that, I can't seem to find it, can someone tell me the exact Program name for the Wifi?

I've tried everything on this site listed:
1. Removing battery, hold for 30 secs
2. Uninstalled Sony Wireless Wizard
3. Updated Intel Wireless Driver (up to date by the wa)
4. Connected and reconnected/deleted my wireless network 1,000 times

Yet I still have issues of it working, then not working. I'm almost ready to throw this laptop into the street. Help again, what is the Wifi program I need to uninstall? Much thanks

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Mario on 2/10/2009 11:33 AM
I just purchased a Sony Vaio CS-215J. I cannot get the wireless to connect to the internet after shutting off/hibernate/sleep. It connects to my Network, but it classifies my network as "Unidentified" when I've set it up as my home network. Sometimes it says it's a Public Network, some days it feels like it's a Private Network. I've deleted the network, added it back again, categorized it, turn the computer off/on, battery out, then back in, and nothing. The stubborn little piece of sh*t just wont connect to the Internet by itself. Now, if I reset the wireless connection, it might just go in... If it feels like it. Pls help!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by gina on 2/10/2009 11:29 PM
i want to thank "NAMELESS" up above for the post about the arrows going in two different directions in the taskbar. i have spent all day trying to fix my wireless connection that suddenly disappeared last night for NO reason. the light would come on until the computer rebooted then it would suddenly go off. i tried the trick w/ removing the battery and that didn't do it. THIS did it though!!!!! i was about to give up. i double clicked on those arrows and none of the items were lit up. i checked the wireless connection and voila....problem solved! :) i am back in business.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by steve on 2/11/2009 6:31 PM
Thanks everyone. I tried all fixes and only one worked. The double arrow click worked. What the????? Is there an epidemic going on??
List this fix first, not last.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by GordeyOlya on 2/14/2009 9:07 AM
Hi guys, only this worked for me: http://www.tech-101.com/networking/topic3.html , the system restore to a time when it was working... The only thing that worked for me!! So delighted... thanks to Blind Dragon and all of you!

Good luck guys

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Vasius on 2/15/2009 12:22 AM
My wife has the CS215J and I've been trying to figure out what is wrong with the network connection. I read the article posted by NAMELESS about the arrows pointing in two directions in the taskbar. I could not find it and could it be named something else? Also she doesn't have the Vaio Smart Network tab in the Vaio Control Center. All other suggestions on this post have been tried thus far, any other options?

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Reema on 2/16/2009 2:02 PM
Hey everybody! I just purchased a Sony VGN-CS230J which is having the same problems as you guys are. After sleep/hibernation, I lose the internet connection and it doesnt come back until I disconnect it and reconnect it a few times.

I called Sony & this nice little lady helped me out. What you need to do is the following:

1. Go to Control Panel
2. GO to Device Manager
3. Under device manager, click the + symbol for Network Adapters
4. Under Network Adapters, you should see an Intel adapter. Double click on that.
5. Click on the Power Management tab.
6. Uncheck the box that says "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

And voila. That should work. :)

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Vasius on 2/16/2009 9:39 PM
I just fixed my wife's computer by installing the updated driver from the Intel here: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=3062&lang=eng. You just have to enter in the operating system you are using, download and install. I it "should" fix the problem if all other suggestions do not work. Good luck.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Mark on 2/18/2009 12:43 AM
Another option via support for those who have the switch set to on, but the light still doesn't come on:

Go to "Start," then "All Programs," then "VAIO Control Center." Under "Categories," expand "Network connections." Click "VAIO Support Network" and then "Open."

At that point the "VAIO Support Network" icon should appear down by the clock in the lower right corner. Double clicking it brings up the "VAIO Smart Network" box, where you can click on the light next to WLAN, if it isn't on already, to activate it.

The guy on the phone showed me this, and it got the switch back functioning.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Free Tech Support Site Helped on 2/21/2009 2:11 PM
Just like the guy above this worked for me

http://www.tech-101.com/networking/topic3.html

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by melissa on 2/25/2009 11:53 AM
i had the same problems wireless switch on but no power to card after hybernation. i tried most of these solutions finally got it workin again. i uninstalled the vaio smart network. then ran diagnose and repair. works fine. thanks sodahead!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by professorgiles on 2/25/2009 10:44 PM
I figured it out. I hope this little thread may save someone the headache I went through to get my wireless internet working properly.

I was having the same problems... wireless intermittently going in and out, forced to reboot or repair my connection every 5 minutes.

Long story short, the wireless card shipped with the new Vaio (mine was Intel 5100) do not work well with a network using WEP encryption. Change it to WPA Personal and whatdya know... everything is working as it should be.

You will need to go in and re-configure your router to use WPA security instead of WEP which is fairly simple. Once you've done this you can change the settings on your computer to match the new settings on your router.

Hope this helps. I spent nearly 2 weeks and several hours on the phone with Sony only to figure it out on my own.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Hilly on 2/26/2009 2:39 PM
I just wanted to give a great big "Thank You" to professorgiles for his help. I have been having this problem since day one with my brand new sony vaio FW series laptop. I've been struggling with it for a week. I've done everything I could think of, spoke with numerous support people, and nothing helped...until now. As professorgiles said, I simply changed my security to WPA-Personal and voila! Working great!

Thanks a lot!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Matt on 2/27/2009 4:43 AM
Thank you professorgiles great job.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by professorgiles on 2/28/2009 1:23 PM
Your welcome guys! Glad to help!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Reema on 3/8/2009 8:53 PM
Step by sstep walk through please :( I dont know what to do!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by professorgiles on 3/9/2009 5:23 PM
Back at Reema...

Here's what you need to do:

1. Access your router and change your wireless security settings to WPA 2 Personal. I am assuming you are familiar with changing settings on your wireless router.

2. Once you've changed your name and password, you want to remember this in order to setup the network properly on your computer.

3. Go to your computer, find the new network on your computer, enter in the pass phrase and you should be good to go.

If you don't know how to do something like this, I'd suggest getting a friend to do it, someone who is familiar with IT.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by vkomenda on 3/10/2009 9:25 AM
I have Vaio Z11VN/B with Intel Wireless 5100 and the router uses authentification WPA 2.

Still, the wireless card keeps disappearing. Unfortunately, the steps due to professorgiles will not solve the problem.

My Vaio is dual boot: Vista and Debian linux 64-bit. The wireless card just disappears from the list of available PCI devices, which can be easily seen from linux. I don't believe this is triggered by the fact that there is another operating system. It seems to be a bug in the hardware.

To test the issue, Sony tech support enforced us yesterday to revert the harddrive to its factory state using the provided Sony Recovery Center. This wicked tool removed everything from the disk, put damned Vista in place, but forgot to revert the Master Boot Sector!!! Now one can boot this laptop only from a CD with a boot loader, because the MBR was tiered to a linux system which is now removed by the recovery tool!

I'm telling you, Sony programmers and tech support guys not only have no clear idea about the hardware, they don't even understand Vista in which they actually work.

Since there are so many people having the same issue, it makes sense for Sony to recall the faulty laptops and give money back. Otherwise it would be crazy to keep testing their laptops as if they were pre-production models. One needs to do own work sometime.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Yi on 3/17/2009 7:52 PM
For a new Sony FW-340JH with Intel WiFi 5100 adapter, I had the same problem of WiFi dropping unexpectedly, plus the a very slow WiFi wake up time from sleep mode(~3 minutes or more). Everything else wake up in 3 seconds, but the internet. I finally fixed all that.

For the WiFi intermitant problem, the solution was the Intel WiFi adpater driver update. Sony now posted this update for FW 340 series.

As for the slow wake up from sleep (only internet connection), the problem was between Vista and routers. I had the same issue with Verizon DSL A90-7500 router, as well as Linksys G. By the way, my other PCs with XP wake up just fine in seconds from Standby mode. I can fix the Verizon router issue by changing to WPA2-TSK, instead of WEP. Now internet connection wake up on my VAIO in 3 seconds. The WPA2 trick however did NOT work for my Linksys G router. I had to update my Linksys WRT-G version 6 with a firmware published in 2008, replacing a 2006 firmware version. That made me believe the older routers are having problem Vista or the Intel adapter 5100. The Intel 5100 adapter driver update release note confirm the later.

So, do update your router firmware and use WPA too.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by computer_illiterate on 4/4/2009 5:28 AM
I've had this problem ever since i bought my VGN-CS16G. recently, i've been googling the problem and came across a suggestion to turn on the wi-fi manually in device manager. so i went to the wifi under network adaptors. i clicked on it and noticed under power management, there was a box that had a tick next to "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." i unclicked the box and also changed the mode of WLAN to 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, and after that the net worked fine. i also tried this on my sister's vaio, who was having the same wifi problem and it worked for her!

i'm not sure if this is the actual solution but i do hope it helps for anyone who is having the same problem.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Maps on 4/4/2009 11:03 PM
I can't seem to get my vaio laptop wireless connection to work..i have a VGN-NS series. But it connects if i'm using the ethernet.It can detect the my router but it only says LOCAL only. What do I have to do?

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by cecu on 4/12/2009 10:28 PM
k i have a sony vaio VGN-CR120E... My woreless was working fine till accidently my cousing turned the swich from on to OFF... i turned it back on but the light won't go on now i'm using a USB coard that connected to my dsl Some one PLZZZZZZZZ help me

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Dwayne on 4/18/2009 5:41 PM
In addtion to Mark's post:

How to open the VAIO Smart Network utility when the system tray icon is missing

Click the Start button and then type lanutil in the Start Search box.
NOTE: The path to the VAIO Smart Network utility executable file is C:\Program Files\Sony\Network Utility\LANUtil.exe

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by madarchol on 5/15/2009 2:32 PM
Hmm a plethora of answers and different things seem to work for different people. The power suspend certainly seems to be a major cause of the wireless card not switching on. I ended up trying driver upgrades, and allsorts and ended up simply restoring to a month old backup before the lastest vista updates which cured it :-)

# Sony NS webcam
Posted by Natrual on 6/2/2009 11:38 AM
Bough an NS Came in Spanish and everything wordked, had to reinstall in english so got home premium 64 exactly as what was on it but just in english, and since then a nightmare, got most things to work, except the webcam, i have spent hours trying to find the drivers and software but not luck. Has anyone maybe have any help with getting it to work, I installed the Arcsoft but say camera is in use by something else, and msn or skype says there is no webcam installed.. Does anyone maybe have the installion files for this... any help would be greatly apprecited

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Mete on 6/5/2009 3:58 AM
I have a FW series VAIO and I have the problem of "wifi adaptor is not shown in the device manager list after start-up". I used to restore windows using a previous point of restore to solve the problem temporarily but this was not a permenant solution. After reading comments here I tried the battery removing souggestion but it did not work.. Then I uninstalled "VAIO Wireless Wizard" and reboot the computer, and I have the wi-fi... Very interesting and something like witchcraft... I hope it works for others as well...

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by teichman on 6/9/2009 11:45 PM
I have the Sony VGN-AW230J and turning off my WEP on the router solved the problem of not finding my home network and listing it as unidentified. Also, unchecking the box that says "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." worked for me.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by sing is king on 6/16/2009 11:43 AM
fukin tell me hw to fukin download wlan on sony vio
man
L:@

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by David on 6/19/2009 10:23 AM
Justin doesnt seem to want to load. Can you send me a copy of your blog to Dovac@yahoo.com.
Thank you

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by julien27ph on 6/24/2009 10:25 AM
I have the same problem with my new Sony Vaio VGN-CS26M, its Intel Wirless adaptor keeps on disconnecting and having "Local only", but no internet connection.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Rui Lebreiro on 6/25/2009 6:18 PM
same problem here :( with my FW31M
wireless network goes away every 10 mins or so

sick and tired of sony support, always guessing and not really solving anything

incredible why sony is taking so long to fix this issue

rui

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by juan on 7/7/2009 12:43 PM
Just uninstall Vaio Smart Network in Control Panel. Worked for me.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Shabby on 7/16/2009 10:37 PM
wifi light is not litting and no wifi connection.
Please help me...

justin's blog doesn't seems to be open.....anyone ....please forward me that on my mail : saurabhgupta.it@gmail.com

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by JohnnyBwai on 7/17/2009 4:11 AM
I was having the same problem.
The green light for the wireless connection would't cut on. I tried all the solutions on this webpage. The only way to I got it to work was to system restore a day before I installed the vista updates.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Viper on 7/18/2009 5:12 AM
Juan, do you that I should uninstall the entire "Vaio control center"? I cannot figure out how to only uninstall Vaio Smart Network in add/remove programs--control panel...
Thanks a bunch!!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by weatherguesser on 7/21/2009 6:58 PM
Viper, you don't have to uninstall it completely. Just open the Vail Smart Network app (icon in the system tray looks like two opposing arrows). In the opening screen, uncheck the Open when Windows starts box. That way it only turns on if you tell it to. Just turning it off and rebooting the computer worked for me.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Chnt on 7/31/2009 1:09 AM
@Vasius: updating the driver for the Intel 5100 from the Intel website seems to do it for me. I had the problem that I seemed to be connected to the internet, but no pages were loading. Email worked though, but internet kept dropping randomly. I updated the driver for the Intel 5100 and it's been 3 days without any problems. So big thanks!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by gbsingh on 8/10/2009 1:39 AM
my vaio vgn-fe38gp keeps saying battery not installed propery..reinstall and suggests going to hibernate..any solutions please

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Dennis Greene on 8/26/2009 1:52 AM
Guys I had the same problem with this card and it drove me nuts. I tried everything to wake the thing up. In the end, I went to device manager, deleted the card (making sure I did not select 'delete driver') and then did a right click 'Check for Hardware Changes'. Hey presto, the card came straight back up. I will never buy a Sony or a Vista machine again btw.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by suresh on 8/28/2009 5:30 AM
send the vista wifi soft ware to me

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by pmag on 9/4/2009 8:22 AM
UGGGGHHHH this is so annoying!

mine stopped working 4 days ago and is continuing not to! i'm trying everything youse are suggesting and nothing.

it just wont connect at all! it wont come up and it disappeared a few minutes ago but came back wen i restarted. i used a usb adapter it works, but, sometimes it doesnt =.=

why the hell is this a problem? i thought sony was meant to be a good reliable brand -_-

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by The Saviour on 9/6/2009 5:38 PM
THE best solution, go to the Vaio Control Center, accept both the 2Hz and the 5Hz options. Something happens then, and you're connected!

You're welcome :)

# re: Problem with Wireless Lan Switch
Posted by Nard on 9/8/2009 3:28 PM
If you are having the this problem, you should go to esupport on the sony site and select live chat. They were able to give me this link that fixed my problem. http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/documentLink.do?externalId=C1000103

# Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Alireza on 11/5/2009 2:38 AM
i have got a vaio vgn-nr17g with vista home premium and when i push the wireless switch it automatically turn off when windows start to load. plz help me
thx

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Pablo on 11/30/2009 10:38 AM
I have a VGN-FW41J and I was experimenting exactly this two problems

* Not able to connect to a wireless network after a long period of usage or after resuming from suspend or hibernation.
* The wireless network connection intermittently fails to connect.

Reading this page I decided to give an opporunity to his fix posted by Vasius on 2/16/2009 9:39 PM

I opened the device manager, and checked my Intel Wifi Link 5100 AGN driver version, which was 12.1.0.10

Then I went to this site http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/detect.htm and allowed the Java software to check my hardware for updates. It happened that the last version of my wifi hardware was the 12.4.3.9 so I downloaded and installed it.

Then, even without rebooting the system, I suspended the laptop, awakened it, and I was still having internet, which wasn't happening before installing the latest drivers.

Now it's been roughly 3 hours without disconnections, and I also have the feeling that everything related to the wifi card is going faster, including internet.

So hopefully this was the solution for me, and my experience can help somebody.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Pablo on 12/2/2009 11:01 AM
It's confirmed now, the previous post fixed my problems, everything now related to the WLAN works stable and smoothly.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by abk on 1/17/2010 11:11 AM
I tried the method posted by Pablo on 11/30/09 and it worked great for about a month or so. Thanks for posting that! However, now it's back to the way it was. Occasionally I'll lose a connection while on the internet. Upon waking from sleep the driver for my wireless controller cannot be found most of the time. Which requires a restart to operate properly. Checked the driver site listed by Pablo again just to make sure I was up to date, and my version is the most current. So confused and frustrated by the unknown cause of this.
I have a Vaio vgn-fw351j and wireless Intel Wifi Link 5100 AGN. Running vista x64.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by joba on 1/19/2010 8:10 PM
I landed on this board the other night due to this issue. I am on a windows 7 machine and here are the instructions that worked for me

1. Click Start
2. Right Click Computer
3. Click Manage
4. Click Device Manager in the left window pane
5. Go to Network Adapters and click the arrow to the left of the words
6. Now you will see your network adapeter or adapters if you have more than one. In my case it was an Atheros . Right Click your network adapter.
7. Click Properties
8. Go to the Power Management Tab
9. Make sure all boxes are unchecked.
10. Once you've unchecked the boxes click ok and restart your system.

# Great post
Posted by StephanJade on 2/11/2010 4:41 PM
Cool blog as for me. It would be great to read something more about this matter. Thank you for posting that material.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Silvio on 3/12/2010 12:46 PM
Here is what I found at the Sony support web site:
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/microsites/searchEntry.do?locale=LA_eng_US&usemicrosite=true&region=UMRE_UNITEDSTATES_2_5&sonyregion=US&searchString=LAN-Express%20Atheros%20wireless&product=&sonytemplate=&sonymodel=

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by clodagh on 3/13/2010 4:11 PM
can anyone help my laptop was working fine a few hours ago and now the light on the wireless if of but its turned on and it won't go on the internet the other computers in the house are fine so i know its not a problem with the internet have tried everything said on this site and nothing has worked..

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Wang on 3/25/2010 4:41 PM
The same problem from my sony. It can be solved by resore your system to a previous date. However, it should come back again later! It is an absolute manufacture problem! Why not claim the matter to Sony - after Toyota?

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by femina on 4/2/2010 3:13 PM
My SONY VGN-T140 got problem with the wireless. It does not allow me to log on to the net and i try to reset it, repair it and just don't work! finally - i decided to do a recovery and yet, it hanged and said some kinda registry problem, the screen flashes and restart. If i shut off the wireless function, the laptop works just fine! this happens a few time already and if any one has any inputs - i would love to hear it! thanks!

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by deniz on 11/22/2010 10:44 AM
Hı guys.My english not very good,my computer model :sony vaio VGN-NR10E/S ,ı install to the pc linux pardus,but ı hvae not wireless driver can me give anyone driver dowload link.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by EvilDBA on 11/27/2010 1:24 PM
I had exact same issue. After long usage, I couldn't connect to wireless network.

In device manager under network I couldn't find driver for my wireless.

I powerd off the laptop and left it for 15 minutes and then switched back. Upon boot it automatically started installing driver for wireless and connected like charm.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by David on 12/23/2010 1:54 AM
I had the exact same problem with a Sony Viao. Deleting third-party wireless entry fixed it. Here's the info I found from the this site http://en.kioskea.net/forum/affich-28820-wireless-switch-problem

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Check these keys to see if any kind of a 3rd party Lan Manager is running. If so, delete the entries and reboot.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Crystal on 1/27/2011 2:22 PM
I have been having this problem since the day I bought the computer 6/2009. After countless phone calls to Sony tech support (level 1 tech support is completely clueless) I had to send it off to level two tech support in San Diego three times. The last time, they replaced the motherboard (2/2010) and it worked without fail until 7/2010 when it started happening again. I fixed it using various methods stated above and it happened again a few times in the fall. 12/2010, it happened several times and 1/2011 it occurred 4 times in 2 days. The last time nothing above worked and then it mysteriously started working a day later. Sony yet again refuses to accept responsibility or extend the warranty to cover this occurrence. I have contacted local news stations and filed a complaint with the better business beareu. I advise you to do the same so they will finally be forced to do a recall and fix this problem once and for all.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by raju on 3/27/2011 4:39 AM
nothing

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Justin on 3/30/2011 12:08 AM
Updated an above solution with more info
http://www.tech-101.com/support/index.php/topic/3-sony-vaio-wireless-connection-problems/

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Hmm on 4/15/2011 4:19 AM
So wait? Does that means is not our fault, because really, I have been having this laptop for a bit and it's starting to annoy me how the WLAN will turn off while the wireless button is on...or is that just an issue with me?

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by phongitst on 7/28/2011 12:31 AM
LKJJHLKJLJKLJK

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by shakir on 8/14/2011 8:00 AM
i want driver

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by TALLA on 8/20/2011 1:12 PM
SA C BON

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by DKaye on 9/24/2011 10:41 AM
Go to wlan settings in vaio smart network. Hover over mode and switch from 2.4 to no wlan and back to 2.4. please apply and bingo wireless set up and works again! Only drawback is that this needs doing every start up or from hiberantion, so not a permanenet fix.

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by amjad on 10/14/2011 9:58 AM
thank you

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by hesham on 11/25/2011 6:00 AM
plz helpe me o make dowenloud to driver my laptop

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Betty on 1/8/2012 12:30 AM
And this is also a part a very important part that large corporations pay and play by the rules. Consumer Protection against all these wrong doings of playing the game of not having QC (quality control) a position (department) in a factory for good merchandise leaving the factory before heading to the consumer...meaning its at least 98 percent of excellence, 1 % (a missing part), the other percent damaged in packaging or transit. That was a good American policy from the manufacturer. I think it was in 1984 when American consumers just didn't care and buy up everything..the return policy was making money for the corporations off interest on crappy goods...arrrr

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Geraint Jones on 1/11/2012 3:26 PM
I have spent hours and hours on the phone to all my broadband suppliers, I have changed many many times believing in was the poor signal in my area of Wales until my wife bought a HP computer which has worked perfectly from day one. This has been a nightmare machine and wish I had realised the fault before the guarantee ran out. Unsatisfied customer..

# re: Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update
Posted by Sauro on 5/24/2012 6:59 AM
Hi, I have a netbook Sony Vaio, vgn-nr10e/s. It is not possible Internet connection with wireless ( LAN-EXPRESS AS IEEE 802.11g PCI-E ADAPTER )mode.The router access point is well configured because others netbooks work ok with that.
32CHI don't know what could be the problem at all. Could you give me an help? Thank you

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Sony Vaio Wireless Vista Update

Posted On Saturday, February 02, 2008 7:09 AM

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