Windows 7 Wi-Fi Connectivity issue

I recently rebuilt a new laptop to get rid of the manufactures image. Post fresh Windows 7 installation, I duly went on the Dell website and downloaded all the latest device drivers.

Whilst on a client site a few days later I had intermittent issues with Wi-Fi connectivity. The laptop initially discovered and connected to their public Wi-Fi, but a few hours later dropped off. The following day, Windows couldn’t even detect their Wi-Fi SSID. Puzzling….

As I didn’t have any LAN Manager or Wi-Fi catcher installed I couldn’t blame that. I moved my attention to Kaspersky Internet Security (KIS) assuming that, as it ties into the NIC, was throwing a spanner ion the works. With KIS disabled I was able to detect and connect to Wi-Fi. KIS re-enabled the connection maintained.

With the problem successfully bodged I went to a meeting thinking I’d at least found the culprit. On return to my desk, no Wi-Fi!

Tinkering continued for a further 2 or 3 minutes until, out of anger more than anything, I removed the device drivers and rebooted. Once logged on, Windows 7 discovered the WLAN card, installed its driver and connected to Wi-Fi in seconds.

That was a week ago and no issues since. The lesson learned; Windows 7 rocks. Just trust it to work it’s magic and only install drivers when it can’t do it for you.