Resolving wireless detection setup error when setting up the RE1000 or RE3000W using a Windows® computer

Scenario:  My router is properly configured, why can’t my range extender detect / find any wireless network when I try to set it up using a Windows® computer?  It shows me the Extender setup requires a wireless connection page instead.
 
 
If you have experienced this issue, here are some ways to fix it:
 

Ensure that the extender is within your router's wireless range
Check if your computer’s wireless capability is enabled
Connect to the 2.4 GHz wireless network
Keep your wireless router’s SSID visible

 
Ensure that the extender is within your router's wireless range
 
Make sure that your range extender is within the wireless range of your Linksys router.  You can temporarily place it closer to the router while setting up and transfer it after a successful configuration.  Additionally, there might be signal obstructions between your router and the range extender.  Avoid placing your range extender near metal objects, masonry walls, and reflective surfaces such as mirrors.


Check if your computer’s wireless capability is enabled
 
On your computer's taskbar, the Wireless Network Connection denoted by the wireless  icon should show up.  Otherwise, if you see the Local Area Connection denoted by the wired  icon, disable it and use the wireless connection instead.  Follow the steps below to learn how:  
 
Step 1:
Right-click the wired icon and select Open Network and Sharing Center.
 
 
Step 2:
Once the Network Connections window opens, disable your Local Area Connection to make sure that the wired and wireless connections do not conflict.  Right-click the icon and select Disable.
 
 
Step 3:
Ensure that the Wireless Network Connection option is marked as enabled.  If not, right-click the icon and select Enable.
 

 
 
 
 
If you have a dual-band wireless router, make sure that the 2.4 GHz wireless network is broadcasting.  The computer should be connected to the 2.4 GHz network as the Linksys Wireless-N Range Extenders (RE1000 and RE3000W) are not compatible with the 5 GHz network.
 
Step 1:
On your Desktop taskbar, click the wireless  icon to view the list of available wireless connections.
 
 
Step 2:
Select the wireless network name (SSID) of your 2.4 GHz network.
 
 
Step 3:
Click Connect.
 
NOTE:  You may also check the Connect automatically box for the computer to remember this wireless network.
 
 
Wait until the computer connects successfully to the network.  If you are prompted to enter a network security key or passphrase, enter it on the field provided then click OK.
 
 
Once connected, a white wireless icon will appear.  You should now be connected to your router’s 2.4 GHz network.
 
 
Keep your wireless router’s SSID visible
 
One of the reasons why the range extender can't detect your wireless network is possibly because the router’s SSID may be hidden or disabled.  As a result, the Setup Wizard will not be able to detect your router’s network.
 
 
If you have previously set your network name as hidden, you will need to set the router’s SSID Broadcast feature to Enabled.  To know more about enabling or disabling SSID Broadcast, click
here.
 
 
NOTE:  The SSID Broadcast Enable / Disable feature is only available for Linksys Wi-Fi Routers and Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers with Classic firmware.  This specific feature is no longer supported for routers utilizing a Linksys cloud account.
 
Once done, reconnect your computer and run your range extender’s Setup Wizard again.


Related Articles:


Resolving wireless detection setup error when setting up the RE1000 or RE3000W using a Mac® computer
Setting up your Linksys RE1000, RE3000W, or RE4100W range extender using the setup CD
Setting up the range extender through a wired connection

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