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Also..when first booting it up...it gave me the message that my Chrome was out of date.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....

It was a full year or more...but I never heard of that.
If I have to replace it..it's not a big deal. I think I only paid $200 or so for it.

It's pretty hard to argue these logically... but naw :D.

Steve, you changed the router since it last worked.... even though your other devices are fine, "something" is not negotiating properly, or set differently that is causing this imo. Try shutting everything else off, except the router and this one device and see if it connects.

Prolly just needs some hot sauce :D

Hope this helps :)

MickeyD's is a good idea too... supersize the fries!

^^^
Sausage Egg Muffin tomorrow morning....only thing I like at McD's.

If it connects up...I have a problem with my router setup. (and then I'll try what you said)
If it won't connect up...it's a boat anchor.

We shall see.....

I used to like the regular Egg McMuffins ... years ago... back when the fries were much better too. I suspect you will connect just fine to an unsecured/open network. When you get to phase 2, reboot the router also to clear anything it might have cached.

I'd put some hot sauce on that McMuffin too .... that always helps ;)

Good luck!

And it that don't work call Pakist..err... customer service. :)

Something just came to mind.

When I set-up the new router (6 months ago) I used the same name of the network as the password. My logic was that way I wouldn't have to remember it.

I'm wondering if Chrome is set-up to see that as a mistake?
My other two computers and smartphone accepted it. I also have three nestcams and printer all working with the same ssid and password.

So WestMichTurtleMan then?

Could be.... who knows? Simplify the scenario down to just the router and the Chrome device, change it and see.

^^^ Changing the password will be my last resort...and then I'll prob just replace the laptop instead.
There are more things I forgot about connected to the network. Tablet, Kindle reader, bathroom scale, Echo Show ....I'm sure there are more.

No caps in wmtm!

What is the exact model of the Chromebook?

It's a 12 inch Samsung Chromebook
Model XE550C22

Oh. You’ve been magnetized.

Steve,

Definitely the new router.

Regardless if the ssid and password are the same, it is a new connection. Since it is the same name, the chromebook is not recognizing it needs to throw out the old and re-sync to a new connection.

Kinda having a friend named Bob, he moves away, and a new friend comes in. Named Bob.

When you invite him over, the chair you reserved for Bob might have his name on it, but the butt may not fit.

Tabasco would fix it :D!

Ok..the problem is solved.
Went to McD's drive thru this am and ordered a Sausage, Egg and Cheese Muffin. Found a spot right next to the dining area and ate the sandwich.
It was a quality sandwich...so it didn't need any hot sauce. :)

Opened the Chromebook and within a few seconds, the McDonalds site was on the screen.
Tried opening PP and other ones...no go. Message appeared at the bottom each time..."The Chrome license for this device has expired"
So now I know for sure...the problem is with the Chromebook.

Next door is a Walmart...I bought this one to replace it....https://www.walmart.com/ip/SAMSUNG-CB4-11-6-Intel-Celeron-4GB-32GB-Chromebook-XE310XBA-K01US-Google-Classroom-Ready/558190726
Basically enough for emailing and web surfing...that's all I need for guests.

Also, last night when Wildthing inquired of the model, I googled the model and it told me that it's about 9 years old. I thought it was 4 maybe 5.....time flies!

So you are telling me I was wrong... twice! Hell... I only batted .333 in my former day job and you got exactly what ya paid for here .... FREE bad advice :D.

Nicely done :)!

9 years is a pretty good run. I wonder what it would have taken to renew the Chrome license.

^^^ I still don't know why my 'Chrome license' could be expired. Maybe 9 years ago their machines required a renewal?...I don't know.

I guess it was living on borrowed time anyway.

Prob some cash. :)

Yeah, just curious. That had to be an old OS and having a failure couldn't have been too far away. At least you can transfer the files you need along with your new lease on computer life.