Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 2

172 points

Unable to connect to wireless network

I recently had to change my modem/router because of technical problems. I have PowerBook, OS X 10.4.11, that I am having trouble accessing my network to get on the internet. I had originally named my network the same as the defective unit but used a new password. When I selected the network under my airport icon, the computer asked for the password, which I placed in the appropriate box. The computer stated I was unable to join the network. Thinking that I may have been confusing the computer by having too many of the same network names in my preferred networks, I went to the System Prefs>Network>Airport>Preferred Networks and deleted all Networks with the same Network name. I also went to Utilities>Key Change Access>System to delete any passwords associated with my Network name and found no entries. I also tried to 'Create Network from the Airport drop down menu and the '+' from the Preferred Network PaneMy grand son and I have since changed the Network name and password on the Modem/Router setup twice and the PowerBook is still unable to "join the Network". My grandson has a HP laptop and my wife has a MacBook 2.0 and they have no roblem accessing the network or the internet. Can anyone help?

Posted on Dec 15, 2012 7:55 PM

23 replies

Darrell R Coe Author

Level 2

172 points

Dec 18, 2012 1:05 PM in response to BDAqua

Changing to WPA isn't an option that is available. It just said that it supports either Security Options.

BDAqua

Level 10

239,339 points

Dec 18, 2012 3:03 PM in response to Darrell R Coe

Well, the 2 I linked above support WPA2...

Security

64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2

Darrell R Coe Author

Level 2

172 points

Dec 18, 2012 6:05 PM in response to BDAqua

A question related to me assigning Security. When I first attempted to connect to the Network, I did not create the network through the Network Pane until my password failed. I just selected the network from the Airport Icon drop down menu. Since Airport Card detects all wireless networks within its range by network name, how does it assign Security. The Security must originate from the modem/router to populate the Security field. Then if I create the network, the security must change to the modem/router default on the Airport Icon network. Your recommendation of deleting /adding the network couldn't be wrong, thus the computer is doing its job. I'm thinking security can not be over-ridden by the modem/router default. I know this sounds a little off base but could you check with your Airport people to see if I am even remotely close in my assumption or if you think I am wrong, just say so and I will drop it, But, I would love to go back to Century Link to say my Mac is doing its job correctly, because everyone says"Its Mac's problem.

BDAqua

Level 10

239,339 points

Dec 18, 2012 8:42 PM in response to Darrell R Coe

Instead of joining it from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.

If WPA2 isn't a choice then your Airport card & SW doesn't support WPA2 that the Router wants, even if it's set to WPA/WPA2, the connect may fail if the the Router first tries WPA2 & gets a WPA response, occasionally if no WPA2 connections are already etablished, then it may work with WPA, but many Routers won't change once the WPA/WPA2 choice has been made.

Darrell R Coe Author

Level 2

172 points

Dec 19, 2012 3:36 PM in response to BDAqua

I selected 'Other' from the drop down menu, the Network name was blank and the Security Code set to 'None'. As soon as I selected the network name (familyint), the security code immediately changed to WPA Personal. But clicking the up/down arrow for Wireless Security WPA2 Personal along with WEP Password, None, WEP 40/128-bit hex, WEP 40/128-BIT ASCII.LEAP, WPA Personal, WPA Enterprise, WPA2 Enterprise, and 802.1X WEP WEP.

BDAqua

Level 10

239,339 points

Dec 20, 2012 8:56 AM in response to Darrell R Coe

OK, did WPA2 Personal work?

Darrell R Coe Author

Level 2

172 points

Dec 24, 2012 8:50 AM in response to BDAqua

No WPA2Personal did not work. When I used the MacBook 2.0 with Snow Leopard, that computer connected automatically after I inserted the Security password, but I don't remember if the Security type was listed

Darrell R Coe Author

Level 2

172 points

Jan 13, 2013 5:28 PM in response to BDAqua

FYI, I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH A NETGEAR N600 router giving the same message as the Century Link Zyxel PK5000. I ended up contacting Netgear Tech Support and he had me change some options on the router setup screen and the Power Book works like a CHAMP. I would assume it might be the same problem with the Zyxel, but the only Tech Support I was able to go to was Century Link. Needless to say, they were no help at all. I did not get to thank you for all the help, so Thanks again and Happy New Year,

Darrell

Unable to connect to wireless network