Solved Android phone can't connect to Windows 8.1 Wi-Fi hotspot

williamdry

New Member
Messages
33
Hi All,

I have a Dell laptop running Windows 8.1 connected to the internet through a mobile broadband connection. I am trying to share this connection with my Android phone (Samsung Galaxy Pocket) by creating a Wi-Fi hotspot but nothing I do seems to work.

Here’s the problem: I can create the Wi-Fi hotspot and connect to it on my phone but there is no internet connectivity; i.e. my phone says it’s connected but every time I try to browse the internet or use anything on my phone that requires internet connection it fails to load. Internet works fine (perfectly up to speed) on my laptop.

The problem is not my phone; it connects fine to other Wi-Fi networks e.g. Wi-Fi routers etc. It is as if my computer is only sharing a very slow internet connection.

I have tried using the built in sharing option (i.e. PC settings>Network>Connections>MTN-SA>Share this connection), desktop programs such as Connectify or MyPublicWifi (which stop my computer from connecting to mobile broadband at all), and command prompt (netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NetworkName key=MyPassword) but they all have the same problem that I described earlier.

If anyone has any ideas I would be grateful to hear them!
Thanks,

William Dry.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspirion 3521-3829
    CPU
    Intel Pentium CPU 2117U @ 1.80GHz
    Memory
    RAM: 4.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Screen Resolution
    Resolution: 1366x768 Refresh Rate: 60p Hz
    Hard Drives
    Internal hard-drive: 500GB
    Internet Speed
    D: 3.15Mbps U: 0.46Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    avast! antivirus
You need to bridge the Wifi adapter to the Mobile connection in Windows.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Hi All,

I have a Dell laptop running Windows 8.1 connected to the internet through a mobile broadband connection. I am trying to share this connection with my Android phone (Samsung Galaxy Pocket) by creating a Wi-Fi hotspot but nothing I do seems to work.

Here’s the problem: I can create the Wi-Fi hotspot and connect to it on my phone but there is no internet connectivity; i.e. my phone says it’s connected but every time I try to browse the internet or use anything on my phone that requires internet connection it fails to load. Internet works fine (perfectly up to speed) on my laptop.

The problem is not my phone; it connects fine to other Wi-Fi networks e.g. Wi-Fi routers etc. It is as if my computer is only sharing a very slow internet connection.

I have tried using the built in sharing option (i.e. PC settings>Network>Connections>MTN-SA>Share this connection), desktop programs such as Connectify or MyPublicWifi (which stop my computer from connecting to mobile broadband at all), and command prompt (netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NetworkName key=MyPassword) but they all have the same problem that I described earlier.

If anyone has any ideas I would be grateful to hear them!
Thanks,

William Dry.

Have you tried using virtual router + to set this up?

Virtual Wifi Hotspot for Windows 7 & 8 - Download: VirtualRouterPlus 2.3.0

Try this setting on your PC. Go to Wireless Adapter settings. Right click your adapter and choose properties. Click configure. Go to the Advanced Tab. There you will see a box called Property with a list of items. Look for "Wireless Mode" Click on it. you will then see a value box appear to the right of it. Look and see what it's set on. Click on the pull down in the value box and change it to IEE 802.11 b/g. Then reboot both devices and cross your fingers.

Changing encryption or using no encryption may also help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
Hi chev65,

When I try and start Virtual Router + the following Error message comes up:
Virtual Router Plus could not be started. Supported hardware may not have been found.
What does this mean? Is my Wi-Fi driver not configured properly or something?

On my wireless adapter settings there is no "Wireless Mode". It is Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b|g|n (2.4GHz) wireless driver and in the Property box you described it only lists the following:

802.11b Preamble
802.11n Bandwidth
Network Address
Receive Buffers
Scan Valid Interval
Transmit Buffers

I have no idea what any of these mean. Could it be one of these that you were referring to?

Hi broe23,

I'm not sure what you mean. Could you please explain what that means and how to do that?

Thanks for all your help,
William Dry.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspirion 3521-3829
    CPU
    Intel Pentium CPU 2117U @ 1.80GHz
    Memory
    RAM: 4.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Screen Resolution
    Resolution: 1366x768 Refresh Rate: 60p Hz
    Hard Drives
    Internal hard-drive: 500GB
    Internet Speed
    D: 3.15Mbps U: 0.46Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    avast! antivirus
The only requirement is that the driver for the Dell 1703 needs to be a WHQL Windows approved driver because those drivers come with the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter as is highlighted in the picture. This Dell NIC many not have those adjustments I mentioned earlier.

You need to click on the "View" tab then choose "show hidden devices" in order to see these extra items.
 

Attachments

  • Msoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.PNG
    Msoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.PNG
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
So how can I make sure that it is a Windows approved driver? I seem to have an awful number of network adapters. I also seem to have two Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapters, not sure why. Here is a screenshot of my network adapters in case that help you to understand my problem.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot (16).png
    Screenshot (16).png
    38.1 KB · Views: 222

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspirion 3521-3829
    CPU
    Intel Pentium CPU 2117U @ 1.80GHz
    Memory
    RAM: 4.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Screen Resolution
    Resolution: 1366x768 Refresh Rate: 60p Hz
    Hard Drives
    Internal hard-drive: 500GB
    Internet Speed
    D: 3.15Mbps U: 0.46Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    avast! antivirus
If the Msoft Wi-Fi direct adaptor shows up that means it's a WHQL driver.

You should probably uninstall all the ones that appear to be ghosted, Windows will install any that it needs on reboot or choose the scan for changes options.

If you are trying to share a connection with only 2 bars signal strength that may not work very well for you.

If you can post a screen shot of the ipconfig/all from this machine it might show me other problems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
There is always only 2 bars but I generally pick up either HSUPA or UMTS signal which means my internet speed is minimum 3Mbps download speed (I checked at Speedtest.net by Ookla - The Global Broadband Speed Test ) which I would have thought is fast enough.

I presume you mean I must type
Code:
ipconfig/all
into command prompt? Well here it is (2 images). If that is what you mean you could have made it a bit clearer by wrapping the command in code tags (as I have done) :)
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot (17).png
    Screenshot (17).png
    183.4 KB · Views: 275
  • Screenshot (18).png
    Screenshot (18).png
    177.2 KB · Views: 180

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspirion 3521-3829
    CPU
    Intel Pentium CPU 2117U @ 1.80GHz
    Memory
    RAM: 4.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Screen Resolution
    Resolution: 1366x768 Refresh Rate: 60p Hz
    Hard Drives
    Internal hard-drive: 500GB
    Internet Speed
    D: 3.15Mbps U: 0.46Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    avast! antivirus
After reading around on this it seems that android phones in particular have trouble connecting to many different WiFi hotspots.

There are similar complaints at the Windows 7 forum with android not connecting to WiFi hotspots as well.

If I had a nickel for every time I've had to wrap ipconfig/all in code tag I'd be a freaking millionaire by now. ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
Haha ok, well thanks for your help... Maybe it is just my phone. Not sure if I should mark this thread as solved or not? I haven't solved my problem...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspirion 3521-3829
    CPU
    Intel Pentium CPU 2117U @ 1.80GHz
    Memory
    RAM: 4.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Screen Resolution
    Resolution: 1366x768 Refresh Rate: 60p Hz
    Hard Drives
    Internal hard-drive: 500GB
    Internet Speed
    D: 3.15Mbps U: 0.46Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    avast! antivirus
I recently got this to work. There is a neat little desktop program called HotSpot in Windows 8.1 which I didn't notice before (or maybe it's new?). It does this perfectly and my phone connects fine.

Thanks for all the help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspirion 3521-3829
    CPU
    Intel Pentium CPU 2117U @ 1.80GHz
    Memory
    RAM: 4.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Screen Resolution
    Resolution: 1366x768 Refresh Rate: 60p Hz
    Hard Drives
    Internal hard-drive: 500GB
    Internet Speed
    D: 3.15Mbps U: 0.46Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    avast! antivirus
I recently got this to work. There is a neat little desktop program called HotSpot in Windows 8.1 which I didn't notice before (or maybe it's new?). It does this perfectly and my phone connects fine.

Thanks for all the help.

Hello williamdry, can you please give more details about how did you manage to get it working. I am experiencing the same symptoms with my Lenovo laptop & Android phone. Many thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Flex 2-15
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-4510U 2 x 2600 MHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo Flex 2-15
    Memory
    1 x 8.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 840M
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG 2015
I recently got this to work. There is a neat little desktop program called HotSpot in Windows 8.1 which I didn't notice before (or maybe it's new?). It does this perfectly and my phone connects fine.

Thanks for all the help.

Hello williamdry, can you please give more details about how did you manage to get it working. I am experiencing the same symptoms with my Lenovo laptop & Android phone. Many thanks.

Welcome to the forum!

I believe he used this: Wi-Fi HotSpot Pro app for Windows in the Windows Store
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
Many thanks popeye for your concern, but unfortunately the Wi-Fi Hotspot Pro app is a photo album with some pictures inside on how to create your own hotspot using CMD (command prompt). My situation is that i already have a hotspot configured, it shares the internet connection with other laptops but not with android phones. I have checked the the connectivity issue with multiple laptops & multiple android phones just to be sure that this is not a problem related to a specific laptop or/and android phone.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Flex 2-15
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-4510U 2 x 2600 MHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo Flex 2-15
    Memory
    1 x 8.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 840M
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG 2015
Hi Golfuletzmk5, the program I used is called HotSpot and looks like this (Screenshot attached).Capture.JPG I didn't install this program so I assume it comes pre-installed on Windows 8, or maybe it comes with the Windows 8.1 update. At first it worked perfectly for me but recently it has stopped working. When I try to connect my phone it says "Network disabled, poor connection" even though the signal strength is 4 bars. There is nothing specific that happened that may have caused it to stop working that I can remember. So I have started to think that maybe the problem is Android. My phone still connects fine to other WiFi networks with much lower signal strength so I'm not sure. Good luck!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspirion 3521-3829
    CPU
    Intel Pentium CPU 2117U @ 1.80GHz
    Memory
    RAM: 4.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Screen Resolution
    Resolution: 1366x768 Refresh Rate: 60p Hz
    Hard Drives
    Internal hard-drive: 500GB
    Internet Speed
    D: 3.15Mbps U: 0.46Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    avast! antivirus
Hi Golfuletzmk5, the program I used is called HotSpot and looks like this (Screenshot attached).View attachment 58810 I didn't install this program so I assume it comes pre-installed on Windows 8, or maybe it comes with the Windows 8.1 update. At first it worked perfectly for me but recently it has stopped working. When I try to connect my phone it says "Network disabled, poor connection" even though the signal strength is 4 bars. There is nothing specific that happened that may have caused it to stop working that I can remember. So I have started to think that maybe the problem is Android. My phone still connects fine to other WiFi networks with much lower signal strength so I'm not sure. Good luck!

Hello williamdry, thanks for your reply. In my case it is not the Android device, since i have tried to access the internet connection when i was allready connected to the hotspot with 3 different android devices, at the end i had the same result. If i connect a laptop to the other laptop's hotspot, everything works out fine and web pages load properly.
About the Hotpot program, do you have any help or about menu that can provide who is the manufacturer ?

Many thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Flex 2-15
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-4510U 2 x 2600 MHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo Flex 2-15
    Memory
    1 x 8.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 840M
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG 2015
It seems to be published by Qualcomm Atheros. Capture.JPG But I can't find where to download this program on their website
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Single Language 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspirion 3521-3829
    CPU
    Intel Pentium CPU 2117U @ 1.80GHz
    Memory
    RAM: 4.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Screen Resolution
    Resolution: 1366x768 Refresh Rate: 60p Hz
    Hard Drives
    Internal hard-drive: 500GB
    Internet Speed
    D: 3.15Mbps U: 0.46Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    avast! antivirus
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
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