Macbook Help

delhome

I recieved an apple mac today (from a win) and have spent several hours trying to connect it to a wireless network, but have got nowhere. I keep getting an error message. My router is a 3com. Any help would be appreciated.

Marty_J

What error are you getting?

It's very simple. Click the airport icon in the menu bar, and if your network is listed, select it and enter your network key. If it's not listed, select "Join other network" and enter your network details.

Tiddler_2

In the top right hand corner of the screen you'll see a magnifying glass.

This is the spotlight facility - enter network in the box and then click on network under system preferences (system preferences may also be in the dock at the bottom of the screen)

You should be able to work through the options from there by clicking on assist me - you'll need the password for your router in order to connect.

human_being_3

Even though you won it, you should still qualify for the free 90 days support that comes with every mac. There should be details in the documents that came with the macbook.

Just call the support tel no and they will talk you through your set up. they are very helpful.

have the unique reference number of your machine to hand when you call.

delhome

Marty_J wrote: »

What error are you getting?

It's very simple. Click the airport icon in the menu bar, and if your network is listed, select it and enter your network key. If it's not listed, select "Join other network" and enter your network details.

We have tried that several times with no luck.

delhome

The error message is

There was an error joining the airport network

Leopard

Firstly, check whether MAC filtering is enabled on your router.

("MAC" is nothing to do with Apple "Mac", it's a security facility used in conjunction with all networkable devices. Every network port - Ethernet, Airport, Bluetooth - has its own unique MAC ID number. If MAC filtering is enabled on your router, your router will only permit access to its network if the MAC number of the device is on its Access List - so, you'd have to add to that the MAC ID of your MacBook's Airport card. It's also a good idea to add the MAC ID of its Ethernet card, in case you ever want to connect to it by Ethernet lead. Usually, however, if you're being excluded by MAC filtering from joining a network, you'll get an error message to the effect that your MacBook is not on the router's Access List.

Secondly, when you follow the procedure explained by Marty J above, experiment with the different encryption options you are offered. If you're not sure what (if any) encryption your wireless router is using, try with None, with WEP Password, with WPA Personal and with WPA2 Personal. If you attempt to connect with WPA2 Personal to a wireless router that's encrypting with WPA - or select any other mismatch - you'll get the error message that you've reported.

delhome

I have tried all the above, even turned off the encryption on the router. Still nothing wirelessly but the laptop will connect when the ethernet cable is plugged in. I've downloaded the software updates too, still not working. I did try and call Apple to use the free 90 days support but I was told I would be charged as the macbook was out of the 90 days and had no warranty:eek:. I explained to them that it was a win and had only just received it but without proof of purchase or confirmation by the promoter they would not help.
Tried contacting the promoter yesterday but the guy I needed to speak to wasnt in!!!

seadee

Who is you ISP?
I had some problems with a MAC on o2 broadband and phoned o2 up and the guy was superb, talked me through setting it up step by step. No problems whatsoever.
I also know someone who did this with talk talk

delhome

I am with the post office

seadee

Maybe worth giving their technical helpline a call. Not sure how much it costs mind you.
(o2 support is free - which is a bonus)