Windows was unable to find a certificate to log you onto the network…

Rick
1 min read

I looked all over the Internet for a long time to find this answer. Once I discovered it, I decided to post it here on HMR so that everyone can have it.

The problem arises in Windows XP while trying to connect to a secured network, often on a D-link router.

While trying to connect a new computer wirelessly, an error comes up stating that “Windows was unable to find a certificate to log you onto the network (Network name here).

Here’s how to fix it if it is WEP encryption…

Start –> Programs –> Accessories –> Communications –> Network Connections –> Right-click your Connection and select Properties –> Click on the Authentication tab –> Disable / uncheck the option IEEE 802.1x authentication for this network. Now, try to connect to your Wireless network; are you able to? (Note: you may need to restart the computer.)

If it is WPA encryption, make sure you are using the TKIP type and it is set correctly in both the router and the new machine’s connection.

Tags:Internet Mac new computer Windows

153 thoughts on “Windows was unable to find a certificate to log you onto the network…”

Tried and tested May 9, 2011 at 10:24 am

Thank you so much! Worked perfectly 🙂
1. Jess July 11, 2011 at 6:36 pm
  
  but there is no “authentication” tab…only general, wireless networks and advanced
2. 1. Jim August 2, 2011 at 10:18 am
    
    1 Click on wireless icon at bottom right of computer.
    
    2. Click on view wireless networks
    
    3. Click on change advanced settings.
    
    4. Click on wireless network tab.
    
    5. Hightlight the desired network you prefer (if more than one listed).
    
    6. Click on properties.
    
    7. Click on the authentication tab.
    
    8. Disable the enable IEEE box.
  2. 1. Ahmed August 28, 2011 at 12:46 pm
      
      You are still helping people with this post. Thanks a lot I was just able to solve my problem with your response.
    2. illburnah August 29, 2011 at 10:47 pm
      
      thanks homie
    3. Kate September 21, 2011 at 3:49 am
      
      THANK YOU SO SO SO JIM!! This has been an extremely long ongoing process and finally with your help I have fixed it!
    4. Nate October 26, 2011 at 10:30 pm
      
      Well, I am one of those who did not have an authentication tab and don’t understand why. The fix for those who do not have the authentication tab worked instantly (I did have to restart) but i’m running now and i thank you very very much ty JIM!
      
      Nate
    5. dan October 29, 2011 at 3:25 am
      
      thanks a bunch! this was very helpful!
    6. Chris October 30, 2011 at 11:41 am
      
      Thank you so much this problem was driving me crazy and you fixed it 🙂 Thanks again
    7. kaf November 16, 2011 at 6:56 am
      
      Great post, it worked very well.Thank you.
3. tried tested and resolved September 4, 2011 at 4:05 am
  
  Well I did some digging around and found that
  1) disabling the “enable IEEE box” in the comments below fixes the issue.
  2) Check your router, If the router is set to WPA then your wireless network setup on your computer needs to be set up the same way. ie WPA.
  If the router is set to WPA2 then your wireless network setup on your computer needs to be set up the same way. ie WPA2.
  Also note that WinXP SP2 has only WPA and WinXP SP3 supports WPA and WPA2 so set yoour router accordingly.
4. Relief at LAST September 7, 2011 at 3:00 pm
  
  This was a life saver. After an hour trying to figure out what was up after installing a new router your advice was a life saver. It worked just like you said it would for a D-Link router.
  Thanks!!!
5. Anita October 9, 2011 at 9:11 pm
  
  Thank You Very Much Rick. It worked
Martin May 17, 2011 at 11:03 am

Thanks very much. Spent best part of three hours trying to sort this then found your advice. Very generous of you to share – cheers
Mark May 18, 2011 at 3:08 am

Thanks. You’re a star!
Gustav Ranto May 21, 2011 at 11:09 pm

worked … thanks
Mo May 22, 2011 at 12:58 am

I was struggling with this for so long and had to stick to my router for several months, till I found your amazing post…Thanks so much, you don’t know how happy I am sitting in my room with my laptop…:)
Ironhide May 29, 2011 at 7:46 am

Ang galing mo, Rick! Salamat!
Nikcool03 May 29, 2011 at 8:14 am

Thanks a ton.. worked perfectly!!
Justme May 31, 2011 at 9:43 pm

Have been struggling with this for 2 days. What a wonderful suggestion… this resolved the issue in a minute. Thanks so much, guy! :))
Queen June 6, 2011 at 3:36 pm

yahoo !that one works ! 😀
Queen June 17, 2011 at 5:18 pm

still not working .. when I try to unchecked it, I’ve got an error saying “Acquiring network address”.. Please help !Thanks!
Mr.L June 21, 2011 at 5:38 am

I Adore U! 😀
Fire June 23, 2011 at 2:06 pm

What happens if the Internet is Secured??? What do you do then? It wont allow me to see any of its information in the “Authentication”
Is there any other way in fixing it?
Sed June 25, 2011 at 6:45 pm

I have double and triple checked every step and I’ve done it right. I had two connections I had to disable the IEEE on , restarted twice and still the same pop-up with no internet available.

I am on a desktop with a wireless internet adapter. I know I have the right passwords to the network and all.. So what am I doing wrong?
tingu July 1, 2011 at 7:53 pm

Thanks your suggestion helped
Hiram July 5, 2011 at 4:06 pm

Let me also add my thanks. Worked like a charm “right out of the box!”
Adil August 6, 2011 at 2:11 pm

Hi,
Now it asks me for the password BUT IT DOESN’T accept it ( I tried the same password in other computer AND I tried the same computer in other secured WIFIs. It worked perfectely)
Would you please find me something
nolan August 10, 2011 at 10:35 pm

bkt ayaw pa din sinubukan namin ung cnv mo ang problema ganun pa din ung snsabi unable to find a certificate to log you on network
OmegaTechnology August 15, 2011 at 4:29 pm

AWESOME work!! This is why we search out these problems!! Someone was nice enough to post a fix!!
Mike DePouw August 18, 2011 at 12:32 am

Thanks!
nightmare August 22, 2011 at 8:15 pm

hi!..

i followed the steps you have provided however i am getting “limited or no connectivity”.. how come i am getting that message while other notebooks can connect.. i am not a techie person so please teach me what seems to be the problem.. thanks
rambo September 4, 2011 at 11:00 pm

hi
I am also facing the same problem..i tried every available solutions on internet but none of it worked in my case..I am using windows XP professional..The problem i observed is though i changed every setting manually every time windows automatically take network type as “Open” and not as “WEP” or “WEP-PSK”..it shows “authenticating….” then again windows was unable to find any certificate log” message..sometimes it also shows limited or no connectivity..i checked every bit still not finding any solution..i have updated drivers,tried every solution from net forums still my wi-fi is not getting connected..FYI im using Hathway internet connection and my router is of netgear company.. please help
naveen September 7, 2011 at 5:49 pm

Thank you somuch for the post. it was very helpful.
tk September 28, 2011 at 12:12 am

Worked great for me too, thanks!
Marie-Ève October 26, 2011 at 12:42 pm

Thank you soooo much… took me hours… you made it simple !!!
Jack October 29, 2011 at 5:42 am

Awesome, only window xp has this problem.

Thanks a lot