windows could not connect to your preferred wireless network

[PastaFeast]

I'm going to try to give as much information as I can here but to be honest I'm completely in the dark and don't know what's going on.

I have my main PC (win7 connected by cable to Comcast modem) and it has internet and all the modem lights are working. I have two older PCs both with Windows XP that I use a USB WiFi card to access the internet with. Out of nowhere neither one can connect as of this morning. I've never had this problem in 6 years and don't know how to even start finding as solution. All it says when I plug in the card is "windows could not connect to your preferred wireless network". I Google'd that and all I found was a bunch of people saying to clear all stored history of the connection in the settings then try to re-connect and enter my WEP key fresh. I've done that about 10 times on both computers and nothing has changed.

As far as the modem it's just the standard Comcast black tower with the white lights on the front, I don't even know where to look to find the name or anything. On my main PC I've gone into the modem settings for WiFi and it says it's functional. I haven't changed any of the settings in at least a year so I don't think it's anything I did, but given that both my other computers can't connect suddenly on the same day I'm thinking it's a modem setting and not a problem with either PC's settings.

I unplugged the modem and nothing changed, and the WiFi card does get warm and blinks as if it's trying to get the connection, so it could be the card I guess but it seems to be functioning. Any idea on what to even try next? Because I am clueless about this sort of thing and don't want to play around with my modem settings too much out of fear I'll mess it up and not be able to connect at all.

 

[Ralston18]

Seems to me that you have a combination modem/router.

You should be able to find the modem information on the back of the modem or perhaps underneath. Should a label there. Or check your Comcast bill/online account. There should be some listing of the devices (including the modem/router) that you are leasing from Comcast.

Or if you can access the modem's admin screens (as you did to check the modem settings) there should a a Help or About page with information about the modem. Look for any logs entries that indicate a firmware update just before the wireless failed.

It does appear to be a wireless failure of some sort within the cable modem. Even though the modem settings indicate "functional" that may be taking too broad of view to be accurate. Especially if it is somewhere around 6 years old if I understand correctly.

Comcast's Customer Service people may be able to check modem's status from their end. Not sure how deep into the device components they can see and test. I.e., wired components okay. Wireless not okay......

No harm per se in giving them a call. Just be aware that they may try to reset the modem from their end.

A replacement may be necessary so be ready to consider and plan for that.