Could not join "wifi network name". A connection timeout occurred.

Question

Level 1

12 points

Could not join "wifi network name". A connection timeout occurred.

Mac Pro running 10.7.5.

Whenever the computes wakes from sleep or logs in, it no longer automatically connects to my wifi network. When I manually select the network for from the Wi-Fi status in the menu bar, I get the following message: Could not join "wifi network name". A connection timeout occurred.

Even though I get that message the machine joins the network with no other problems. I am led to believe that is is on the Mac Pro as my Macbook and iPad/iPhone join the network with no issues.

I have tried deleting and restoring the preferred network, and remember networks is checked. I have also restored my airport express base station.

Any suggestions?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Apr 13, 2013 3:26 PM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

239,183 points

Apr 15, 2013 12:22 PM in response to tnman2

Hello,

Make a New Location, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2712

10.5, 10.6, 10.7 & 10.8…

System Preferences>Network, top of window>Locations>Edit Locations, little plus icon, give it a name.

10.5.x/10.6.x/10.7.x instructions...

System Preferences>Network, click on the little gear at the bottom next to the + & - icons, (unlock lock first if locked), choose Set Service Order.

The interface that connects to the Internet should be dragged to the top of the list.

If using Wifi/Airport...

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

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Answer 2

tnman2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 15, 2013 4:21 PM in response to BDAqua

Did the procedure as suggested. Got it set up okay, end resulte was the same. 😮 Still gives me the message ""Could not joint "network name". A connection timeout occured"" with the connection occuring anyway.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

239,183 points

Apr 15, 2013 4:54 PM in response to tnman2

Open Keychain Access & see if there's more than one entry for that network password.

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Answer 4

tnman2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 15, 2013 6:13 PM in response to BDAqua

Yes there were 4

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

239,183 points

Apr 15, 2013 8:24 PM in response to tnman2

Delete them all & re-enter when asked.

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Answer 6

tnman2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 16, 2013 9:30 AM in response to BDAqua

Did that, same results. My network is an airport express base station extended to an airport extreem. Any chance there is an address conflict?

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Answer 7

BDAqua

Level 10

239,183 points

Apr 16, 2013 9:48 AM in response to tnman2

It would seem likely at this point, are the names of the two different?

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Answer 8

tnman2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 16, 2013 9:56 AM in response to BDAqua

airport express base station is controlling. airport extreem is set up to extend network created by airport express

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Answer 9

tnman2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 16, 2013 12:28 PM in response to tnman2

couldn't find any conflicts in IP addresses

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Answer 10

BDAqua

Level 10

239,183 points

Apr 16, 2013 2:46 PM in response to tnman2

To find out if it's system wide or user specific, try this...

Open System Preferences>Accounts or Users & Groups, unlock the lock, click on the little plus icon, make a new admin account, log out & into the new account.

Does it work in the new account?

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Answer 11

tnman2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 16, 2013 10:11 PM in response to BDAqua

I previously have another user set up as admin. When i go to that account, I get the same error message, howerve that account is not able to establish the connection. Connection works fine when established thru other admin account.

BDAqua, by the way, thanks for the help

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Answer 12

BDAqua

Level 10

239,183 points

Apr 16, 2013 10:22 PM in response to tnman2

Hmmm, I hate to say this, & it didn't used to be so, but do you have a spare HDD to Reinstall to???

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Answer 13

tnman2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 16, 2013 10:25 PM in response to BDAqua

No, I can pick one up though. Ack! Question, if i migrate user data over, do I run the risk of bringing those settings over with me?

Any chance it is the wifi receiver in the Mac Pro. The machine is probably 2006 generation. Think using a USB wifi receiver would do anything?

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Answer 14

BDAqua

Level 10

239,183 points

Apr 18, 2013 4:50 PM in response to tnman2

Try a USB Wifi dongle, make sure it has Mac drivers, here's one...

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/MXP3802NU2C/

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Answer 15

tnman2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 18, 2013 7:00 PM in response to BDAqua

So i had to head out of town for a few days. I borrowed another airport express base station. Used it to extend the exising network. Connected Mac Pro to airport via etherenet, turned wifi off and problem solved.

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