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preferred network recognized only after sleep

If my computer is already on when my wi-fi access comes on, it will not recognize it as a preferred network and I must manually check it. Or I can put the machine to sleep and when it wakes up it will recognize it with no trouble! It does see it, if it already awake, when it comes on but ignores it until I click on it. Is it possible to have it join that network and only that network at such time as it comes on line? Thanks.

MacBook Air, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Apr 19, 2014 5:39 AM

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4 replies

Apr 19, 2014 9:48 AM in response to saltyrobn

Test after taking each of the following steps that you haven't already tried. Back up all data before making any changes.

1. Make sure the network is on the preferred list by following these instructions. It's important to read the article carefully, as it's the starting point for any further efforts to solve the problem. If you skip any of the steps, the problem may not be solved. Make sure the box marked

Remember networks this computer has joined

is checked.

2. Follow the instructions in this support article under the heading

Symptom: After restarting or waking from sleep, my computer might not connect to the Internet

3. Reset the PRAM.

4. Make a note of all your settings for Wi-Fi in the Network preference pane, then delete the connection from the connection list and recreate it with the same settings. You do this by clicking the plus-sign icon below the connection list, and selecting Wi-Fi as the interface in the sheet that opens. Select Join other network from the Network Name menu, then select your network. Enter the password when prompted and save it in the keychain.

5. From the Location menu at the top of the Network preference pane, select Edit Locations. A sheet will drop down. Click the plus-sign button to create a new location. Give it any name you want. In the new location, set up the Wi-Fi service with the same settings you used before. Click Apply and test.

6. Launch the Keychain Access application. Search for and delete all AirPort network password items that refer to the network. Make a note of the password first.

7. Repair permissions on the startup volume.

8. Turn off Bluetoothand test.

9. Reset the System Management Controller.

10. This step shouldn't be necessary, but has been advised by Apple Support in some cases, apparently as a workaround for a bug. Open the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences. If applicable, click the padlock icon in the lower left corner to unlock the settings. Enter your administrator login password when prompted.

Select the Power Adapter tab and uncheck the boxes marked

Wake for Wi-Fi network access

and

Enable Power Nap...

if present. Then, if the computer is a MacBook, select the Battery tab and uncheck

Enable Power Nap...

11. Reinstall OS X.

Apr 19, 2014 3:04 PM in response to saltyrobn

Wow! What happens is: I plug in my wi-fi modem or whatever it is and open my computer. The modem takes a couple minutes to initialize and in the meantime the computer doesn't see it, so it asks if i want to join something else. I say 'no' a few times until mine is available then I have to click on it and I'm in business. OR I don't open my computer until the modem if up and running and when I wake the Mac up it just connects, no trouble.


I think I'd rather just do the latter (close the lid for a second) than get into such a daunting effort as listed above! Or is what I am describing evidence of something to be concerned about?


It seems as though the programis is writen for two options. Preferred Network is available or not. If yes, connect. If no, list all found and wait for instructions. Once asking for instructions it doesn't check if its preferred or not.

Somehow I don't get a sense that there is a glitch that the above would fix. Just the usual round me not fitting into the square hole with my part time modem.


Thanks for all the effort. Do let me know, please, if there is some reason I should do the troubleshooting.

Robn

preferred network recognized only after sleep

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