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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Desktops > Mac Mini-can't connect to internet suddenly

Mac Mini-can't connect to internet suddenly
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steve666
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Feb 29, 2016, 01:47 PM
 
Hey all,
All of a sudden my Mini won't connect to the internet. I checked network settings and it said cable unplugged or not responding at the other end.
I re-set the modem, unplugged and plugged the cables back in, even bought new cables and it still doesn't work.
Time Warner checked on their end and said the modem is receiving the signal, went through the re-set process again and still nothing.
I checked system information and when I click on ethernet card it says:
"this computer does not appear to have any PCI ethernet card installed."
Are they referring to the card than came built in to the computer or were they looking for a different card?
Does this mean my ethernet card is shot?

Thanks for any help. Time Warner is coming tonight but if it's not the modem it will be a waste of time.
     
reader50
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Feb 29, 2016, 01:53 PM
 
It's a bad software update Apple pushed to you.

News post announcing the problem.

Solutions post.
     
steve666  (op)
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Feb 29, 2016, 02:12 PM
 
Holy crap! Thanks Apple

I don't have wi-fi set up.
Excuse my ignorance on the issue but do I have to have a wireless router? I have airport inside my Mini of course and this is the only computer I use. Will Time Warner be able to set up wi-fi without having a wireless router or modem?
I'm sensitive to wi-fi so I never use it but it would be nice to have the option without having to attach a separate wireless device.

Thank you for this info by the way, I never would have known otherwise. I was assuming I'd have to bring my Mini to the Apple Store to get the card replaced.
The fix seems pretty complicated if I can't get online but if I can turn on wi-fi without an external device that would be great
     
reader50
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Feb 29, 2016, 02:20 PM
 
Post your modem model (and router model, if you have one), and we can look it up. They don't always have external antenna, even when they have wi-fi.

You'll need a separate computer (older comp sitting around?) to log into the modem / router config page, to turn wi-fi on.
     
steve666  (op)
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Feb 29, 2016, 02:34 PM
 
It's an Arris CM820.
I don't have another computer though.
     
reader50
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Feb 29, 2016, 03:26 PM
 
That one doesn't have wireless, sorry.

Time Warner can get you a wireless modem (or gateway) and it will likely arrive with wireless running. You'd just copy the password from the sticker into your AirPort config.

Might it be faster to carry your Mini into an Apple Store than wait for a TW install guy? TW is also likely to charge more each month for a wireless device.
     
steve666  (op)
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Feb 29, 2016, 03:36 PM
 
Thank you for checking.
I'm thinking of having them install a wireless modem just so I can get wi-fi to update the computer and get ethernet working again, then having him put the old one back.
I printed out the fix without a wi-fi connection but what a pain in the butt!
     
steve666  (op)
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Feb 29, 2016, 05:53 PM
 
Decided to just do it without the wi-fi. T/W may charge me since it's not their fault
     
steve666  (op)
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Feb 29, 2016, 10:17 PM
 
The fix worked like a charm and it was pretty easy.
Thank you very much for your help, this was driving me nuts
     
Mike Wuerthele
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Feb 29, 2016, 10:23 PM
 
You're welcome
     
steve666  (op)
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Feb 29, 2016, 10:38 PM
 
I have one more question, though.
I want to get a Cat6 ethernet cable to connect my Mac Mini to the modem (I have a Cat5 now)
I see them called different things-duplex, patch cable although they have the same male to male connectors.
I need a 6-7 foot cable. Is any brand better than another? I see Staples sells Belkin cords for less than $7, yet in the store the Staples brand cost $19.99. They also sell Triplite cables for under $7.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
     
Mike Wuerthele
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Feb 29, 2016, 10:46 PM
 
     
steve666  (op)
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Feb 29, 2016, 11:31 PM
 
OK, I will check it out.
What do you think of this brand and the claim that many brand cables don't even test well?

Data Cables at Blue Jeans Cable
     
Mike Wuerthele
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Mar 1, 2016, 12:16 AM
 
I'm sure that not every cable is created equal, but you're looking for a very short run. Like with HDMI, six-seven feet isn't a big deal.
     
steve666  (op)
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Mar 1, 2016, 12:21 AM
 
Monoprice doesn't have a 7 footer so I guess I'll go with Belkin.
     
reader50
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Mar 1, 2016, 02:27 AM
 
Monoprice doesn't have a 7-footer? I count twelve.
     
steve666  (op)
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Mar 1, 2016, 11:48 AM
 
OK, how did I miss that? When I did a search only some red ones showed up.
How good can they be for less than $2 a cable? Pretty amazing if they are, that's a heck of a price
     
Mike Wuerthele
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Mar 1, 2016, 12:04 PM
 
The only cables I buy are Monoprice cables. Never had a problem.
     
steve666  (op)
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Mar 1, 2016, 04:58 PM
 
Well then I may have to try it out, the price is unreal. I can get 2, one for my mother's older Mini
     
steve666  (op)
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Mar 1, 2016, 05:11 PM
 
I just ordered 2 white cables. Total with shipping $10 and change. Amazing.
Thanks again
     
   
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