Another computer question....
 

I have a spare laptop (Samsung Chromebook) that I keep for relative visits.
It's about 4 years old and hasn't been used at all since last Christmas.

I went to charge it up today and when I tried to access my Wi-Fi...it kept telling me that my password is incorrect.
I double and triple checked that the ssid and password were up to date....still no go.

Why would this happen and what can I do to fix it?

Also..when first booting it up...it gave me the message that my Chrome was out of date.
(I assume that means the updates are needed. Can't update without wi-fi)

Is there an option under wifi networks to forget the network? I'd do that, then search for and then try to connect entering the ID and password

^^^
I looked for that...couldn't find that option.
I tried adding a new network connection...still wouldn't work.

You can always go into your router settings to double check the password for the SSID you're trying to use. Also, you can use an ethernet cable to connect to a port on your router to update your OS/browser over ethernet and try again on WiFi setting.

I'm wondering if the wireless adapter went kaput.
I don't think it's replaceable and it prob isn't worth it.

The first part you mention...I did.
The second part...I will try that.

I don't have a chromebook so I won't be much help but...
https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/1056578?hl=en

Does your cell phone have a wifi hotspot available? Or go to a location with free wifi?

I wonder if you have a Catch 22 situation. No update, no overcoming the wifi password issue.

If you have a smartphone with hotspot capabilities you can test your wireless adapter theory by using your phone as a hotspot and connecting to it.

I must have been typing as SC was.

I looked at that this am and I still get the message 'bad password'
I could try re-setting my password on the router...but I really don't want to do that. Too many items hooked into the wi-fi.

Yes it does. But I've never used it.

Iphone or Android? Android hotspot I can help with maybe.. Iphone... not so much.

You can secure a hotspot like you do your wifi with a password. Otherwise I think it's just an unsecured network. You open the hotspot (providing your plan allows for wifi hotspot) then refresh the wifi networks on the laptop and Iphone or whatever android based phone you use shows up. Connect to that network. It might warn you that you're connecting to a "metered network" or if no password is set, an unsecured network.

Before I do that...I'll prob just drive to McD's and try to connect in the parking lot.
That should tell me if it's a computer problem or my network.

My phone is an Android.

Grab some fries while you're there!
Android you should be able to access in settings or by pulling down on the bar at the top where your time appears. Pull down on that box again and mobile hotspot should be an option. Click on it to start the hotspot.

From settings go to Connections. Scroll down to Mobile Hotspot and Tethering and tap. You'll see a screen for Hotspot or Bluetooth Tethering. Turn on Mobile Hotspot.

Or just go grab some fries. I love McD's fries. About the only thing I get there.

I use my (secured) cell phone hotspot when my home wifi goes down or when I’m out with my laptop. Super easy and handy.

Same here. I use mine occasionally when I'm out in my shop and can't access the home wifi.

Have you changed the router in the last 4 years? Maybe using a different protocol or speed?

An Operating System stops working:
1. After a certain amount of time
2. When not connected to the internet

Yes, I did...about 6 months ago, I upgraded to Comcast's newest router.
If everything else connected up ok...why wouldn't this Chromebook?
I don't remember having to make any choices for speed or protocol....