New laptop cannot connect to secure network

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
I bought my fiancee a new laptop with a built in Intel Wifi link 5100 wireless adapter. For some reason, it will only connect to my or her Linksys WRT54GL when the security on the router is turned off. When it is turned on it will attempt to connect and ask for the password but after trying for about 20 seconds it will say it could not connect without any reason given.

I have tried WEP and WPA(2) security and AES or TKIP. None have worked. I have another computer(this one) that connects to the router fine. I have tried tomato firmware(what I normally run) and the standard linksys firmware and both result in the same failed connection.

I've updated her wireless driver. That didn't do anything either.

The laptop is running vista business which is about the only difference from my other computer which connects which is running vista home premium.

Anyone ever run into this issue? I can't for the life of me understand why its giving me so much trouble just because its a secure network. Works quick and fine without security
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
1
0
Are you using the built in Vista wireless configuration thingy or an Intel branded one? Anything in event log?
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Are you using the built in Vista wireless configuration thingy or an Intel branded one? Anything in event log?

been using vista wireless configuration. Next chance I get I'm going to have her try the intel branded configuration utility. As for the event log do you mean the one on the router? I'm having to instruct her on what to do as she has the computer with her currently. I'll have her check that as well. Thanks for the help!
 

cristi777

Junior Member
Mar 25, 2009
16
0
0
your Linksys router might have filtered the pc's that connect to it and just made only the old pc
check Wireless MAC Filte
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
1
0
Originally posted by: cristi777
your Linksys router might have filtered the pc's that connect to it and just made only the old pc
check Wireless MAC Filte

I think that would still be in effect when WPA was turned off. Not positive though.
 

nordloewelabs

Senior member
Mar 18, 2005
542
0
0
if you have updated the drivers on the lappie and it's still not working, you should try the Intel wireless software. if it doesnt fix the problem:

a) the driver has some bug that hasnt be addressed yet. keep updating it.
b) the firmware on the router needs an update.

a good way to test if this is a driver issue is to try several Linux LiveCDs and see if secured wireless connections work in any of the distros. if it does, you will have to wait till Intel fixes the driver.

i had a similar problem with Windows 7.... i could only get secured connections to work once i updated the firmware of my router.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Checked mac filter and as expected it was disabled. I checked the router log and it was empty. I then changed the security to WEP and set up the connection manually and it did actually connect. I left it at this for now since it appears rather tempermental. I did get tomato firmware reinstalled so that's good too. When I get a chance to play with it some more I'll attempt to see if I can't get WPA security working.