How do I resolve error 651 on a new Windows 8 installation?

Hello Aalan,

Thank you for keeping us posted.

-          What is the make and model number of the laptop?

Laptop must be having inbuilt Wi-Fi adapter in it. I would suggest you to check the laptop user manual to know how to turn on the Wi-Fi port.

Perform the troubleshooting steps from the link “Wired and wireless network connection problems in Windows” and then check if you are able to connect to router.

I hope this helps you to fix the issue. If the issue persists or you have any other issues with Windows please do post it in Microsoft Community. We would be happy to help you.

the Wi-Fi adaptor is so cheap that it doesn't have a name printed on it.

when I first unwrapped the laptop it would not connect to my router at all. I persevered and did a clean boot up but to no improvement.

my neighbour works on the helpdesk for a printer company so he is very pc savvy including windows 8.

he came and ran through the procedures they go through to connect people who are stuck like me.

he turned the router off and emptied the cache or something such, did a few other things, cleared passwords etc. re-entered the details and it connected.

it connects erratically for example it connected every day from Monday to Friday then yesterday it would not until I turned the router off and back on again.

it sees an excellent quality connection but cannot connect. when this happens I slip the USB stick adaptor in and BANG straight on. (Wi-Fi 2 it calls itself)

I have had the laptop back cover of and checked the connections and they are on securely.

today it would not connect at all but after I had restarted the laptop it connected the  next time and has 3 times today.

Hello Aalan,

Thank you for posting your issue on Microsoft Community.

Let us start with couple of questions:

1.       What is the make and model number of USB wireless adapter?

2.       Have you tried to connect using inbuilt Wi-Fi from your laptop?

Perform the following troubleshooting methods:

Method 1:

I would suggest you to remove the USB Wireless adapter then try connecting to network using inbuilt Wi-Fi adapter from your laptop.

Refer the manufacturer’s manual to know how to enable inbuilt Wi-Fi on the laptop.

Method 2:

If that doesn’t work, then I would suggest you to place the computer in clean boot state and then check how it works.

You can start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.

To set the computer in clean boot, follow the steps from the link: How to perform a clean boot

**Note:**After checking in clean boot, follow step: 3 from the article to reset the computer to normal boot.

I hope this helps you to fix the issue. If the issue persists or you have any other issues with Windows, please do post it in Microsoft Community. We would be happy to help you.

I have had this problem on a brand new Lenovo z585 ideapad from the moment it came out of the box it does connect occasionally but only 1 out of 5 times.

I have a usb wireless adaptor which when plugged in is an instant connection. so for me the problem lies in the communication internally between the network card and the windows system which the usb drive doesn't use.

its enough to make you spiit feathers

Hello Albinazymberi,

Thank you for keeping us posted.

To understand the issue, let us start with couple of questions:

1.       What is the exact and complete error message?

2.       When exactly do you receive this error message?

3.       Have you made any changes on your computer prior to the issue?

4.       Do you have any third party security software installed on your computer?

I would suggest you to reply with more information regarding the issue to provide you better solution.