I get the following error message when I try to connect to a motel Wi-Fi network: Wi-Fi has the self assigned IP address 169.254.66.98 and will not be able to connect to the internet. How do I resolve this problem?
MacBook Air, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)
Hello,
Have you done a PRAM reset, CMD+Option+p+r...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
In fact, do 3 in a row, takes a bit of time.
Though all of these steps may or may not be needed, I'm including them all.
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.
For 10.5/10.6/10.7/10.8, System Preferences>Network, unlock the lock if need be, highlight the Interface you use to connect to Internet, click on the advanced button, click on the DNS tab, click on the little plus icon, then add these numbers...
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
(There may be better or faster DNS numbers in your area, but these should be a good test).
Click OK.
First, there's no way that changing your DNS settings could possibly have any effect on the problem.
Hold down the option key and select the Wi-Fi menu in the menu bar. What values are shown for the following?
PHY Mode
Channel
Security
Signal/Noise or RSSI
Transmit Rate
Unable to connect to Wi-Fi due to self assigned IP address
