Asus Q500A Wi-Fi Connection Drops and/or Adapter Issue

Bgeo25 said:

Hello, I have been experiencing a major and annoying Wi-Fi connectivity issue with my Q500A that I can't figure out. The wireless adapter is an Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230 (latest driver version installed). Most of the time, I use an Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi to save power. However, when I need to use Wi-Fi if Ethernet isn't available, it won't function properly. The Wi-Fi option in Settings may disappear, not all available networks show up, or it may connect but drop connection soon after.

I've tried reinstalling the network adapter in Device Manager numerous times. Running one or more of the troubleshooters from Control Panel doesn't work or provides a temporary fix. What is something I can do to get back steady/working Wi-Fi?

Hi Bgeo25 and welcome to Tenforums.

Looking at the drivers here, I see they've got W10, W8 & W7. They also have BT. Have you updated your BT as well? Because it's all related. IDK but, sometimes rolling back drivers helps. This is kind of tricky, and sometimes you really have to mess around with the different drivers to find the right solution. And, Windows Update will many times give you a different version that what you find at the OEM's web site. Did you also install their "software" that goes with it? Just be sure, when you delete the device, delete the drivers as well (there's a box to check), then reboot, and install the next driver you want to try. Also, in the Adapter properties, you can set it so the OS doesn't turn it off to save power (when you're using it, of course).

OTOH, if all else fails, could it be that your wireless card is going and needs to be replaced? Do you, or a friend, have a working one that you could try in your laptop?

Bgeo25 said:

Hi and thanks for your help on the issue (and sorry for taking a long time to reply).

After updating the Bluetooth driver, at first the Wi-Fi worked. I then switched to Ethernet (since I alternate between Ethernet and Wi-Fi often) and turned off Wi-Fi. Then, I unplugged the Ethernet cable and tried to turn Wi-Fi back on manually, but it wouldn't let me even turn it on (or sometimes it shows "Not available" in place of Wi-Fi. (Check the example video)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9f...ew?usp=sharing

Basically, the Wi-Fi seems to work only once right after I restart. If I turn it off, then it will stay off. Uninstalling the Centrino from Device Manager and reinstalling still provides a temporary fix, but of course connection drops after that and it's no good. Also, it's strange how Intel's driver update utility thinks I have an older version of their Bluetooth driver than Device Manager indicates. Could it be that the update isn't working or just a glitch in Intel's software?

Very strange indeed. This is not a solution, but I wonder if it's a workaround. On the laptop, there should be a function key (or even a slideswitch) to manually turn the wifi adapter off, without doing it in the operating system. If you reboot, and the wifi adapter is working, then turn it off using the F-key, then turn it back on that way, does it work properly?

Sometimes there are very slight differences in the drivers from the component manufacturer's web site, and the site of the system maker (ASUS). These slight differences can also make a difference in the performance. One thing to do is, when uninstalling a device, make sure to the check box to also uninstall the driver, to make sure all traces are gone before you install the new one. Sometimes leftovers of one driver version can interfere with another version. Also, updating the device driver through Windows update can give you a whole 'nother version.

I know it's not an answer, but I have found in situations like these, you really have to play around to find the right combination wifi/BT set.