JohnGlasgow

Q: MacBook G3 won't connect to wireless network

Hi.


A few weeks ago I treated myself to a new MacBook Air and decided to pass on my old but rarely used MacBook G3 to my young nephew so he could use it for school work, etc. I managed to find an Airport card on ebay and installed it without any trouble. When I try to get online, however, I am constantly told that the password for my Router is incorrect despite the fact I know it is correct.

Posted on Nov 12, 2015 10:58 AM

Close

Q: MacBook G3 won't connect to wireless network

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Nov 13, 2015 8:32 AM in response to JohnGlasgow
    Level 6 (9,894 points)
    Nov 13, 2015 8:32 AM in response to JohnGlasgow

    Hello,

     

    I am sure that you mean iBook G3.

     

    You will find the system requirements for using WPA, which probably is what your router is set to, in the following article: AirPort Card: When You Can Join a WPA Network - Apple Support. The (original) AirPort card is mentioned there as well. However, there are conflicting reports on the Internet whether that 802.11b card (that is, not the 802.11g AirPort Extreme card) actually works with WPA. You may want to try to (temporarily) switch off wireless security (or at lest possibly use only WEP) at the router. Can the iBook connect then? Also, check whether the router is configured to somehow exclude 802.11b clients (if so, there should be a setting allowing, for example, both 802.11b and g).

     

    A USB wireless (Wi-Fi)adapter could in principle be an alternative, but these devices do usually require special software and at least something like Mac OS X 10.4. A wireless Ethernet bridge (also known as a gaming or media adapter, such as Netgear WNCE2001 or Linksys WET610N) on the other hand would work without special drivers under almost any operating system. A modern wireless Ethernet bridge connects to the Ethernet port of the computer, and supports the latest security protocols.

  • by JohnGlasgow,

    JohnGlasgow JohnGlasgow Nov 13, 2015 9:23 AM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Nov 13, 2015 9:23 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Jan, you're absolutely right. I did mean iBook G3. I was on a call as I was writing my post and got a bit distracted. My OS is 10.2.1 so it is a fairly early version of Mac OSX which makes life difficult.

     

    Thanks for your advice and suggestions. I'll do what you suggest and, failing that, look into getting an Ethernet bridge.

     

    All the best,

     

    John