I have a 2008 17" Macbook pro whose wifi has stopped working. Does anyone know if there is any usb adapter that would be able to give the laptop wifi? It also has a slot that used to be used for a modem. It's still a great laptop, but I don't have ethernet access at work, and I would really like to get wifi back.
MacBook Pro, OS X 10.11
Most USB Wi-Fi adapters are not advertised as being compatible with Macs.
You'd need one that is compatible with Macs, El Capitan, and modern Wi-Fi standards. Your Mac doesn't support USB 3.0, so you're not going to get "Gigabit Ethernet equivalent" speeds no matter what adapter you use.
I wonder if an Ethernet to Wi-Fi adapter would be an option. (You'd need some way of controlling which network the Wi-Fi joined, and of supplying passwords/credentials, if necessary.)
As has been indicated above, only a few USB adapters have drivers for older Mac operating systems. Merely as examples, could the following devices (two versions) possibly be of interest?
If you search for "wifi adaptor usb mac" you will see several products, some of which are compatible with MacOS as old as 10.9 and some of which may work with USB 2.
However I think you maybe should start to think about getting a more modern computer than your 2008 MacBook Pro, given that its WiFi has failed.
Hi, and welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.
Re: wifi has stopped working
Wondering if your MacBook Pro has been updated to the newest compatible MacOS available, for the security:
Eg: Identify your MacBook Pro model - Apple Support
says "Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan".
I see you are using that OS, but do not know which version.
You can check from the Apple menu (in the top menu bar) > About this Mac
_________________________________________________
If you have the newest El Capitan version 10.11.6 already installed
Seems there was a MacOS El Capitan version 10.11.6 Security update:
Apple Support's Security Update 2017-004 OS X v10.11.6 El Capitan - Apple Support has a down;load link.
Sorry I don't know whether the 2017 article's link is still working or not.
______________________________________________________________________________
Re: "Is there a usb adapter for a 2008 17" / "that would be able to give the laptop wifi?"
Sorry I don't know. (Some providers used to sell a small USB modem-like gadget to use in a Mac port).
__________________________________________________________________________________________
It may be possible that you do have wi-fi ... but the browser installed no longer works / connects to Internet. ?
Eg: If you use Safari it may no longer be a supported / secure version.
Firefox browser's system requirements are now for macOS 10.15 or later only.
There may be other browsers that are lightweight enough and can be used.
Apple Support's articles may or may no longer be helpful:
Wi-fi
If you can’t connect to a Wi-Fi network on Mac - Apple Support
Troubleshoot joining a Wi-Fi network on Mac - Apple Support
Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support
Internet:
If your Mac isn't connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi - Apple Support
Solve Internet connection problems on Mac - Apple Support
All the best :-)
I've found an adapter that works. As for upgrading my Macbook, a 17" is no longer made, and to get one as powerful as this one still is would be cost prohibitive.
Is there a usb adapter for a 2008 17
