Technological oddity: TWO Laptop WIFI adapters fail at same time

<self> | 15 July 2005 | <self>

[Lexinom]

I don't think that's likely since A) I hadn't touched the configuration in the time between when it was working and stopped working, and B) they BOTH have croaked at the same time. Something took them both out.

The ethernet via CAT5 works perfectly.

[coconutt2000]

Then erase the network connections for your wifi on one of the laptops and attempt to set it up again from scratch.

[Lexinom]

It does seem unlikely, I would agree, but given the facts I don't have any other explanation. Again, there is no indication any data is ever being sent from either laptop - it is only received.

Nothing was touched in the configuration since when everything worked well, and the only intervening "cataclysmic" event was that HD hiccup.

I have heard it is possible to make a small EMP with car parts, such as the starter. Common sense would seem to indicate such a pulse could be produced by any sudden change in spin angular momentum, such as a what might cause a 5400 RPM HD to suddenly stop spinning.

Starbucks should not be necessary since I just put in a brand new router.

[Lexinom]

I could do that, but I think it will be a waste of time. Have worked with computers for a long time, set up simple networks, etc., and this really does look like a hardware issue.

Oh well, thanks for the help. I'm off to look at real estate with the wife.

[coconutt2000]

Trust me, only takes a minute or two, and you'll want to eliminate the network settings on the laptops as a possible source for your problem.

I troubleshoot networks often enough, and sometimes the darndest things happen. Methodical test, change, test, change, test, change is the only way to go when all else fails.