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Question

Compaq CQ50 no longer recognizes router.

Jul 31, 2019 11:39AM PDT

This CQ50, originally a Win7 machine, was upgraded to Windows 10. It worked fine for years. For about a month now, it will not recognize my router (supplied by Comcast). However, it recognizes any other nearby router and allows me to connect if if have the password. So, I replaced the WLAN card and got a USB wireless card. No luck. What should I look at next?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: router
Jul 31, 2019 11:59AM PDT

Looks like there's something wrong with the router. Do other devices (like your smartphone and tablet) connect with it?

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Answer
It sure points to a router issue.
Jul 31, 2019 12:04PM PDT

But try something else. Boot up another OS. Use a LIVE OS like Linux Mint so there is no install or driver hunts. Do other OSes work?

I do that test along with examining the router. You left out router details so what I write next is not what may be wrong. Just things I'll check.

1. Make sure the router firmware is current. I should not need to supply prior examples where this fixed it.
2. Be sure to factory reset the router and make the minimum changes to test it out.

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Compaq CQ50 no longer recognizes router
Jul 31, 2019 2:08PM PDT

Thanks. The router is probably a year old, supplied by Comcast. As I said originally, that router serves my old Win7 desktop just fine, as well as our other devices like ipad, cell phone, etc.

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Still leaves us testing the hardware.
Jul 31, 2019 3:38PM PDT

And the reset since some one could have enabled MAC filtering. I'm not there to check all the settings. This is where the hardware test of the recalcitrant PC and more is done. Your reply doesn't tell me you are working the issues and tests.

It's either do this or admit defeat and take it to a shop.

In fact, does it work at other hotspots?

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Compaq CQ50 no longer recognizes router
Aug 1, 2019 8:15AM PDT

Admitting defeat. Machine is too old to invest money in. Thanks for your help.

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Seems early to call it quits.
Aug 1, 2019 9:53AM PDT

We have a few tests to do but I get it. Not a lot of users want to deal with router settings. They just want it to work.

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Answer
JUst curious
Aug 1, 2019 9:50AM PDT

have you tried both 2.4 and 5 ghz. The reason I ask is ,I had a router that stopped working on the 5ghz side but worked fine on 2.4 ....