Mac OS X 10.5.5: Wireless settings not sticking

Some users have experienced an issue in which systems do not save WiFi network settings, resulting in the network setup information needing to be reentered whenever the computer is restarted.

CNET staff

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CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 2:55 a.m. PT

2 min read

Some users have experienced an issue in which systems do not save WiFi network settings, resulting in the network setup information needing to be reentered whenever the computer is restarted.

Apple Discussions poster Frank Gayer writes:

"I use a MacBook in a wireless network. On my iMac the Network-Settings are the same as on my Macbook. If i restart the Macbook the WLAN-Settings are gone and i have to input all settings like WPA2 and so on."

Users with this problem have tried altering the network settings, checking options to remember networks the user has joined, and also checking the keychains to ensure the passwords for WiFi connections are being properly stored. However, these efforts have proven unsuccessful, and the constant resetting indicates the system is not able to either store these settings or properly retrieve them from system configuration files.

For the network settings and other global configurations, the preference files are not stored in the user's home folder, but instead are located in the library folder at the root of the hard drive. This specific problem is a result of a corrupt AirPort preferences file.

Fix: Remove the AirPort preferences file Locate the file named com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, which is stored in the /Macintosh HD/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ folder and remove it. Then reboot the computer and set up the WiFi connection again.