The CAT5 cable on my laptop is getting pretty finicky. If I move the laptop the CAT5 cable loses connection and I have to wiggle the cable so it reconnects.
Does anyone know of a quick fix on how to decrease the play at the end of the CAT5 jack? The only thing I can think of is tape but there must be a better way.
Has the little “locking tab” on the connector broken off? This is the most common cause of cables coming loose. If so, your best bet may be to buy a new Cat5 cable. They’re not that expensive.
That is, unless you’re comfortable using a crimping tool to attach a new connector to the end of your existing cable.
The cable is new, the locking tab is still there.
The cable & laptop had a severe tug when my S.O. tripped over the sprawling cable.
Given the tripping episode, I’d guess that one of the wires in the cable end is making only a tenuous connection with the contact inside of the cable end. Try a different cable or replace the ends on it, if you have a crimper and know how to use it. If the problem persists then you’ve got an issue with the jack in the computer, but that doesn’t seem very likely to me.
This happened on one of my clients’ laptops and it was caused by a small but crucial piece of plastic breaking off the socket housing - namely, the little bit that engages the spring clip on the plug. If the machine is still under warranty, this ought to be covered. if not, the socket is probably a standard component and can be replaced by an authorised technician.
In my case, the problem went away when the client left the laptop on a train and bought a replacement, although obviously I don’t recommend this as a solution.
The cheapest fastest solution is to simply add an ethernet PC card, and use that instead of the loose port.
I accidentally pulled my wife’s Gateway off the table when walking through her office. She gave it to me, and bought a new one for herself. The cat5 cable would not “click” when I plugged it in, and I had to carefully array stuff to keep the cable stationary to maintain internet access. This morning I was looking at the jack carefully, and saw that the bottom internal metal brackets were pulled out of alignment by about 1/2 mm. I took a VERY small flat screwdriver, put it to both sides of the bracket, and gave each a sharp rap. The fix worked, and I now have a totally functional laptop! CLICK!