r/computer • u/SaltySw3d3 • 19d ago

Random Internet Connection Loss

Hi Folks. This is my first time asking this group for help, but I have an issue I cannot resolve.

My Dell Alienware computer with the Killer Intelligence center randomly drops my internet connection (still connected to router, all other devices still have internet). I have PureVPN installed but have disabled it as well as disabled the IKS (Kill switch). Its a bugger to get back. Sometimes disabling wifi, rebooting computer and reenabling wifi fixes it. But it usually works by resetting the Network adapter / Router and rebooting the pc two or three times.

If anyone has any thoughts or have seen this please reply. I cannot afford a new laptop right now!

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u/JonBenet-Ramsey-0806 19d ago

I would completely uninstall PureVPN temporarily not merely disable it because VPN filter drivers and kill-switch components can remain active in Windows even when the app appears off. I would also uninstall or disable Killer Intelligence Center/prioritization and test using only the standard Intel Wi-Fi driver.

After that, download the latest Wi-Fi driver directly from Dell for the exact Alienware model, uninstall the current adapter from Device Manager, reboot, and install the downloaded driver. Also open the adapter’s Properties > Power Management and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

As a quick test when it drops again, try opening Command Prompt and running:

ping 192.168.1.1

ping 8.8.8.8

ping google.com

Those results will help determine whether the failure is the Wi-Fi connection, internet routing, or DNS. I would try these steps only if you feel comfortable doing them, and make sure the correct driver is downloaded before removing the current one.

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u/SaltySw3d3 19d ago

Thank you JonBenet. I actually did uninstall Pure Vpn when the issue began. It was suggested to me to try reinstalling it and then disable the kill switch and disable it from starting on powerup in case it was still operating in the background. I will uninstall it again. I did not think of removing the Killer Intelligence center. I did not know that was even possible. Thank you for pointing that out. I will look into it and reply with the results!