Well, I'm not sure what that's supposed to prove, but yes, my desktop connects and I can FTP from ALL 9 accounts--using the same ISP connection as the laptop--without any problems.

I still think the laptop is the problem; there is some funky setting someplace that's the culprit. Yet, as I've said before, it HAS connectivity: I can access internet, I can FTP through the browser, and I can get email.