I need a computer Geek

[Paul B]

My wife got me a new Chromebook lap top for Christmas.
It connects to the network but only stays connected for a minute. The thing says the signal is strong and it is only 10' from the router but it keeps falling off line and says, "Site can't be reached"

Then I have to take it off the network and put it on again.

My other 2 computers and phone work fine.

Anybody know what to do?

 

[Katrina71]

My wife got me a new Chromebook lap top for Christmas.
It connects to the network but only stays connected for a minute. The thing says the signal is strong and it is only 10' from the router but it keeps falling off line and says, "Site can't be reached"

Then I have to take it off the network and put it on again.

My other 2 computers and phone work fine.

Anybody know what to do?

Try an Asus receiver that plugs into the USB

 

[Katrina71]

Google and see what you think

 

[Quietman]

Try deleting the all the site cookies and site data first. Should be under settings and privacy somewhere (not all that familiar with Chromebooks - this is generic).

Then check if device is saving power by shutting down wireless connections

Then try your proxy settings...no sure what's device specific for Chromebook, but try allowing proxies if not selected.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Need to learn computer language paul. Computers like to be called “Grand Overmind”. So begin every conversation with “My grand Overmind” and end with “yes my liege” and they always see to work for me.

Using your phone go to app store and search network tester. Use this to test the network strength of your home network. May need to add a repeater or signal booster. You would be surprised how effective things like walls, doors, glasses of water, your hair dryer are at disrupting network signals are.

 

[Quietman]

Also frequently the browser and OS out of the box isn't updated to latest versions. Do that first.

I did a quick google on your issue and there are several good walk-throughs - looks like a common issue...find the one that seems easiest to you but only use the ones that do not try and sell you their 'fix it' app install. :)

 

[Webslinger]

There this thing called GOOGLE..HaHa https://support.google.com/chromebook/thread/1594115?hl=en

 

[Paul B]

Try an Asus receiver that plugs into the USB

Katrina, in English please. I'm old. ;Bucktooth

Try deleting the all the site cookies and site data first. Should be under settings and privacy somewhere (not all that familiar with Chromebooks - this is generic).

Then check if device is saving power by shutting down wireless connections

Then try your proxy settings...no sure what's device specific for Chromebook, but try allowing proxies if not selected.

I deleted everything, but the thing is only 2 weeks old.
I don't know how to check if it is shutting down wireless connections but in a few minutes I will throw it through the window so I know it will shut down. :mad:

Whats a Proxy setting?

Gareth. My other ones work fine and they are far from the router. It says the signal strength is very good and even reads good when it goes offline. Then I have to remove the WyFi and put it on again.

I have not used a hair drier since Nixon was President. he was after Lincoln.

Also frequently the browser and OS out of the box isn't updated to latest versions. Do that first.

I think I did that.

 

[hyprc]

There this thing called GOOGLE..HaHa https://support.google.com/chromebook/thread/1594115?hl=en

Us 'tech' people know that (heck, 90% of being a programmer or learning to program is having decent Google Fu) but others don't get that Google is the one true source of knowledge in the universe (j/k :)).

Yah if you have a piece of hardware and it's having a persistent issue for no obvious reason, chances are if you google the model you own and a concise description of the problem (remember, google works of Key Words), there's usually numerous people that have already asked the question and gotten a reliable solution. So yes, the right answer is Google it ;)

Looks like they went pretty cheap on network hardware plus poor firmware to boot in this case. Attributing the issue to forcing 5ghz signal acquisition ignoring 2.4 which travels better/more reliably plus ONLY utilizing channels 1, 6, and 11 because other channels can be 'problematic'? Quackery. This is why I don't buy laptops built off of cell phone architecture. No thanks.

Source: Bachelor's in Computer Science

 

[Paul B]

Looks like they went pretty cheap on network hardware plus poor firmware to boot in this case. Attributing the issue to forcing 5ghz signal acquisition ignoring 2.4 which travels better/more reliably plus ONLY utilizing channels 1, 6, and 11 because other channels can be 'problematic'? Quackery. This is why I don't buy laptops built off of cell phone architecture. No thanks.

Source: Bachelor's in Computer Science

I am an inventor, writer, tinkerer, double patent owner, mechanic, plumber, carpenter, Veteran, and electrician but I have no Idea what that means. I was born in 1948, thats the year after they invented black and white TVs. There were no transistors, cell phones, credit cards, MP3 players, Nike sneakers, Myley Cyruses, radial tires, air conditioning, plastic and certainly computers. I had an abacus and my fingers. :oops:

Is there an easy fix for this problem like changing a ball joint or adjusting a hydraulic lifter on a 1955 Oldsmobile?

 

[WVNed]

I am of the magical generation. I can change a ball joint, adjust lifters and fix computers.
You need to stay current Paul.
Keeps you young.

anyone need a modem

 

[hyprc]

I am an inventor, writer, tinkerer, double patent owner, mechanic, plumber, carpenter, Veteran, and electrician but I have no Idea what that means. I was born in 1948, thats the year after they invented black and white TVs. There were no transistors, cell phones, credit cards, MP3 players, Nike sneakers, Myley Cyruses, radial tires, air conditioning, plastic and certainly computers. I had an abacus and my fingers. :oops:

Is there an easy fix for this problem like changing a ball joint or adjusting a hydraulic lifter on a 1955 Oldsmobile?

I'll quote the relevant post below and leave it up to you if it's simple enough. I'm guessing you don't have anyone more comfortable digging around networks settings around to help tackle this? Just some troubleshooting tips relating to that device.


QUOTE:
"
It's important to determine if your WiFi problem happens at all WiFi networks, or just at home.

If you are having problems re-connecting to your WiFi after your Chromebook goes to sleep, try this:
Go to settings > advanced > privacy & security > keep wifi on during sleep. Enable that option. It seems to help some users. Also, make your network "preferred"

The only way to determine if your connectivity problem is caused by your Chromebook or your router is to test the Chromebook at other locations. If it can't connect anywhere, the problem is in your Chromebook and you will need to contact the manufacturer or a repair shop.

If you are using a managed device from a school or company, it may be restricted to only certain networks. Contact your administrator if that is the case.

If you can connect to the WiFi network, but you can't get any internet content, you are probably dealing with a captive portal WiFi system. Let us know if that is the situation, and we can give you some techniques that will help you sign in to the portal.

If you can connect properly at other WiFi locations such as a coffee shop, it's the router, or router settings.
But all my other computers and my Xbox and my phone work fine.
It's the router.
But I know it's not the router.
It's the router.
But . . .
It's the router.

See this Help site to get started with troubleshooting. Be aware that some older routers simply aren't compatible with Chromebooks due to incomplete or obsolete network protocol implementations. The Chromebook is always being updated to provide the latest and most secure connections possible.

Run the Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics to help identify the actual problem. You can download that app here if it is not already installed:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/...-diagn/eemlkeanncmjljgehlbplemhmdmalhdc?hl=en

If you have access to your router's settings, these tweaks often solve the problem:

1. A firmware update in the router can sometimes fix compatibility issues.
2. If your router is dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz), assign a different SSID to each band. This will let you choose the band and see if one works better than the other for your location in your house. 5GHz does not travel through walls and floors well. Your Chromebook may try to connect to the 5 GHz band, and then have problems reconnecting in a weaker signal area of your home..
3. In the WiFi security settings, make sure that your encryption is set to WPA2-PSK with AES Encryption. Disable TKIP if it is enabled. You may have to select WPA/WPA2. Do not select WPA only, as it is not secure.
4. Disable WPS.
5. Disable WMM/QoS
6. Check (or temporarily disable) firewall settings to see if ports or sites are being blocked that may impact normal internet use.
7. Change the name servers from your ISP's default to Google's servers, 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
8. Make sure the 2.4 GHz channel is set to only 1, 6, or 11. Other channels can cause problems.
9. Test for Bluetooth interference - temporarily turn off Bluetooth and see if that helps. If it does, change WiFi channel and try again with Bluetooth turned on.
10. Use a tool like farproc’s WiFi Analyzer on your phone (Android or iOS) to look for nearby routers causing interference.
    • https://sites.google.com/site/farproc/wifi-analyzer
    • Look for other nearby routers operating on the unapproved channels and choose your channel for minimal interference.
11. Do not use a hidden SSID - it really does nothing to improve security! Some Chromebooks will have problems connecting to a hidden SSID.
12. Save the changes and reboot the router
13. Reboot the Chromebook - do a complete power down, don;t just close the lid.

Also, if you are in a country other than the US, and you have a Chromebook that was produced for the US market, there may be an incompatibility between the router's radio channel and the Chromebook. US devices are restricted to channels 1-11, while channels 12-14 may be in use in other countries.
"
ENDQUOTE


I do see users in the thread reporting they've had success after going through all these steps (haven't seen one pointing to a specific step yet, sorry. my point before is the device was built to a cost unfortunately).

 

[Katrina71]

Or you can go to Best Buy and say help! Bring the Chromebook with you.

 

[hyprc]

Or you can go to Best Buy and say help! Bring the Chromebook with you.

And hope Geek Squad doesn't charge you an exorbitant rate along with hoping it's not a router firmware or compatibility issue ;)

 

[Paul B]

If you are having problems re-connecting to your WiFi after your Chromebook goes to sleep, try this:
Go to settings > advanced > privacy & security > keep wifi on during sleep. Enable that option. It seems to help some users. Also, make your network "preferred"

Thanks, these settings were all like you said so I didn't have to do anything.
The other WIFI things like my 3 Alexa's and phones all work fine.

f you can connect to the WiFi network, but you can't get any internet content, you are probably dealing with a captive portal WiFi system. Let us know if that is the situation, and we can give you some techniques that will help you sign in to the portal.

No, once it's on line, which is most of the time, like now, I can connect to the network. This morning it is working, so far. But normally, if I stay on for a few minutes, it will just keep loading even though the thing says the "Signal for that network I am on is strong".


Then when I click on that "strong" network symbol" at the bottom right, it says "no internet connection".
So I click that to turn off that network, and click it back on then it works again for a few minutes, or an hour.

Run the Chrome Connectivity Diagnostics to help identify the actual problem. You can download that app here if it is not already installed:

I ran this and it says my network appears to be working fine.

If your router is dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz), assign a different SSID to each band. This will let you choose the band and see if one works better than the other for your location in your house. 5GHz does not travel through walls and floors well. Your Chromebook may try to connect to the 5 GHz band, and then have problems reconnecting in a weaker signal area of your home..

The router only has one band printed on it and we have to have Optimum. It has worked for 2 years with everything else here.
I don't think it is the WiFi as the 3 Alexa's and two phones and other two computers + TV all work fine including Netflix which comes over that same connection. Just my un educated theory of course.

Be aware that some older routers simply aren't compatible with Chromebooks due to incomplete or obsolete network protocol implementations.

This router was just replaced by Optimun a few months ago for a different reason.

There is a setting for this: Reset sync to clear your data from the server and remove your passphrase. This will not clear data from your devices. Sign back in to Chrome to start syncing.

But I am afraid I will not be able to get the thing working again if I use it?

1. n the WiFi security settings, make sure that your encryption is set to WPA2-PSK with AES Encryption. Disable TKIP if it is enabled. You may have to select WPA/WPA2. Do not select WPA only, as it is not secure.
2. Disable WPS.
3. Disable WMM/QoS

I can't
find the WiFi security settings under "security. It doesn't give me that option.

Thanks, I will have to get back to this later and finish the rest of your "fixes"

Have to take the wife to Dr's.

 

[Slim_Okrug]

Try puting DNS server of google 8.8.8.8 and alternate DNS to 8.8.4.4 in options of network adapter in tcpip4 settings.

 

[siggy]

Do they have 14-year olds up in the Hampton's? You can't get them to mow the lawn, but they will run over to exert their
tech dominance. Your revenge will be when their car won't start or when they have to pay $75 for an oil change.