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Question

Windows was unable to connect to (network)

Jul 27, 2017 12:46AM PDT

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a new desktop, but the internet doesn't work when I use my network adapter, which is a TP-Link TL-WN821N. I use windows 7, and this network adapter worked perfectly on my previous computer, which was also windows 7 (Both fully updated).

When I try to connect to my home network, it says "Windows was unable to connect to (network)." When I first bought the desktop, it didn't work at all, but after a week-ish, it started working, although that message showed up from time to time. After that, I was able to use an Ethernet cable for two weeks, but now that I'm back trying to use wireless, it doesn't work at all.

Restarting the modem used to work from time to time, but it doesn't do anything any more.
Updating the driver of my adapter did nothing, but reinstalling worked. Of course, since I'm typing this, you can tell that it only worked until I shut it down.
Deleting the network from Manage Wireless Networks did absolutely nothing.
The Wireless Network Properties on my desktop are the same as everyone else in my house.
I have Network Discovery on.
I've used different USB ports for my wireless adapter.
I'm thinking of buying a 20m+ Ethernet cable to reach my room, but obviously, before buying anything, if there's a problem I might be able to solve without money, I want to fix it.
Windows troubleshooter? Hah what a joke.

If any more information is needed, please go ahead and ask me, since I'm a complete amateur at these kinds of things.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
A weird thing last week.
Jul 27, 2017 6:38AM PDT

I had an adapter (another make/model) and it would not connect so I tried assigning the IP, netmask and DNS manually and it connected. Later I found remnants of McAfee using Speccy ( https://www.piriform.com/docs/speccy/using-speccy/publishing-a-speccy-profile-to-the-web ) which lead me to run the McAfee Removal tool (see the web.)

After that I was able to return the adapter to stock settings of Obtain an address automatically.

However 20 meters is a bit far at times for WiFi. Get it down to 3 meters for a test.

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Doesn't seem to work
Aug 10, 2017 9:43PM PDT
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20m can be too far in some places.
Aug 12, 2017 8:03AM PDT

Especially if there are walls and floors in the way. Test again at 3 meters line of sight.

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Answer
Wifi - Sync Issues
Jul 27, 2017 12:09PM PDT

From what I can tell, the Ethernet connection to your new computer is connecting to the Internet, however, the wireless connection is not holding onto connectivity. Your wireless adapter or modem are not communicating with each other properly. It is important to verify the status of the lights on these devices. There are some lights on your TP-Link TL-WN821N adapter which may indicate what the wireless disconnects are being caused by. These lights are the following.

Adapter
LED Light

Status
On
- connected

States of the LED light:

Off
The driver has not been installed.
The adapter’s radio has been disabled.

Blinking Slowly
The driver has been installed but no data is being transmitted or received.

Blinking Fast
Data is being transmitted or received.

On your modem/router, the DSL/Cable light and the Internet light should be on if you can connect to the Internet using the Ethernet cable. The Wifi light is important to note the status on.

What are these lights indicating?
This information will give me an idea of where the problem lies.

Nader

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(NT) It's blinking slowly.
Aug 10, 2017 9:20PM PDT
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Answer
Network Discovery
Jul 27, 2017 1:17PM PDT

When you use that, you also have to press a button on the router to allow it to connect and make the proper settings. You can also do manually by getting the wireless settings from the router and then manually entering on your windows if the connection is WEP, WPA, WPA2 and any characters or passphrase for those. Also will need to set windows networking to your SSID. Be sure you have installed the drivers specific to your wireless device FIRST.