Windows 7 wireless router connection problem

Hi all.

I work as a software developer and have had a lot of experience with wireless networking, but this problem has me stumped...

I have an old wireless router (unsecured at the moment) that I have connected to a modem, provided by Virgin media. When I use a cable to directly connect to the router, all seems fine, but when I attempt to connect wirelessly I am almost immediately presented with "Windows was unable to connect to [router name]".

Other people in my house (on both XP and Vista) can connect to the router without any problems, implying that it is a setting within Windows 7. HOWEVER, I am able to connect to another (unsecured) wireless router. I guess this can only mean that there is a setting on the router that is preventing me from connecting...any ideas?

Thanks.

Nick

I've also tried disabling IPv6, but there is still no change.

Can anyone provide any suggestions / information? Surely this must be a known windows 7 issue...?

nick4501 said:

I've also tried disabling IPv6, but there is still no change.

Can anyone provide any suggestions / information? Surely this must be a known windows 7 issue...?

nick

I have zero experience with that router so im winging it. If I were you i would reset the router to default. since its in the clear it might clear up the problem. If that doesnt help try going to the router's web page and look thru the settings. I hope someone who has seen one of these will jump in

Ken

nick4501 said:

I've also tried disabling IPv6, but there is still no change.

Can anyone provide any suggestions / information? Surely this must be a known windows 7 issue...?

In your router, is the advanced wireless section set to only allow certain mac addresses? If so, add your computer's mac address to the list.


Another thing I've seen a few times is that the wireless card under win7 doesn't have a mac address at all in the settings.

You can check this by entering ipconfig /all in the command prompt.

If it shows all zeros for mac address you can add it manualy in the wireless card's settings in the device manager.

good luck

Hi all.

Thanks for the replies, but I am still stuck...

I'm running 64 bit Windows 7 RC, using a Belkin f5d7050 wireless reciever with the latest drivers from the Belkin website.

I have previously set the router to it's factory defaults, so no custom settings are in effect.

The router is capable of restricting access by a MAC address, but this is not in use (and all other housemates can connect).

I can try updating the router's firmware, but I'm a bit reluctant to do so, whilst it is working fine for everyone else!

Any other suggestions?

Thanks.
Nick

If you go to network and sharing in CP do you see a wireless network? If so click on it and see what routers are available to you . You may be hooked up to ur neighbors and not yours. Also some laptops have a slider switch make sure ur wireless is turned on. Some stupid things that came to mind but im sure you have checked them out. I would pursue the wireless connection route in the sharing center. Good Luck

nick4501 said:

I'm running 64 bit Windows 7 RC, using a Belkin f5d7050 wireless reciever with the latest drivers from the Belkin website.

Nick,

You say you've installed all the newest drivers, right? Well, and I don't know if this is the case but, don't you need Windows 7 specific drivers for that device to work properly?

I'm having a similar issue with a Linksys Wireless Router, and I suspect that's the case... but, I haven't received any word yet from the forum community.

(https://www.sevenforums.com/general-d...-1-driver.html)

bobgay said:

If you go to network and sharing in CP do you see a wireless network? If so click on it and see what routers are available to you . You may be hooked up to ur neighbors and not yours.

o.O

I'd be surprised if an experienced wireless networking, software developer didn't make sure he was on the appropriate network.

nick4501 said:

Hi all.

I work as a software developer and have had a lot of experience with wireless networking, but this problem has me stumped...

I have an old wireless router (unsecured at the moment) that I have connected to a modem, provided by Virgin media. When I use a cable to directly connect to the router, all seems fine, but when I attempt to connect wirelessly I am almost immediately presented with "Windows was unable to connect to [router name]".

Other people in my house (on both XP and Vista) can connect to the router without any problems, implying that it is a setting within Windows 7. HOWEVER, I am able to connect to another (unsecured) wireless router. I guess this can only mean that there is a setting on the router that is preventing me from connecting...any ideas?

Thanks.

Nick

HI Nick, and Welcome to Windows Seven Forums!

It might help to know the brand and model of your "Old Wireless Router", but if it is so "old" it probably does not support WAP-PSK or WAP2-PSK (also refered to as WAP2 Personal). Windows 7 does not support WEP, which could be why XP and Vista can connect wirelessly whereas 7 can not. In order to use 7 wirelessly, you will need a WAP2 Personal compatible router. Just a guess, unless the brand and model does support WAP?

Robert