Why can my wireless card not stand movement?
May 12, 2010 10:00 AM Subscribe
Why does my wireless card blow out every time I move my laptop? And what can I do about it?
I've had my Sony Vaio for about 18 months now, and things are beginning to go - the left button on the trackpad is decidedly wonky, and startup doesn't work once every couple of weeks.
More worryingly and mysteriously, my wireless card has become extremely sensitive to movement. I've got a perfect connection when I start up, but if I bump the machine - or even just set it down on a table - it suddenly drops out, unable to find a single network. Using my machine in bed or on the go has become a trial: I either have to restart or plug in an ethernet cable to get back to work.
I have no idea why this has happened, or how to fix it - any ideas?
I've had my Sony Vaio for about 18 months now, and things are beginning to go - the left button on the trackpad is decidedly wonky, and startup doesn't work once every couple of weeks.
More worryingly and mysteriously, my wireless card has become extremely sensitive to movement. I've got a perfect connection when I start up, but if I bump the machine - or even just set it down on a table - it suddenly drops out, unable to find a single network. Using my machine in bed or on the go has become a trial: I either have to restart or plug in an ethernet cable to get back to work.
I have no idea why this has happened, or how to fix it - any ideas?
Taken individually, I'd say the wireless problem is just a sign that the antenna connector is loose where it plugs into the wireless expansion card.
Taken together with the other issues however, you're describing a syndrome that points to intermittent motherboard problems, likely due to solder fracturing/disconnects or some other kind of poor circuit. I have laid hands on three such laptops, and generally, a real permanent fix (if there is such a thing in computer repair!) means replacing the motherboard--you will be able to address the issues individually, but within months, they will reappear.
Replacing a motherboard using manufacturer parts on a Sony Vaio is going to fairly finicky, and fairly expensive (minimum $200, but the average laptop motherboard OEM cost is somewhere around $400-500 parts only.) I don't know what you paid for it, but that average cost isn't something I'd be willing to pay.
posted by Phyltre at 10:55 AM on May 12, 2010
Taken together with the other issues however, you're describing a syndrome that points to intermittent motherboard problems, likely due to solder fracturing/disconnects or some other kind of poor circuit. I have laid hands on three such laptops, and generally, a real permanent fix (if there is such a thing in computer repair!) means replacing the motherboard--you will be able to address the issues individually, but within months, they will reappear.
Replacing a motherboard using manufacturer parts on a Sony Vaio is going to fairly finicky, and fairly expensive (minimum $200, but the average laptop motherboard OEM cost is somewhere around $400-500 parts only.) I don't know what you paid for it, but that average cost isn't something I'd be willing to pay.
posted by Phyltre at 10:55 AM on May 12, 2010
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posted by pjaust at 10:08 AM on May 12, 2010