Windows 7 computer can’t connect to Wifi using any adapter

windowswindows 7wireless-networking

I have run into a very peculiar Wifi problem. Our Wifi network has several devices that can connect to it just fine; two Macbook Pros, an iMac, and an Android and iOS smartphone. All of them can connect just fine. However, we also have a Windows 7 PC with both an installed wireless card and a USB wireless adapter. And we can't connect to the wireless network with either of them (when I test the USB wireless I disable the onboard wireless first). I can see the networks, and can put in a password, but when I attempt to connect it simply says that it failed. There are two unsecured wireless access points, and of the two I can connect to one, the other gives the same error.

The router doesn't seem like the culprit because most of our other devices can connect just fine. The wireless card itself doesn't seem like the culprit because neither it or the USB wireless adapter can connect. So I'm kind of stumped.

  • The PCIe wireless adapter is a Dell DW1525.
  • The USB wireless adapter is a Netgear WNDA3100v2 N600.
  • The Router is a Linksys WRVS4400N.

Best Answer

It sound like you are using WPA-PSK, this is a known problem in Windows 7 with WPA-PSK. Please have a look at this.

OR Follows these steps (mentioned in URL): -

(A): -

Go into 'Power Options' (Control Panel - Power Options) Whichever plan you have chosen, click "Change plan settings" and the "Change advance power settings". Scroll down, if necessary, to "Wireless Adapter Settings" and click on the + to expand and see "Power Saving Mode". Click the + again to reveal the options for "On battery" and "Plugged in". For both "On battery" and "Plugged in", choose 'Maximum Performance'.

(B): -

Go to Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center -> Manage wireless networks -> Right-click on the network you are trying to connect to which requires your login credentials -> Properties -> Security -> Advanced settings -> 802.1X settings -> Check 'Specify authentication mode' -> then select user authentication. Click 'ok' until you are back to the 'Manage Wireless Networks'.

Now try to reconnect to the wireless network. Windows should now ask you for login credentials and you should be able to successfully connect.

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