Here is some additional information on this topic. Problem #1 I regularly connect to 4-5 routers every week. These networks use various routers including Linksys, Belkin, Verizon MiFi, ATT Uverse, and several others (So this is NOT a router specific problem). I have 3 laptops (Thinkpad, and two Dells) running XP and one new Dell E5500 running Windows 7. The new Dell NEVER auto connects to any Wifi that I have found. I have to manually select the network from the system tray. After connecting I stay connect for the duration. Problem #2 Also, I originally had the "DELL" Wifi card in the laptop. I would loose WiFi connections every 5-10 minutes. I replaced the DELL card with the Intel card and have not had that issue since.

When a connection is initially set up, there are two further options that can be selected ‘Start this connection automatically’ and ‘Connect even if the network is not……‘. Do you have one or both of these ticked?

Check to make sure that the manufacturers wifi card software that sometimes gets installed along with the drivers for the card are not conflicting with Windows 7 for control over accessing wireless networks. physical graffiti

Hi, When trying to connect the Wireless network, please check the “Start the connection automatically” option as BurrWalnut was mentioned. Then, when you trying to connect certain Wireless network next time, it should connect to the Wireless network automatically. Regarding the second problem, it can occur by incompatible Wireless adapter driver. To fix the problem, please upgrade the driver to the latest one. Thanks, Novak

hi, i have the same problem of windows 7 starter not automatically connecting to my wireless lan. the weird thing is i do not have the option to connect automatically. i am using an unsecure cisco router. i can see other wireless lan that are password protected that has the connect automatically option. is this some sort of security feature in windows (i'am using mcafee suite)?

I had the same problem as you. I just got a new laptop with Windows 7 (64-bit) and when I wanted to connect to a wireless network it would make me manually select the unsecure network and automatically connected to the secured one. Luckily i figured it out (tho there was a bit of digging involved) 1. open Network and Sharing Center 2. click on Manage Wireless Networks on the left-hand side of that window 3. look for the network you're trying to automatically connect to - if it says 'Manually Connect' on the end, right-click it (you literally have to click where it says that) 4. select Properties from the right-click menu 5. under the Connection tab find the box labeled "Connect automatically when this network is within range" - if the box doesn't have a check then click it Hopefully that'll fix things up for you

I too am experiencing a similiar issue with my new Windows 7/Toshiba notebook. I can connect to WiFi nodes all over the place but I can't access my own wireless router. I've tried with and without all the encryption levels and even as an open connection but nothing. The notebook can see my router, and when attempting to connect it gets a "cannot connect", or an unable to connect" response. Rarely, I will get a temporary connection through my router which fails within minutes. I have a desktop and a laptop using XP SP3 and a laptop running Vista on my home network and they all operate perfectly well. Any suggestions would be appreciated