Two same-model laptops, one takes forever to connect

[Harry the Noble]

Problem: I bought my wife and I each a Gateway NV54 laptop this past year. While both of our laptops can acquire a network connection, she is able to browse the internet almost immediately, while my computer takes 30 seconds to a minute longer to connect to the same network, and then can take up to 3 minutes before any web browser recognizes the connection. This happens on every connection I make (school, work, home, etc.)

Steps I have taken:

-Updated the driver for my wireless adaptor (Atheros AR5B93 Wireless Network Adapter), and nothing changed.

-Windows 7 service pack (6.1)

-Downloaded AVG, Spybot, Advanced System Care, and IObit Security and run scans in all 4 at least 3 times a week.

-Cleaned up hard drive files so that each of my two hard drives is less than 70% full.

-Removed superfluous internet connections and prioritized the important connections I use regularly.

I am a self-acknowledged noob, but I would appreciate any advice you folks can pass my way. Thank you!

 

[gsaldivar]

If they are the exact same model laptop, I would swap the hard drives between them and boot up her laptop from your hard drive.

If the problem appears on her computer, this would suggest a software (OS, drivers) issue on your hard drive. In this case, after you've replaced the drives into their original machines, back up your important files and do a system restore.

If the problem disappears on her computer, this would suggest a hardware issue on your laptop. In this case, after you've replaced the drives into their original machines, back up your important files and contact the manufacturer for a replacement if you are still under warranty.

 

[sactwnguy]

Turn off auto detect proxy settings?

 

[JackMDS]

Many Wireless cards' drivers also install the vendor's Wireless utility.
Make sure that if there is a vendor's Wireless Utility thes Not Running together with the Windows native Wireless utility (WLAN Service) .
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Make sure that No Firewall is preventing/blocking the Wireless components to get to the Network.

Some 3rd party Software Firewalls/AV/Security suit,s keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled).
If possible configure the Firewall /Security suit correctly, otherwise totally uninstall it, and get rid of its residual processes to allow clean flow of local network traffic.

If the 3rd party software is uninstalled or disables, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .
3rd party Network mangers like Bonjour, and NetMagic can block local traffic too.


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The travesty about the 3rd party security suit is that they can work well on some installation and do very "bad" on others.
I do not know why and I doubt that even their producer know (or care to know).

 

[Emulex]

disable ipv6 !!