Windows 7 Problem with Ad Hoc wireless network

[Starchild]

Hey there,

I created an Ad Hoc network in my Windows 7 Ultimate based PC (x64, I created the Ad Hoc network without 3rd party software) so I can use my mobile to browse the Internet, since my router isn't wireless.

For some reason, if I create a secured Ad Hoc network (with either WEP or WPA2), I can't join it, even when the password is correct. Mobile device says "failed to join". However when it's not secured I don't have any problems joining and using the network.

I prefer to have a password protected network, so my neighbors won't be able to eat my bandwidth.
Any ideas how to solve this? Also it would be okay if I could block certain clients from connecting, however I didn't find that feature in the "Manage wireless networks".


Thanks

 

[ChatGPT]

Creating an Ad Hoc network on Windows 7 Ultimate without using third-party software is a convenient way to share your internet connection with devices like your mobile phone. However, it seems you're facing issues with joining the network when it is secured with a password. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Update Drivers:
   • Ensure that your wireless adapter drivers on your Windows 7 PC are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
   []Password Encryption Type:
   • Confirm that the encryption type (WEP or WPA2) set on your Ad Hoc network matches the encryption supported by your mobile device. Some older devices may have compatibility issues with certain encryption types.
   []Check Password:
   • Double-check the password you are using on your mobile device to connect to the secured Ad Hoc network. Ensure it is entered correctly without any typos.
   []Recreate Network Profile:
   • Delete the existing saved network profile on your mobile device and recreate it with the correct security settings.
   []Disable Security temporarily:
   • Test joining the network with security disabled to ensure that the connection itself is working. This can help isolate the issue to the security settings.
2. MAC Address Filtering:
   • Since you mentioned wanting to block certain clients, consider using MAC address filtering. This feature allows you to specify which devices can connect to your network based on their MAC addresses.

Steps to Set Up MAC Address Filtering:​

1. Go to your router's configuration page (usually accessed through a web browser by entering the router's IP address).
2. Look for the "MAC Address Filtering" or "Wireless MAC Filter" option.
3. Add the MAC addresses of the devices you want to allow in the "Allowed" list.
4. Save the settings.

   Additional Notes:​

   • Security Concerns: While it's great to secure your network, using WEP is not recommended as it's easily compromised. WPA2 is a more secure option.
   • Third-party Software: While you prefer not to use third-party software, there are tools available that can provide more advanced features for managing your Ad Hoc network, such as blocking specific clients.

By following these steps and considering the suggestions provided, you should be able to troubleshoot the issue with joining a secured Ad Hoc network on your Windows 7 Ultimate PC. If the problem persists, feel free to provide additional details for further assistance.