[LibbyLA]

After reading the messages about superior performance from the Intel 5300 wireless network adapter, I bought one from ebay.

One of the screws holding the original adapter in place was so tight that I had to drill it out. That was scary!

The new adapter is one of the itty bitty ones. I installed it, using some double-sided foam tape to hold it in place, then installed the drivers recommended here. Everything worked fine, although the new card recognized fewer available wireless networks than the original card. (I like in a townhouse complex so there are lots of wireless networks in my neighborhood.)

When I went to visit a friend, whose wireless network I set up and use frequently, the new card did not recognize any available wireless networks, although another computer was able to connect without a problem.

I put the original card back in and it found the network without a problem. Later, I reinstalled the Intel 5300, deleted the drivers and reinstalled them, and it recognized the network at my friend's house. However, when I got back home, it didn't recognize my network even though it's sitting less than 2' away from the router.

I reinstalled the original card and it found the network.

I've contacted the seller, but am posting here just in case one of you gurus recognizes something that I'm missing. I got the 5300 card because there's one location I use that has a low signal (I'm fairly far away from the router) and hoped that the Intel card would receive a stronger signal.

Thanks,

LibbyLA

[holmes4]

Since you have the 5300, did you buy and install a third antenna? If not, you are hurting its performance.

Make sure you have the latest drivers from Intel's site. I had an issue some months ago with my 5300 becoming "unavailable", usually after I restored from a backup, and reinstalling the drivers fixed that. I have not seen that in quite a while now, though.

[LibbyLA]

Steve,

Thanks for your fast reply.

I did buy the third antenna but haven't installed it. The third antenna isn't going to help if the card can't consistently find wireless networks, though. I don't want to make the effort to install the third antenna until I am confident that the card is working properly.

I thought I got the latest Intel drivers, but maybe I did not. My problem does not seem to be with the 5300 becoming unavailable (Win 7 shows that it is installed and working properly), but with it not recognizing that there are any wireless networks available. These are in locations where I know the wireless network is available and the router is within a few feet of the computer; other computers are able to find the wireless networks without any problems.

LibbyLA

[holmes4]

Stick the third antenna in and just temporarily tape it onto the motherboard.

I've been very satisfied with the performance of my 5300.

[LibbyLA]

Steve,

The only routers I have access to are Linksys WRT54GS (wireless G, no wireless N). Is that third antenna going to make the difference between the card seeing the router and not seeing it? (This isn't making sense to me, and that's why I'm asking.)

Thanks,

LibbyLA

[holmes4]

I don't know. Does reinstalling the driver fix the problem (temporarily)?

[LibbyLA]

Steve,

If I reinstall the driver, I can access the local router, but if I move to a new location (different router), the card doesn't identify any wireless networks.

I forgot to mention that I'm running Win 7 Enterprise.... I haven't had any problems with my Mini (which I've had for over a year) until I installed this new wireless card. I've upgraded the RAM and the SSD.

[holmes4]

I'm out of ideas - sorry. I have heard of people having issues with Intel cards bought from eBay, but mine (purchased from Amazon) has been fine.

[LibbyLA]

Steve,

The seller has contacted me. I may just spend the bucks to get one from Dell...

Thanks for trying to help. I figure it's a problem with the card.

LibbyLA

[LibbyLA]

I am resurrecting this thread. I have gotten two different Intel 5300 Wifi cards from a US seller. These two are the same size as the original card, not the half-size that I got from China.

I'm having the same issues with these that I had with the one from China.

I'm running Win 7 Ultimate, updated today. I got the latest Intel Proset software and drivers today, as well. I have uninstalled driver software, reinstalled, rebooted, etc.

When I look in device manager, the Intel(R) WiFi Link 5300 AGN #2 is shown but it has the yellow triangular sign with the ! and when I look at the properties, the Device status shows "This device cannot start. (Code 10)"

What operating system(s) are those of you with Mini 9s and functioning Intel 5300 Wifi cards running? Is there anyone running Win 7?

BTW, I think I'm still running BIOS A04. Would that have any effect?

I'd really, really like to get this working.

Thanks,

LibbyLA