Wireless issue

[Knipples]

Using my parents wireless network now im back here, its a virgin media line with a (quite old) wireless router.

For about the last 5 days, my connection keeps dropping, in that it disconnects from the network every 15 - 30 minutes. It then eventually reconnects, but is getting a bit annoying because I cant use MSN without it disconnecting all the time, and I have to wait to post things on forums.

I've run all my virus scans and it found a trojan which I have gotten rid of, but its still been disconnecting and reconnecting since.

My sister uses her laptop on the same network, and she said she hasnt had any problems (she doesn't use hers as much as me, so may just have been lucky) .... its just done it now while im typing this.

My laptop is 5 years old now, and so is it just that whatever it uses to connect to a wireless network is worn out? (am praying the birthday fairy brings me enough money for a new one) or is there something else it could be. (its reconnected in the time it took me to type this last bit)

Any suggestions gratefully received

[Desmo]

Do any other comps in the house (apart from your sister) use wireless? It might be worth changing the channel on the router as you may be getting interference from elsewhere. It's worth trying just to get that little test out of the way.

[Knipples]

My Dad uses it when hes working from home, and my Mum does in the evenings as well. They arent as heavy users as me.

When I do the refresh network list, there are 3 other unsecured networks in range, but these must be neighbours. The one I am using is unsecured too, and I know this is very bad, but I wouldn't have a clue how to secure their modem (Mum has lost the paperwork) and dont want to go buggering everything up for everyone by mucking about with it.

Could it be the other networks in range are interfering with this one?

How do I change the channel on it?

[Feek]

The first thing you must do is secure that network, even if it's only WEP. You have no idea who/what could be using it. I really can't stress that enough.

Without knowing what the router make/model is, I can't advise how to do this or how to change the channel (but both will be in the setup somewhere). I'm off now until Tuesday so I won't be able to offer anything else though but I'm sure that someone will.

But get that network tied down!