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Windows 7 PC unable to connect to home wifi network

Anonymous
2017-09-11T00:16:48+00:00

I have a desktop computer running Windows 7 which had been connecting to my home wireless network perfectly for the past few months. Just last week, it started being unable to connect to my home wireless network. It can 'see' the network is there but when I try to connect I get a 'Windows was unable to connect to XXXXX' error.

Multiple other devices in my home are not having any issues connecting to the network.

I moved my desktop PC and plugged it directly into the modem via an ethernet cable and this allowed it to connect okay (unfortunately this isn't able to be done long term as the desktop is kept on a different storey in the house as the modem).

My desktop was able to connect to different wireless networks (i.e. I set up wireless hotspotting on my mobile phone and my PC had no issues connecting to that network).

I've installed a new network card, and the issue was fixed for a few days, before starting again.

I am not aware of any updates or changes made to the PC between when it was connecting fine to the network and when it was having issues.

Factory resetting the router appears to fix the issue to a few hours to a day or more but then the issue returns. If I change any details on the router (such as the SSID and network password), the issue immediately returns.

Running the Windows network troubleshooters says i need to 'investigate router or access point issues'

Sometimes when I try to connect to the network, under it's name in the Windows network finder is the message -'The settings saved on this computer for the network do not match the requirements of the network'. The network displays a Red X where the signal bar usually is.

I have already also tried deleting and reinstalling updated network card drivers.

Given no other device is having issues, and my network card is clearly working fine (able to connect to other networks), I am assuming this is an issue with some other part of my PC. 

I am at my wits end and any help people can provide in troubleshooting this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-09-11T14:58:53+00:00

    Hi Tom,

    This issue may have been caused by an outdated driver, or due to a software conflict.

    You can refer to the steps below on how to resolved network connection issues in Windows 7:

    Method 1: Restart your modem and wireless router.

    This helps create a new connection to your Internet service provider (ISP). Anyone connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected.

    Method 2: Run the Network troubleshooter followed by networking commands.

    1. Press the Start button, type Troubleshooting, and then hit Enter.
    2. Select Network and Internet.
    3. Select and run the Internet Connection and Network Adapter troubleshooter.

    To run the networking commands in a command prompt window, you can refer to the steps below:

    1. Press the Start button, type Command Prompt.
    2. Right-click Command Prompt, and then select Run as administrator.
    3. Run the following commands in the listed order, and then check to see if that fixes your connection problem:

       T ype netsh winsock reset and press Enter.

    Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.

    Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.

    Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.

    Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

    Method 3: Update the network adapter driver.

    You can refer to these articles on how to update drivers in Windows 7:

    Should you need further assistance, feel free to get back to us.

    90+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2017-09-11T16:30:46+00:00

    If Monica's advice does not fix this, I would point directly to the router.  

    Also be aware that it could be network interference and/or positioning of the PC.  Wireless networks are not strong and are easily interfered with by other signals in the area and/or large objects like a refrigerator in line of sight to the router.

    You may find the guidance at this location helpful:

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_7-ecoms/how-to-get-the-best-performance-from-your-wireless/2366d2dd-f5df-4800-a07a-8512dc8689e9

    30+ people found this answer helpful.
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