Many new Windows 7 users are running into problem when they try to connect their laptops to their wireless networks. The most common scenario goes like this:

• You boot up the laptop and configure the wireless network connection
• Initially you get a connection icon
• Almost immediately, the connection drops and use lose all connections to your ISP for all computers on your network
• Shut down the laptop, reboot the router and everything works again until you try to connect the laptop to the wireless network again.

Most folks will assume it is a wireless driver problem and hard wire their laptop to the router and download all the latest drivers, service packs, etc.

Updating to the latest drivers is always a good idea but that will not usually solve this particular problem.

The Real Culprit

Something in the way Microsoft implemented IPv6 in windows 7 is incompatible with most home networking wireless routers. So, unless your router is brand new you will need a firmware upgrade to make it compatible with window 7 implementation of IPv6.

The Solution

Just go to the manufacturer’s site for you brand of router and see if they have a driver and/or firmware upgrade to fix the windows 7 wireless incompatibility. If they do, download and install the upgrade and your wireless network will start working.

If they don’t have an upgrade, either buy a new router or report the problem to the manufacturer and hope for the best.