Wi-fi problem - pc fine, laptop & mob suddenly stopped connecting

rosedee

Hi

Last night when I turned on my laptop it wouldn't connect to my network. Same problem today. Checked mobile phone and that won't connect to it either. On laptop it doesn't identify the network as available at all; on phone the previous setting is there, but says it is out of range. I can connect to the internet via the phone using mobile network without problem.

My PC has worked fine throughout.

I have tried unplugging and disconnecting everything; trying to connect with PC turned off. Nothing I've tried makes a difference.
The Network details are all there on laptop and mobile.

My router (4 years old) is a Buffalo WBMR-G54
PC is XP; Laptop is vista; mobile is android.

As I still have the connection fine with my PC I am very relecutant to do anything that risks losing that too!

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Lifeforms

If you haven't reset the router, try resetting it. Turn it off, wait a min or 30 secs or so, then turn it back on.
You could also do a diagnose in the router settings (you'll need to log into your router with your desktop (wired connection). As you can connect on the desktop, I'm guessing that is a wired connection, is that the case?
You might have a broken router in as far as the wired works, but wireless doesn't. That can be checked out via diagnosing on the router. Whilst also in the router settings, you can change the password, temp remove the password, to see if either of those lets you connect.

rosedee

Thank you. No, I haven't tried resetting the router, though wondered about this. If I do this, do I have to reset passwords or any other settings etc?

Yes, it is a wired connection to the PC - I will try these suggestions too

johnmc

You could download inSSIDer to investigate the wireless network
http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/?utm_campaign=Software&utm_medium=inssider2&utm_source=CheckUpdateForm

robmar0se

Resetting a router is usually achieved by turning it off, and then rebooting it - but I think you said in yr original post that you have tried this.

You can also set yr router back to factory settings by pressing a blunt point into the small aperture (hole) in the back ,and holding it in for 10+ seconds until the lights flash. However you should make a note of your broadband username/password before doing this. You may (depending on whether its a ISP supplied router or your own, need to reconfigure (including re-configuring the wireless mode).

Maybe better first to (i) check John's suggestion inssider - if there are many people in the neighbourhood on the same channel, change it 1, 6 and 13 are best (some will only allow 1, 6 & 11).

(ii) Also just as a final check that you haven't inadvertantly turned the wireless off on the laptop (slide switch front or side, or a F function key).

rosedee

OK......
I've done a diagnose in the router setting (or at least I think this is what I have done.....)

Diagnostic Test

The diagnostics feature executes a series of test of your system software and hardware connections. Use the feature when working with your ISP to troubleshoot problems. Virtual Circuits : Pvc0Pvc1Pvc2Pvc3Pvc4Pvc5Pvc6Pvc7 OAM Type : F4 F5
This Page is used for performing diagnostics on the system.
Testing Connectivity to modemTesting Ethernet LAN connectionPASS Testing ADSL ConnectionTesting ADSL SynchronizationPASS
Testing Network ConnectionTesting ATM OAM segment pingFAIL Testing ATM OAM end to end pingFAIL
Testing Internet ConnectivityPing Primary Domain Names ServerPASS

I can't work out what the the Fails are indicating.....

I have also downloaded inssider, but am having a problem using it, I'm afraid. It's only identifying the ethernet connection and when I try to start it I get an error message: "error atempting to use the interace. Make sure you have selected a wifi adaptor, not an ethernet adaptor". I can't see how to do this. I'm also not sure whether my network type should be down as Adhoc or infrastructure.....

Wireless is not turned off or either laptop or mobile.

GunJack

unless your pc has a wifi adapter in it, you'll only see the ethernet connection in the drop-down list of adapters. If this is the case, you need to run inssider on your laptop (which has a wifi card in it ), even if you need to plug the lappy in via ethernet cable to download it

debitcardmayhem

It sounds like your router is not broadcasting perhaps let me have a look for a manual and get back to you. Dou you see your router on your Lappy/Phone ? .....

Look here (not the manual but how to open the router, look on the left and select wireless and see whats available)http://portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/Buffalo/WBMR-G54/Echolink.htm

andy2004

do you have a tv sender unit? to send your tv signal from your virginmedia box upstairs for instance. if so turn it off. and test your internet again.
if you dont have a tv sender unit ignore this post.

a friend of my brothers had a similar problem with his wireless loosing connection. when the tv sender unit was plugged in and turned on, his wireless stopped.
when his tv sender unit was off no problem. brother did a little test using his mobile phone and wireless.
unit on. no internet, unit off internet working.

GunJack

andy2004 wrote: »

unit on. no internet, unit off internet working.

strictly speaking the internet never stopped, it was just wifi interference preventing a wifi connection to the router

rosedee

Yup, I can see router on both laptop and mobile. I looked for manual on buffalo website today and could not find it - even under the disused models! I've jsut got the quick set up guide that came with router.

I;ve already opened the router online. the wireless settings has the same details for my router that have always been there. But I'm not quite sure what you wanted me to check there?