My internet connection drops every minute?

[thatdude]

I currently have motorola surfboard sbg6580 modem through my cable company and everything was fine until I did a complete restore on my laptop. Now I barely get a bar or two on my wifi icon then it drops and shows a red "X" on my wifi icon when I'm away less than 4 feet from my modem. So now I have to sit right next to the modem if I want to use my internet. If anyone had this problem before or knows how to fix, please help me out. This is very frustrating!
@LARIS Yes it was a factory restore and i'm using the wifi without the Ethernet cable. I didn't call my cable company because last time I did a factory restore on my laptop, my internet connection was just fine. Calling the cable company will be the last resort if you can't help me. And yes my private network is listed on network/sharing center.

[LARIS]

There are many unanswered questions with what you have listed.....

You list complete restore. Do you mean a factory restore(which would take it back to the settings when purchased)?

Sitting right next to the modem to use internet.....ethernet or wifi?

Have your verified your internet settings with your cable company?

Is the private network that you created listed(network/sharing center)?

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Additional Info:

Have you pushed the reset button(on back of modem-you can use the tip of a pin/hold for at least 30 seconds)?

You can also check your surfboard status:

http://www.ehow.com/how_8746270_check-mo...tatus.html

Off the top, I can't think of anything else right now since calling cable company would be your last resort.

I do hope this helps some.

[Boss]

Best to call your ISP there might be faulty cable between you and the cabinet somewhere.