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Wifi keeps dropping on iMac 10.6.8

I purchased a new iMac 10.6.8 weeks ago and internet seems to be intermittent on Safari and Google Chrome. I can't seem to load a full Youtube video, but doing emails seem to be fine. There are times when browsing is an issue where the pages do not load at all.


I have an old 2008 Macbook that is connected to my home wifi and everything is okay on that. This Macbook is right beside the iMac. There are also other devices connected to the home wifi that are doing okay. The router is about 20m from where i am.


I have already done the following:


1. Reinstall OS

2. Tried using open DNS and my ISP DNS

3. Restarting the iMac each time the DNS is changed

4. Deleting home wifi as a preferred network and adding it back on again

5. Connecting to a different wifi (mobile hotspot)

6. Installed the newest version of Java

7. Reintalled Google Chrome

8. Checked for any virus software


Please help!

iMac

Posted on May 14, 2013 2:13 AM

Reply
9 replies

May 14, 2013 2:17 AM in response to smellypoodle

If the Mac is new it shouldn't be 10.6.8 - are you sure it isn't 10.8.3? Here are some things to try, if you haven't already.


Wifi problems seem to crop up a lot on here and unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a 'one fix' solution.

However, sometimes any one of the following can help although, unfortunately, not always - in no particular order:

  • Check wifi security - if it's WEP change it to WPA or WPA2 (preferably, as it's more secure)
  • Change the wifi channel on the router
  • Create a new Network Location: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5289
  • Reboot the router


Also take a look at this link and the links within the article for other ideas. They mainly reference Lion, but still seem to be relevant to Mountain Lion:

http://osxdaily.com/2011/11/06/lion-wi-fi-problems-solution-mac/?utm_source=feed burner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+osxdaily+%28OS+X+Daily%29&utm_conte n t=FaceBook


...and this link:

http://osxdaily.com/2012/11/30/resolving-stubborn-wi-fi-connection-problems-in-m ac-os-x/

May 14, 2013 2:45 AM in response to smellypoodle

I had the same problem for months (brand new iMac, 10.8.3, wifi drops randomly and often), and I tried everything I could find in these boards. Finally, someone mentioned trying a USB wireless adapter, and it totally worked for me (one week now without a single wifi drop)! Here's my thread from a few weeks ago: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5006269?answerId=21964962022#21964962022&ac_cid=op123456#21964962


I'm not saying this is the best possible fix, but spending $20 on a wireless adapter was worth not having to spend another week researching and trying other solutions (for me anyways).

May 14, 2013 11:43 PM in response to Nbod702

I tried changing my router channel and Youtube managed to load videos and pages loaded for a good 20minutes before the same issues resurfaced.


I believe I just have a settings issue but I just don't know what it is.


Nbod702, yhy would getting a USB wireless adapter help the situation? I'm a complete idiot when it comes to computers so I really appreciate your help and everybody's assistance!

May 15, 2013 2:13 AM in response to smellypoodle

The problem is a combination of the airport wireless adapter built into the computer and software updates that changed the way the airport wireless adapter functioned. I had my imac for almost 2 years before this happened with the same wireless router. Then after a software update the problem started to happen. What you are doing is using a completely different device to connect to your router. These external devices are not affected by the software update and thus work properly. I am baffled as to how Apple cannot fix this problem. Perhaps it would involve replacing all the airport adapters which would be quite expensive. Anyways, a relatively cheap solution has completely resolved the problem for me and several others who have posted their success after trying my solution.


I hope you will try it for yourself.


Good luck!!

Wifi keeps dropping on iMac 10.6.8

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