Nighthawk AC2300 R7000P just stopped working

I dont see a way to modify the original question which new info, but I figured out the router reset itself to what I think are the factory settings!  I had a backup config file and used it to restore my settings and now everything works fine.  BUT....the question now is why the heck did that happen??

What firmware version do you have on the device?

A number is more useful than "the latest". (It may not be by the time people read this.) There can also be newer versions, or "hot fixes", that do not show up if you check for new firmware in the browser interface.

It might also help if you told people what the modem is in front of this router, if there is one. The make and model number could be useful. Is it, by any chance, also a router, with a set of LAN ports on the back?

The reason for asking is that a lot of people turn up here trying to put a router behind a modem that is also a router. That can complicate troubleshooting.

It seems like you've encountered an issue with your router while streaming a movie. Since you've already taken some troubleshooting steps, let's delve into additional troubleshooting for the safe movie scenario.

1. **Check for Firmware Updates:**
Ensure that your router's firmware is up-to-date. Sometimes, outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues. Visit the manufacturer's website and download the latest firmware for your router model. Follow the instructions provided to update the firmware.

2. **Factory Reset:**
If updating the firmware doesn't resolve the issue, consider performing a factory reset on the router. Use a paperclip or a similar tool to press and hold the reset button on the router for about 10 seconds. This will restore the router to its default settings. After the reset, reconfigure your network settings and check if the SSIDs are visible.

3. **Channel Interference:**
The interference from other Wi-Fi networks in your vicinity may affect your router's performance. Access your router settings and change the Wi-Fi channels for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Select channels with less interference to improve signal strength.

4. **SSID Visibility:**
Confirm that the SSID broadcasting is enabled for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This setting is usually found in the router's wireless settings. Ensure that the SSIDs are not hidden, allowing your laptop and phone to detect and connect to the network.

5. **Security Settings:**
Verify that your router's security settings, such as WPA or WPA2, are configured correctly. Incorrect security settings can prevent devices from connecting to the network. Double-check and update the security settings if necessary.

6. **Device Wi-Fi Settings:**
Ensure that your laptop and phone are not set to airplane mode or have Wi-Fi disabled. Sometimes, the issue may lie with the devices rather than the router. Check the Wi-Fi settings on both devices to ensure they are configured correctly.

7. **Contact ISP:
If all else fails, it's possible that there is an issue with your internet service provider (ISP). Contact your ISP's customer support and provide them with details about your router issues. They may be able to assist you further in resolving connectivity problems.

Remember to follow each step carefully and test the connection after each troubleshooting action to identify the root cause of the issue related to safe movie streaming.