MacBook Pro 10.6.8 Keeps Losing Airport Connection

[podcartuneist]

and I have to restart the computer to get connected again. It can only be connected after re-starting, or from turning on from a previous shut down, and even then, it's a roll of the dice!
This started about several months ago.

At first, I noticed when attempting to turn off Airport, it would not immediately turn off. I would see the reception bars move like it was trying to find reception for about twenty seconds or so (like they do when turning it on), and still does that occasionally, then eventually turns off.

When it cuts out, the reception bars don’t disappear or move, so it looks like I am connected.
Sometimes, I turn it off before it cuts out, and later it is able to reconnect (for twenty minutes) without having to restart it…sometimes.

It very rarely if ever stays connected when I wake it from sleeping overnight, and then it is for another fifteen or so minutes, and I always have to restart it again.

I tried network>assist me>diagnostics which a few times (usually not though) said I have a connection, yet I can’t connect to a page as it doesn’t show any WiFi addresses to connect to.

Most other times though, I do the same assist me and it says status off, and I click the turn airport on button and it doesn’t show any signs of movement or showing I’m connected.

I tried the advanced page, picked the correct network >OK and still nothing.

When I don’t see any reception bars, it doesn’t show any other networks to join in the drop down list at the top of the screen and says that Airport is off.
Then, when I restart, Airport and the reception bars appear by themselves, and I am connected.

Sometimes I get the “no airport card installed” or “airport not configured” message @ the top pane when clicking the Airport icon.

Other scenarios are, I don’t see any Airport icon at all in the left pane of the network dialog box, only Ethernet and FireWire icons.

I trashed Firefox and re-installed it, and my Google is up to date.
I tried repairing the permissions via Disc Utility, which also did not work.

I was told I have to reset both the NVRAM and also the SMC, will that alleviate the problem?

Is there a WiFi folder and can I replace it with a new one?
Does my Airport card need replacing?

Will this problem will definitely subside if I upgrade operation systems from 10.6.8 to the current OS (I’d have to go to a Mac store and use their Ethernet connection to do that)?

How about if I re-install the old OS via my original Macbook installation disc?

I’m sure I would have internet via Ethernet, however, no public places (libraries) offer that option for non-employees.

I desperately need to be on the internet for business purposes, but I just don’t want to restart the computer eight or nine times a day to use Airport.

This is my first post on this site and my computer skills are very minimal. Even re-installing my OS via the disc supplied with the MacBook, will get me jittery!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, though it may be a while before I can get to a public WiFi.

 

[pm-r]

What MacBook Pro model are you using and what are you using for your ISP or router connection???

Do you not have a wired Ethernet connection you could use or try?

 

[podcartuneist]

MacBook Pro 6,1

No public Ethernet connection available around here. I am relocating, so I am staying in hotels now, and most libraries do not let the public connect a wire to their internet is the excuse I got, while others boast that they have upgraded to wireless.

There is a library that has public Ethernet available (last time I checked), but that is about 100 miles from where I am now. If that would help troubleshoot or fix something, I would give that a try.

I am going to try resetting both the NVRAM and also the SMC.

If that doesn't help, my next move will be to wipe the MBP clean and upgrade the OS from 10.6.8, since I've always wanted to upgrade anyway.

 

[pm-r]

Have you tried googling and see if others found a solution?

Some with the same era Mac model have some suggestions, but no idea if they would work for your situation:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2247446?start=75&tstart=0
plus a google search for more:
https://www.google.ca/search?client...&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=DY7XVbSXKKuV8QeG1KX4Ag

 

[podcartuneist]

Thanks a lot for your responses "pm-r" and the links, especially the pre-typed Google search link!

I read somewhere in those links about wiping the HD clean and starting from scratch, which at this point, is the simplest approach.

I ordered an installation disc from Apple on Sunday (can't readily find mine), and should be receiving it within a week.

I'll be getting a 10.3 disc, then I'll upgrade to 10.6.8 so I can migrate all my files back over.

If I'm not able to fix the airport issue via the re-install, then it's a hardware i$$ue, which may cost around $300.

For that price, I'll just buy that small Mac something or other that Costco has for around $300 so I can do my Real Estate searches and banking via public WiFi, and when I finally get a house, I'll be able to connect my G4, G5, and MBP Ethernet-ly!