i have a compaq presario 2500 laptop with built-in 802.11b wireless. I use my school's wireless network often, but I get disconnected from it and have to re log in every few minutes. Does anyone know a way to solve this problem? I know this is a very basic problem compared to much of what is posted here, but this is a constant annoyance for me. Thanks in advance

This is a huge problem related to wireless networking in general. I'm sorry I don't have an answer because I have the same unresolved issue. I've been googling around and regular wireless connection drops is a VERY common problem. If you're problem is like mine, you have a very strong signal and then suddenly it's gone. You haven't moved or made any changes but the signal dies. I'm still looking for a resolution. Good luck.

yeah, same problem. Last night (or early this morning, depending how you look at it) when I posted, I realized that I was actually sitting RIGHT UNDER an access point. sometimes it would say low signal, sometimes excellent, and, of course, i was repeatedly dropped. hopefully we can figure this out...

Have you thought about changing the os? I had the same problem with a netgear wireless card in my compaq with winxp. But the same card in my thinkpad with win2000 never disconnects and the signal is always stronger.

I am in the process of re-partitioning my hard drive so that I can dual boot to Linux, and after I work out all of the problems I plan to migrate entirely to linux on my laptop. I am a long-time linux user, but need this computer to be compatible with all of the different programs and various networks at school. Hopefully it will work well in Linux. Thanks for the replies.

I have seen several notes on Wi-Fi router web sites that state, you should not try to use a Wi-Fi receiver while directly above or below the access point. I think this is because, the access points have advanced logic in them that attempts to "beam the power lobe" in the direction of the computer it is talking to and can not do this in a steep up/down direction. Windows XP's software seems to have dropout problems with specific brands of routers (LinkSys) and drivers, yet it works fine (after updates) with their brand and a few others. Compaq still has some compatibility problems with 802.11g specifications. So you need to make sure you also have the latest firmware for the router and the latest device driver for Wi-Fi adapters. Some people have reported that the one/two minute LAG problems and dropout problems go away if they install PCTel Wi-Fi support software, which replaces the support software in Windows XP. It costs $30 when downloaded from PCTel web site. They have a 30 day free trial option so you can test it with your equipment.