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5 Troubleshooting wireless connection problems

Some possible causes for wireless connection problems include the following:

●

Wireless device is not installed correctly or has been disabled.

●

Wireless device or router hardware has failed.

●

Network configuration (SSID or security) has been changed.

● Wireless device encountered interference from other devices.

NOTE:

Wireless networking devices are included with select computer models only. If wireless networking is not listed in the feature list on the side of the original computer package, you may add wireless networking capability to the computer by purchasing a wireless networking device.

Before working your way through the sequence of possible solutions to your network connection problem, be sure that device drivers are installed for all wireless devices.

Use the procedures in this chapter to diagnose and repair a computer that does not connect to the network you want to use.

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Cannot create a WLAN connection

If you have a problem connecting to a WLAN, confirm that the integrated WLAN device is properly installed on your computer:

NOTE:

Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.

You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Windows Help and Support for more information.

1.

Select Start > Computer > System properties.

2.

In the left pane, click Device Manager.

3.

Identify the WLAN device from the Network adapters list. The listing for a WLAN device may include the term wireless, wireless LAN, WLAN, or 802.11.

If no WLAN device is listed, either your computer does not have an integrated WLAN device, or the driver for the WLAN device is not properly installed.

For more information on troubleshooting WLANs, refer to the Web site links provided in Help and

Support.

Cannot create a WLAN connection 17

Cannot connect to a preferred network

Windows can automatically repair a corrupted WLAN connection:

●

If there is a network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, right-click the icon, and then click Diagnose and repair from the menu.

Windows resets your network device and attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred networks.

●

If an “x” is superimposed over the network status icon, one or more of your WLAN or LAN drivers are installed but the computer is not connected.

●

If there is no network status icon in the notification area, follow these steps:

1.

Click Start and type network and sharing in the Start Search box.

2.

From the list of search results, click Network and Sharing Center.

3.

In the left pane, click Diagnose and repair.

The Network connections window is displayed, and Windows resets your network device and attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred networks.

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Network status icon is not displayed

If the network status icon is not displayed in the notification area after you configure the WLAN, the software driver is either missing or corrupted. A Windows “Device not Found” error message may also be displayed. The driver must be reinstalled.

To get the latest version of the WLAN device software for your computer, follow these steps:

1.

Open your Internet browser and go to http://www.hp.com/support .

2.

Select your country or region.

3.

Click the option for software and driver downloads, and then type your computer model number in the search box.

4.

Press enter , and then follow the on-screen instructions.

NOTE:

If the WLAN device you are using was purchased separately, consult the manufacturer's Web site for the latest software.

Network status icon is not displayed 19

Current network security codes are unavailable

If you are prompted for a network key or an SSID when connecting to a WLAN, the network is protected by security. You must have the current codes to make a connection on a secure network. The SSID and network key are alphanumeric codes that you enter into your computer to identify your computer to the network.

●

For a network connected to your personal wireless router, review the router user guide for instructions on setting up the same codes on both the router and the WLAN device.

●

For a private network, such as a network in an office or at a public Internet chat room, contact the network administrator to obtain the codes, and then enter the codes when prompted to do so.

Some networks change the SSID or network keys used in their routers or access points on a regular basis to improve security. You must change the corresponding code in your computer accordingly.

If you are provided with new wireless network keys and SSID for a network, and if you have previously connected to that network, follow the steps below to connect to the network:

1.

Click Start > Network > Network and Sharing Center > Manage wireless networks.

A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs are active, several will be displayed.

2.

Right-click the network, and then click Properties.

NOTE:

If the network you want is not listed, check with the network administrator to be sure that the router or access point is operating.

3.

Click the Security tab, and then enter the correct wireless encryption data into the Network

security key field.

4.

Click OK to save these settings.

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WLAN connection is very weak

If the connection is very weak, or if your computer cannot make a connection to a WLAN, minimize interference from other devices, as follows:

●

Move your computer closer to the wireless router or access point.

●

Temporarily disconnect other wireless devices such as a microwave, cordless phone, or cellular phone to be sure that they are not interfering.

If the connection does not improve, try forcing the device to reestablish all connection values:

1.

Click Start > Network > Network and Sharing Center > Manage wireless networks.

A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs are active, several will be displayed.

2.

Right-click a network, and then click Remove network.

Cannot connect to the wireless router

If you are trying to connect to the wireless router and are unsuccessful, reset the wireless router by removing power from the router for 10 to 15 seconds.

If the computer still cannot make a connection to a WLAN, restart the wireless router. For details, refer to the router manufacturer's instructions.

WLAN connection is very weak 21