Why does my MacBook keep dropping its IP Address?

Question

My network keeps bombing out and I've had the problem before where my MacBook laptop drops its IP address. This whole scenario started two days ago, and I've restarted and shut down my computer, turned Airport on and off, but nothing works. Sometimes it can't pick up my prime network, and that's never happened, but I had the Network preferences up right when the network bombed out, and it said that it had no IP address, so I know that's the problem.

I don't know if it could've been something I downloaded causing a problem, I doubt it because I have only downloaded GIMP (which no one says has caused any problems for them) and a few widgets from the Apple website.

Anyone know what's wrong and can you help? Thanks to anyone who does.

Answer 1

First I would just see if any other computers are having problems on the network as well, or if the problem doesn't occur as long as you're within about 50 feet of the router.

Now, maybe there could be a hardware malfunction in which case you'd need to send it into Apple.

In any event, Apple would probably be able to help, so call them.

By the way, are you using the latest version of Tiger or Leopard? Just make sure (Apple menu > Software update > Install) because some older versions have a few Air Port problems.

And if you're using a MacBook with Leopard, you could also try installing Linux or Windows on it via BootCamp to see if the other operating systems have the same problem. That would give you some insight if it's hardware or software too.