I've tried installing the new atheros driver from dell (it won't install correctly) I tried deleting that and then running on the Windows generic driver, I've tried installing the downloaded driver directly from atheros I've tried SUPPORT, I've tried running in safe mode (not feasible I need the machine functional) requested by Support; After a lot of googling-- it MIGHT be that I am a member of the 'HomeGroup' and somehow my clock changed time (Again!) and didn't just reset it actually tweaked the settings -- so took care of those and we will see if the connection will hold or continues to intermittently drop.
Any other suggestions appreciated and TIA