issue with Windows Vista, connecting to a WiFi AP with Security Enabled

jjjslj

Honorable
Jan 2, 2014
2
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10,510
having a issue with Windows Vista, using a laptop that won't connect to the internet when Security Enabled is active on the WiFi Gateway. Other laptops, Smartphones, etc connect with no issues. When I turn "Security Enabled" off, the connection is made and I can get to the Internet. I've turned of IPv6 as this is a Vista laptop, I've used a Static address, I've removed the wireless connection profiles, and redid them. Still am no able to connect with "Security Enabled" using WPA or WPA2 Personal...
 
The fact that your laptop will connect to an unsecured network, but not otherwise, rather hints that your laptop's wireless adapter is probably an old one which doesn't understand WPA or WPA2 encryption. You will therefore have to try the old WEP encryption (if the router supports it in the wireless options), or buy an external wireless adapter that plugs in to a USB port (a new adapter will definitely support WPA or WPA2 that your router demands).

I certainly would not recommend you leave your wireless network unsecured just for the sake of saving a few quid on an external wireless adapter.