WiFi and getting a stronger connection??? (laptop, wi-fi, wireless, how to)

[jc76]

Anyone familiar with WiFi please tell me how to get a stronger signal. I own a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop. When I am at WiFi spots I always get poor reception. My connection indicator usually only shows one bar for signal strength. Sometimes I'll go down to no bars and lose my entire connection. Someone mentioned getting some device that plugs into my USB and has a wider range than the stock built-in one.
Before I buy one of those I would like some opinions, or links, to a good high performance one. I don't mind paying more if it will fix this problem. Thanks.

[NHDave]

First thing to do is try updating your wi-fi driver, second remove the panel on the bottom of the laptop and make sure the antenna connections are secure. I would NOT recommend a USB wi-fi adapter, they have no "wider range" (what ever that is supposed to mean). Worst case if your wi-fi card is failing it can be replaced for pretty cheap with a newer model.

[Peregrine]

I would check for a new driver. I have that same laptop and do not have this problem.

[Spookmeister]

Assuming you have some version of XP?

Right click on MY COMPUTER>MANAGE>DEVICE MANAGER>NETWORK ADAPTERS> Right click on the wireless card>PROPERTIES>ADVANCED> scroll down to TRANSMIT POWER. Set to HIGHEST>OK..Close open windows. Enjoy...

[thecoalman]

Don't laugh, it works....

Ez-12

Edit: Never mind, just saw it was laptop. Works good if you have router or antennae.