What just happened--please explain this wi-fi glitch

compiler · May 4, 2022

W11 home 21 H2 22000.613 Dell Inspiron 15-5510.

OK a few days ago, sudden loss of internet. No signal no connections found. Other computeers/tablets/phones all working fine.
I tried all sorts of things. Nothing worked. Called DELL. They had me try stuff, using their script, mostly a repeat of what I did. Nothing worked UNTIL:

They had me unplug my modem & router, wait a few minutes, then plug it in again. I was totally shocked that this worked. I've used it successfully in the past, but those times none of my devices were getting a signal. This time it was just my Dell. Can someone offer an explanation of what might have happened.

Mel

glasskuter · May 4, 2022

Not a common occurance for sure, but I have seen it happen. A router in itself is a computer of sorts and as such can do weird things at times in it's ip assignment. Just as you restart a computer when crazy stuff happens, power cycling a router resets the ip addresses it has assigned. I would suggest you check to see if there is a firmware update for your router.

The-Hive · May 4, 2022

I have had the same issue on my Dell laptop Inspiron 3501 turning it off for a good while fixed it, I also reloaded an image before it happened, that didn't cure it. I have had this twice now both following an update which is totally unrelated to internet, Wi-Fi or router. I don't think Dell know, they just have a list of stock things to try

compiler · May 4, 2022

Mine was also following an update. Had it shut down for an hour -- didn't help.

Glass-- could I have reset my IP address just via my computer with no internet -- I assume it is just the router setting the ip address?

Superfly · May 4, 2022

compiler said:
W11 home 21 H2 22000.613 Dell Inspiron 15-5510.

OK a few days ago, sudden loss of internet. No signal no connections found. Other computeers/tablets/phones all working fine.
I tried all sorts of things. Nothing worked. Called DELL. They had me try stuff, using their script, mostly a repeat of what I did. Nothing worked UNTIL:

They had me unplug my modem & router, wait a few minutes, then plug it in again. I was totally shocked that this worked. I've used it successfully in the past, but those times none of my devices were getting a signal. This time it was just my Dell. Can someone offer an explanation of what might have happened.

Mel

It's common with Windows for me - I have to allow outgoing on my firewall and troubleshooter resets the connection - it's a pain - but I'll keep firewall as is rather than deal with that MS crap instead.

johnlgalt · May 4, 2022

compiler said:
Mine was also following an update. Had it shut down for an hour -- didn't help.

Glass-- could I have reset my IP address just via my computer with no internet -- I assume it is just the router setting the ip address?

Actually, yes, you could have. This great tutorial shows you how.

How to Refresh Your IP Address on a Windows Computer

This wikiHow teaches you how to update your Windows computer's local Internet Protocol (IP) address. Refreshing the IP address can resolve network errors and connection problems when switching to a new router or network. If refreshing the...

www.wikihow.com

The-Hive · May 13, 2022

@compiler I have found the problem and a fix, well it works on my machine.
Open device manager and look for the yellow triangle around one of the network adaptors, right click it and select properties then the advanced tab look for the box marked values, it will show a setting probably 6 either reselect it or select another and then select the original again and back comes the wifi

compiler · May 13, 2022

Hive:
Thanks. I'll keep it in mind. The situation has not re-occured. No yellow triangles on any network adapter. Also, I guess I have one solution : unplugging the modem and router and then plugging it back in. However, I prefer your method. I'll try it first next time, and we know there will be a next time. Sigh...

Mel