Wifi Key not accepted for installation of Dell 305W

alex829,

You'll need to uninstall the printer on your computer, then restart your computer.

On the printer, click on the wrench, look for reset the wireless adapter back to factory settings and reset the adapter.

You'll then need to install the printer like you did when you got it.

Rick

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the response.

I did as you suggested but unfortunately when I got to the stage of inputting the security key I got the same message that it was invalid. Unless I can get the printer to accept what I know is the valid key then I am stuck.

If you have any more things that I can try then I would be glad to hear from you again.

Regards Alex.

Alex,

If the network name and password are the same as the old router, then it may be having issues clearing the old network and password from the memory. You can try the setup, but try using the neighbors network, then fake a password. You should get the error message, then try your own network and the correct password.

I use these Recommended Wireless Router Settings I use channel 11. Channels 1, 6 or 11 work best for wireless devices. My wireless router states I am using WPA - WPA2 Personal Security.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I usually recommend the procedure listed below.

From the Announcement at the top of the page, Windows 10 Compatibility with Dell Printers

Dell suggests...

Installing Older Windows Printer Drivers in Windows 10

Try this procedure and see if the printer installs.

First run Delete Print Jobs to remove any stuck print job in the queue.

Disconnect the printer.

Hit the Windows key and the x keys at the same time, programs and features, your printer, uninstall.

Restart your computer. Make sure the printer is removed. Manual Printer Driver Removal

Click on the wrench, look for reset the wireless adapter back to factory settings and reset the printers wireless adapter. This may take a minute or two.

Download the Vista 32-bit drivers for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 32-bit or the Vista 64-bit drivers for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 64-bit. Install the Vista drivers in the Vista Compatibility mode you’ll get a message, the printer is not connected. Connect the printer at this time (powered on).

Links to the drivers can be found at…

Dell V305 & V305w All-In-One Printer owners thread (W7)

Remember virus programs and firewalls will block communications.

Rick

Hi Rick,

Thank you so much for your continued assistance, it is very much appreciated.

Just to clarify my new network name and password are different from the old one so I guess there shouldn't be any problem clearing them. Also I am running Windows 8.1.  Anyway I downloaded the drivers for Vista and followed all your instructions including running the print queue clearance and uninstalling the printer and rebooting.

Frustratingly upon reinstallation (in compatibility mode and as administrator)  I got the same old message that the key was invalid and so everything ground to a halt again.

I'm not sure if there is anything left to try but is there is I would be very keen to try it.

Regards Alex.

Alex,

Can you see you new network name?

Your router is on channels 1, 6 or 11?

You must use WEP or WPA Security for the printer. The router should have a setting for some type of mixed mode.

Try

WPA-PSK(TKIP) Security(Personal)

Make sure Mac Address filtering is turned off in your wireless router or it can block the printer from communicating.

What virus program are you using on the computer that you're trying to setup the printer?

When you change anything in the router, other than the channel, the printer needs reinstalled. That means clicking on the wrench and resetting the wireless adapter on the printer to factory settings.

Rick

Hi Rick,

Thank you for your continued efforts.

I can see the new network name. The router is on channel 6. I use Windows Defender but I disabled this when trying to install.

I did try installing using WPA by taking the printer close to the router and then entering the Mode menu etc until I arrived at WiFi Protected Setup and selected that and when prompted pressed the WiFi Protected Setup button on the router. It seemed to be connecting but then the printer threw up an error message to say that connection had failed.

It seems that no matter what I do the printer will not connect wirelessly to my new network so I am resigned to buying a new printer and will keep my fingers crossed that it will connect.

Once again many thanks for your patient efforts, they have been very much appreciated.

Regards Alex.

Alex,

Click on the wrench, network setup. Look at the different information and see if it's correct. The bottom option is to reset the wireless adapter back to factory settings.

Allow Printer past Microsoft Essentials/Windows Defender

Rick

Alex,

Glad you got it working! Thanks for posting back.

Take care,

Rick