Sorry to start another thread on this subject so soon after the last one but I'm pulling my hair out trying to get this thing to connect.This is DW's Dell Inspiron 1545 with Intel 5100 AGN wireless adapter.It can see the network, it can communicate enough to know that I need a WPA passcode, but it always comes back with "Cannot connect"Wireless has been flawless for the 5 years we've had this machine. Last week just before leaving S&B for Florida, it wouldn't connect to my home network. I tried connecting to wireless on the DSL modem - no go. Won't connect to my WiFi Ranger (wirelessly - works fine with a cable).I've disabled AVG, windows defender and windows firewall. I've updated the drivers. No go.I realize it's possible that the adapter has just plain failed but I'm not used to electronics failing anymore. I could get her a USB wifi stick but I'd like to know if there is anything I've missed.Suggestions?

The only way you can check the wireless adapter is to buy or borrow a usb stick and try it. If it works, you have the answer. You would need the stick at that point, anyway. Good luck.

I'm sure the USB wifi stick will work. I'm wondering if there is anything else I can try with the built-in adapter?

Take a ride to the nearest Starbucks or McDonald's and try connecting there. If it won't connect, you can pinpoint the problem to your adapter........

Dumb question - but are you using a correct password????

DW's computer stopped connecting to the WIFI at home. I tried everything I could think of. Finally, I decided the adapter in the computer had died and bought another. I replaced it on the mother board. (Did not want to use a stick because she only has 2 USB ports.) It STILL wouldn't connect. Finally, I discovered that there is a WIFI symbol on a key on the keyboard. I hit it, and the WIFI connected. She had accidentally hit that key and disabled the WIFI.Oh well, she now has a b/g/n adapter where she only had a b/g adapter before.ON EDIT:On re-reading the OP, I see that her computer can see the WIFI signals. That means this is not your problem. I am not going to delete it, however, because someone else may find it useful sometime.However, some networks require the MAC address to be registered in the system before allowing a computer to connect. At my house, even with the password, you won't be able to connect unless I add your MAC address to my MAC address filter. This should not be a problem on your home WIFI though. It also is not a problem if you try to connect at a McDonalds or Starbucks.

Cannot connect to WiFi | Good Sam Community

joebedford
Nomad II
Dec 07, 2014
I have three routers / APs in my house. All worked fine then this PC suddenly didn't work when everything else did. It's not a router problem. Two of those routers are in my RV and they work perfectly with the new USB stub.

A new internal card might have solved my problem but like I said, get a USB card to be sure of a working solution. It doesn't make sense to put a lot of $$ into a 5 year-old PC.
AllegroD
Nomad
Dec 06, 2014
joebedford wrote:
Just to close this out: I gave up trying to solve the problem with the Intel 5100. So I bought an Edimax micro USB adapter from Amazon for $8.71 tax in. Wifi working again.

I would have preferred to buy a replacement Intel 5100 for $10 or $12 but I figured if it was some kind of weird software problem, I'd just have two adapters that don't work.

You can buy a new internal card. New card and drivers will fix your problem.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Dec 06, 2014
In my house when that happens: REBOOT ROUTER, usually fixes it.

one thing to think about, Imagine going to the post office to rent a P.O. Box,, Well they only have so many, , Let's say this is a small post office, say 50 boxes.. If you are customer #51.. You will not "Connect"

50 is the Default number of I/P addresses a Linksys home/small office router will assign.. Some routers have even lower limits (like five)
joebedford
Nomad II
Dec 06, 2014
Just to close this out: I gave up trying to solve the problem with the Intel 5100. So I bought an Edimax micro USB adapter from Amazon for $8.71 tax in. Wifi working again.

I would have preferred to buy a replacement Intel 5100 for $10 or $12 but I figured if it was some kind of weird software problem, I'd just have two adapters that don't work.
joebedford
Nomad II
Dec 03, 2014
Deleted adapter and reinstalled; deleted connection (despite the fact that I've tried it with 3 different APs); did system restore to a time when the adapter was working, etc.

I did the google search thing before posting here - many of the threads related to this issue and hardware are unresolved.
krobbe
Explorer
Dec 03, 2014
IS CAPS ON? Just kidding. Try deleting the WiFi connection profile, reboot and then reconnect. I've experienced similar issues after the router configuration was changed. There is the possibility that the transmitter on your WiFi device is bad and the receiver is working such that you can see the connection.
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Dec 03, 2014
If you call our company help desk, they would ask if it was powered on, then a few questions, and then ask you reimage and see if that fixed it. Interesting enough, the reimage fixes many problems because of config changes that were made and no one knows what was done... so reimage goes back to default settings and often fixes things. With that said, I am not recommending reimaging, but if your version of the operating system has restore points, you might try going back to a restore point when it worked last...
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Dec 02, 2014
Like Bobbo said, make sure your wireless button on the keyboard is turned on, some are on the side. It's a power saving button; if you turn the wifi off, it will save battery power. Worth a look.
sch911
Explorer
Dec 02, 2014
Have you deleted that connection, and then tried to re-add it?
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2014
Google: Intel 5100 AGN cannot connect

Forum Discussion

Cannot connect to WiFi

About RV Must Haves

Related Content

Wifi connection for TV

Battery monitor that connects to wifi

Automatically connect windows 10 PC to open WiFi?

Wifi options

wifi, cell phone coverage