Temporary WiFi Files
Like many computer users I've been spoiled with speed. Because my setup is in a basement den, I don't have direct connected access to a high-speed modem and have always relied on WiFi instead. When new OS X versions were released, I was reluctant to try them out knowing there may be WiFi issues with the lack of drivers and support. But thankfully I have found a way around that by utilizing the installation of an older driver.
For a while I've been using 802.11ac which is the next generation of speed and range above 802.11n WiFi speeds. I don't use an internal card in my computer but instead use a USB dongle, an Edimax EW7711UTC. I've held on to some older 802.11n adapters which have come in quite handy for situations like this. Therefore, this tutorial is not guaranteed to allow 802.11ac devices to work. If you've got a name-brand device, check out the manufacturer's website for current updates for Mac OS X 10.12 drivers. If you're using a generic or lesser-known brand device, your best bet may be to search forums for a working driver or look for the chipset brand (Aetheros, Broadcom, etc) if this tutorial doesn't help. Otherwise wait for Apple to release universal WiFi drivers.
First, download the files below. Though in a .zip format the files are Mac only, so OS X should already be installed for you to use these. (I don't take credit for the software as I got this from another site which I can't remember). TemporaryWiFi.zip are the WiFi files, and Kext Helper is the utility you will need to load one of these files.
For a while I've been using 802.11ac which is the next generation of speed and range above 802.11n WiFi speeds. I don't use an internal card in my computer but instead use a USB dongle, an Edimax EW7711UTC. I've held on to some older 802.11n adapters which have come in quite handy for situations like this. Therefore, this tutorial is not guaranteed to allow 802.11ac devices to work. If you've got a name-brand device, check out the manufacturer's website for current updates for Mac OS X 10.12 drivers. If you're using a generic or lesser-known brand device, your best bet may be to search forums for a working driver or look for the chipset brand (Aetheros, Broadcom, etc) if this tutorial doesn't help. Otherwise wait for Apple to release universal WiFi drivers.
First, download the files below. Though in a .zip format the files are Mac only, so OS X should already be installed for you to use these. (I don't take credit for the software as I got this from another site which I can't remember). TemporaryWiFi.zip are the WiFi files, and Kext Helper is the utility you will need to load one of these files.
temporarywifi.zip | |
File Size: | 3566 kb |
File Type: | zip |
kext_helper_b7.zip | |
File Size: | 1257 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Uncompress the temporarywifi.zip and you'll have a READ ME file, multiple folders for multiple versions, and a Preference Pane:
As of this writing, Sierra is the current version of OS X, but the folder lists older operating system versions with Maverick being the latest in the list.
Now unzip the Kext Helper utility and double-click the new file to launch it. Click and drag the lego-like icon (RT2870USBWirelessDriver.kext) from the Maverick folder to the window of Kext Helper:
Now unzip the Kext Helper utility and double-click the new file to launch it. Click and drag the lego-like icon (RT2870USBWirelessDriver.kext) from the Maverick folder to the window of Kext Helper:
In the Kext Helper, type in your password, then click EASY INSTALL:
At the prompt "Install the kext(s)?", click OK. It'll do its thing then should prompt you with the message, "Install looks to be fine, cross fingers and reboot." Do not reboot yet as we have one more file to install. In the Temporary WiFi folder, open up the Preference Pane folder and double-click on the file "DWA-140WirelessUtility.prefPane". You'll be prompted with a warning or two. Click OK, ensure your USB WiFi device is connected, then reboot your computer.
Under normal circumstances, the WiFi of your Macintosh/Hackintosh is activated a few seconds after you reach the desktop. With this utility, it must be manually activated though. Remember this when you start up your Hackintosh.
Go to System Preferences and click on the pane DWA-140 (circled):
Under normal circumstances, the WiFi of your Macintosh/Hackintosh is activated a few seconds after you reach the desktop. With this utility, it must be manually activated though. Remember this when you start up your Hackintosh.
Go to System Preferences and click on the pane DWA-140 (circled):
This should present you with a window similar to the following:
In a few seconds, the software will detect the USB device and you should see a list of available networks in the center window:
Click on the name of your Home network (or nearest network if you're on a Hackintosh laptop) then click on "Add to Profile", and another window will pop up prompting you for details:
The default profile name is PROF1, but you can name this whatever you would like. The SSID is the name of the network you want to connect to. The Authentication type and Encryption type should automatically match the settings of the access point you're attempting to connect to, so you can leave this alone for now. Type in the password of the router or access point, then click on OK. Now click on "Open Profile Drawer":
At this point your access point or router gets added to the list of profiles but has not yet been activated. Click on "ACTIVATE":
A few seconds after activation, you should have a connection (as noted in the rectangle above).