New Laptop can't connect to WRT54GS

nate42nd · Dec 26, 2009

I just got a new laptop with an Intel WiFi Link 1000 BGN network card.

When I plug the ethernet cable in the laptop it works fine but when I try to connect to the router wireless, it says it cannot connect.

I have tried unplugging the router and the signal is strong. I have set "network discovery" in the settings.

I have never used wireless before. I assume it's something simple. What other steps do I need to take?

I have noticed the signal from the router is VERY strong, then a minute later, it's not even listed. Do I need to set up a wireless network on the router? or do they automatically send out the signal?

I also set up WPA (personal) on the router. It asks for the password and says "Windows could not connect"

chev65 · Dec 26, 2009

Going through the steps in this tutorial should help,. Yes there are some things you need to set up in the router itself. Running the wireless network set up wizard usually works.
Setting up a wireless network

nate42nd · Dec 26, 2009

I have done this stuff. I set up a new network. I can't believe it's supposed to be this hard. Nobody would ever use wireless connections.

Thanks....if anyone has any advice, I will be reading.

My connection status now has said "connecting" for about 5-10 minutes.

....Now it's gone. What would cause the signal to disappear? I am sitting 5 feet from the router.

...When try run the "new network wizard" my router does not appear in the options.

chev65 · Dec 26, 2009

Luckily you aren't frustrated yet LOL. My wireless was a bit of a pain to set up also so I feel your pain.

There are updates for that router so it will work with Windows 7. You will have to know the version number. http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/support/WRT54G

You also need to make sure that your router is broadcasting SSID.
http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=5451

nate42nd · Dec 26, 2009

Thanks for the help chev65. Man this is frustrating.

Here is mine and I have the 2nd to latest F/W. The changelogs say nothing about Windows 7

Linksys by Cisco - WRT54GS Support

And my router is set up to broadcast SSID.

It will not show up unless I unplug it and plug it back in. Then the laptop acts like it's connecting.....then poof! the signal is gone and I have to reset the router to get it to show up again.

Any ideas? I can flash my router, but I have the feeling that's not the problem...

chev65 · Dec 26, 2009

nate42nd said:
Thanks for the help chev65. Man this is frustrating.

Here is mine and I have the 2nd to latest F/W. The changelogs say nothing about Windows 7

Linksys by Cisco - WRT54GS Support

And my router is set up to broadcast SSID.

It will not show up unless I unplug it and plug it back in. Then the laptop acts like it's connecting.....then poof! the signal is gone and I have to reset the router to get it to show up again.

Any ideas? I can flash my router, but I have the feeling that's not the problem...

The update for Windows 7 depends on the version number of the router. Some versions of that router do not have updated drivers and some don't. I have seen the updated versions come to life after the update where before they would not work with Windows 7. Another fix was using wireless N instead of wireless G. Changing the security may also have an effect.

There could also be interference on the channel being used so changing the channel 1-11 might help.

nate42nd · Dec 26, 2009

chev65 said:
nate42nd said:

Thanks for the help chev65. Man this is frustrating.

Here is mine and I have the 2nd to latest F/W. The changelogs say nothing about Windows 7

Linksys by Cisco - WRT54GS Support

And my router is set up to broadcast SSID.

It will not show up unless I unplug it and plug it back in. Then the laptop acts like it's connecting.....then poof! the signal is gone and I have to reset the router to get it to show up again.

Any ideas? I can flash my router, but I have the feeling that's not the problem...

Click to expand...

The update for Windows 7 depends on the version number of the router. Some versions of that router do not have updated drivers and some do. I have seen the updated versions come to life after the update where before they would not work with Windows 7. Another fix was using wireless N instead of wireless G. Changing the security may also have an effect.

There could also be interference on the channel being used so changing the channel 1-11 might help.

I was wondering about the "channel" I will try that. There is an update on WU for my adapter too. I am downloading that now. Hopefully i can get it working.

My router is the latest version of the WRT54GS (7.2) and I have the 2nd to latest F/W on it....I hope that's not it. I don't think I would be able to see the SSID if it were not compatible with 7.....

Hey, if I change the channel on the router....do I need to do anything else? or will I just need to see if it connects then....?

chev65 · Dec 26, 2009

Shouldn't need to do anything after changing channels. I would go with the latest firmware update. There is a 64 bit update there that might help.

I agree, it could be the adaptor also. Probably something simple that is being over looked or just an update is needed. Resetting the router could also help.

nate42nd · Dec 26, 2009

Well, I had a wireless mouse running right next to the router. I thought that might be interfering with the signal. I disconnected the mouse and now I can't even get the SSID to broadcast AT ALL...even after I cycle the power.

I reset the router to factory specs (the button you hold in for 30 seconds on the back)...nothing.

This is the most frustrating thing...I don't even know whether to go try a new router or what...

chev65 · Dec 26, 2009

Compatable list of routers with Windows 7, I don't see your exact model listed as a supported model which could easily be the problem. Last Updated 11/24/2009 09:58 PM> http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin...Y2ZfNj0xJnBfcGFnZT0x&p_li=&p_topview=1#router

nate42nd · Dec 26, 2009

chev65 said:
Compatable list of routers with Windows 7, I don't see your exact model on there for some reason. Which could be the problem not sure. Last Updated 11/24/2009 09:58 PM> Compatible List of Devices with Windows 7

Thanks a lot chev, I just flashed the latest F/W. No help. It looks like it's new router time. I just can't accept that is the problem. You would think with so many Linksys routers out there....it would be something they dealt with, or there would be more issues on the internet about this problem. Maybe it has to do with the specific network card/router combo.

I am almost ready to take this laptop back and forget about this day. haha It seems like a lot of trouble...

Thanks for all your help. If you think of anything else, let me know. I am ready to give up.

You know, the strange thing is I have been using Windows 7 for months and all builds and every bit of internet connectivity has gone through the same router. This is why I just don't know if I have a different problem....unless it could be JUST the wireless part.

chev65 · Dec 26, 2009

If that page showed no Windows 7 support then I would not count on the router working at all. At least you know it's not really supposed to work with Windows 7 according to the Linksys site anyway.

There are so many models of your Router it's hard to keep up with which ones work or not with Windows 7.

Most likely they will have an update for your router someday but you never know when that might be.

For the most part that Linksys page as been accurate at reporting compatablity with Windows 7 and certain routers so I would trust what it says. Your model is listed but there is zero support for your version 7.2 according to that list. I would not hesitate to point the finger at the router.

In fact this should be marked as solved because there is no support at all for your router as yet and I'm certain that a new one will fix it.

nate42nd · Dec 26, 2009

Well, just in case anybody has this problem, a new router fixed it.

I bought an HP Pavillion DV6 with a Core 2 duo T6600,m 4GB DDR3 RAM, 7200RPM 320GB hard drive, and it will not work with a linksys WRT54GS router.

I got a WRT160N router and I am typing this from about 200 feet away from my router. Very nice.

Thanks for all your help chev.

BTW - These "N" routers have a lot of range and speed. I'm not loosing any speed at all from the wired machines.

chev65 · Dec 26, 2009

Nice work Nate, I guess those compatablity lists are good for something LOL. The one your using now is a much newer model and says it's certified to work with Windows 7. Glad you have it up and running.

I just told another guy he needs a new router also. I don't get any Rep that way because it's usually the answer they don't want to hear but at least they know it's the router causing the problems.

Wireless N is very fast, it's 7 times faster than wireless G. And it also has much better range so it looks like you were about ready for a router upgrade anyway. My D-link has 10/100/1000mbps on both the LAN and potentially the WAN also. Now if internet speeds could only do that it would be great, I'm at T1 speeds now.

Thanks for Rep Nate, you deserve Rep also for putting up with my rather slow and convoluted way of fixing things. It's hard to argue with the results though.

nate42nd · Dec 26, 2009

chev65 said:
Nice work Nate, I guess those compatablity lists are good for something LOL. The one your using now is a much newer model and says it's certified to work with Windows 7. Glad you have it up and running.

I just told another guy he needs a new router also. I don't get any Rep that way because it's usually the answer they don't want to hear but at least they know it's the router causing the problems.

Wireless N is very fast, it's 7 times faster than wireless G. And it also has much better range so it looks like you were about ready for a router upgrade anyway. My D-link has 10/100/1000mbps on both the LAN and potentially the WAN also. Now if internet speeds could only do that it would be great, I'm at T1 speeds now.

Thanks for Rep Nate, you deserve Rep also for putting up with my rather slow and convoluted way of fixing things. It's hard to argue with the results though.

Haha, I am glad there are people like you here. Thanks

I didn't want to hear I needed a new router, but it is what it is. These N routers are very nice. They are smaller, no antennas sticking up, I'm liking this.

I hope you have a great day and a great new year too.

Here is the compatibility list of Linksys routers. The WRT54GS IS COMPATIBLE with 32bit 7 NOT 64 bit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you find this info if you're searching for your answer!!!

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/co...subcategory=Wireless Routers&v=Linksys&page=3

New Laptop can't connect to WRT54GS

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