Windows 7 Wireless detects networks - but won't connect to some

[gigrafante]

I have Windows 7 Starter in my Acer Aspire One 532h-2527.

The Network Adapter seems to work OK. Several networks are available, should be no problem.

The network I am trying to connect to is a WiFi hotspot that my home ISP, which is OptimumWiFi from Cablevision, has around the area. All I need is my regular user name and password that I use from my home ISP in order to log on.

Problem is, it won't connect to it at all. There's even a yellow "!" next to it to indicate something's wrong.

The exclamation mark appears next to other Wifi hotspots - timewarner, xfinity.

Other networks show up fine, like my neighbor's or a store next door. I click on them, and I am asked to enter the security code/password. That would be fine if I had the password.

But the wireless won't allow me to get to that point at all with the WiFi hotspot.

I contacted my ISP, and they said to contact the maker of the computer.
I contacted Acer, and they said this was an "advanced" problem with the settings in the wireless, and that I had to pay them to get it corrected, even though it was a brand new computer under warranty.

Can anyone help with where and what these settings are supposed to be?

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are facing issues connecting your Acer Aspire One 532h-2527 running Windows 7 Starter to specific WiFi hotspots such as OptimumWiFi from Cablevision, as well as others like timewarner and xfinity. The presence of a yellow exclamation mark next to these networks indicates a problem with the connection. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue: 1. Update Network Adapter Drivers: - Ensure that your network adapter drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause connectivity issues. You can visit Acer's official website, enter your laptop model, and download the latest network adapter drivers. 2. Forget and Reconnect to WiFi Networks: - Try forgetting the problematic WiFi networks and then reconnecting to them. This can sometimes resolve authentication issues. - To forget a network: Go to "Control Panel" > "Network and Sharing Center" > "Manage wireless networks" > Right-click on the network and select "Forget network." - Then try reconnecting by selecting the network from the list and entering the correct password. 3. Check WiFi Security Type: - Ensure that your WiFi hotspot settings match the security type supported by your laptop. Common security types include WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Make sure your laptop supports the security type used by the WiFi hotspot. 4. Reset TCP/IP Stack: - Sometimes resetting the TCP/IP stack can resolve network connectivity issues. - Open a command prompt with administrative privileges and type the following commands:

 netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset

- Restart your computer after running these commands. 5. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings: - Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the connection. Temporarily disable these software tools and try connecting to the WiFi hotspot again. 6. Reset Network Settings: - You can also try resetting the network settings on your laptop. Follow these steps: - Open a command prompt with administrative privileges and run the following command:

 netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt

- Restart your computer after running the command. Try these steps to see if they help resolve the connectivity issues with the WiFi hotspots. If the problem persists, feel free to provide more details so we can assist you further.