C-Zenz

Q: My Macbook pro won't stay connected to the WiFi!

Okay so here are some of the details about my system.

My Macbook pro is an early 2011, running OSX El Capitan 10.11.3.

Is a 2.3ghz Intel core i7

 

So I've been having a few issues with the laptop lately. But most recently the computer when restarted has a connection to the WiFi, but after about 5 minutes it disconnects, but the WiFi symbol so shows that is connected.

I'm not an expert but I've tried a few terminal commands for airport and have even went through system preferences to reset the advanced settings.

 

I also took a diagnosis report and is on my desktop.

I have had to restore my system a couple of times as of late. Any help would be appreciated.

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

Posted on Feb 24, 2016 12:13 PM

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Q: My Macbook pro won't stay connected to the WiFi!

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  • by C-Zenz,

    C-Zenz C-Zenz Feb 24, 2016 12:16 PM in response to C-Zenz
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Feb 24, 2016 12:16 PM in response to C-Zenz

    Just to add. I have a tablet and cell phone. Both of which can connect to the WiFi without issue. So I know it has to do solely with the laptop.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Feb 24, 2016 12:34 PM in response to C-Zenz
    Level 9 (52,270 points)
    Wireless
    Feb 24, 2016 12:34 PM in response to C-Zenz

    Did you upgrade install the El Capo?? If so it can lead to all kinds of issues.

     

    I strongly recommend a full backup or even better you do a Carbon Copy Cloner full bootable clone to a USB drive.

     

    Then clean install the OS.. if it still give issues.. go back to the last one that worked.. eg Mavericks had problems but a whole lot less than Yosemite or El Capo ever gave us.

     

    Being on the latest OS.. the bleeding edge.. may cause severe injuries or death.. it is just an OS.. stick to what works.

     

    Doing a SMC and NVRAM reset can help some if you are not prepared to do clean install.

     

    But I would not expect results to be as good as clean install.

     

    No luck then the hardware is beginning to show signs of decay.. old age is setting in..

     

    Load back say Mountain Lion which works really well.. and sell it and buy a new laptop.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Feb 24, 2016 2:19 PM in response to C-Zenz
    Level 10 (207,925 points)
    Applications
    Feb 24, 2016 2:19 PM in response to C-Zenz

    Please test after taking each of the following steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved. Back up all data before making any changes.

    Step 1

    Take the applicable steps in this support article.

    Step 2

    The Wireless Diagnostics program generates a large file of information about your system, which would be used by Apple Engineering in case of a support incident. Don't post the contents here.

    Be sure to test on more than one Wi-Fi network, if at all possible. A desktop computer can be tested with a mobile hotspot, such as the hotspot created by a cell phone. If the problem only exists on one network, then the access point of that network should be the focus of your attention, not the computer.

    Step 3

    If your model supports AirDrop (most do), open the AirDrop window and select

              Allow me to be discovered by: No One

    Step 4

    Disconnect all USB 3 devices, and also all external displays if the Mac has one built in. If you don't know which devices are USB 3, disconnect all USB devices except keyboard and mouse.

    Step 5

    If you're not using a wireless keyboard or trackpad, disable Bluetooth by selecting Turn Bluetooth Off from the menu with the Bluetooth icon. If you don't have that menu, open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and check the box marked Show Bluetooth in menu bar. Test. If you find that Wi-Fi works better with Bluetooth disabled, you should use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. Your router may not support it; in that case, you need a new router.

    Step 6

    Open the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences and unlock the settings, if necessary. Select the Power Adapter  tab, if there is one. Uncheck the box marked

              Wake for Wi-Fi network access

    if it's checked.

    Step 7

    Open the Network pane in System Preferences and make a note of your settings in the Wi-Fi service. It may be helpful to take screenshots of the various tabs in the preference pane. If the preference pane is locked, unlock it by clicking the padlock icon and entering your administrator password. Delete Wi-Fi from the service list on the left by selecting it and clicking the minus-sign button at the bottom. Then recreate the service by clicking the plus-sign button and following the prompts.

    Step 8

    In the Wi-Fi settings, select

              Advanced... TCP/IP Configure IPv6: Link-local only

    Click OK and then Apply.

    Step 9

    Reset the System Management Controller.

    Step 10

    Reset the PRAM.

    Step 11

    Launch the Keychain Access application. Search for and delete all AirPort network password items that refer to the network. Make a note of the password first. Turn Wi-Fi off and then back on. You'll be prompted for the password when you reconnect. Save it in the keychain.

    Step 12

    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed to start up, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in.

    Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

    Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.

    The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

    Test while in safe mode. If the problem is (temporarily) resolved, stop here and post your results.

    Step 13

    Reinstall the OS. The linked support article refers to OS X 10.11 ("El Capitan"), but the procedure is the same for OS X 10.7 ("Lion") and later.

    Step 14

    Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service center.

  • by C-Zenz,

    C-Zenz C-Zenz Feb 24, 2016 8:43 PM in response to C-Zenz
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Feb 24, 2016 8:43 PM in response to C-Zenz

    Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback. I'll keep this feed up to date; I will try to figure this out.