Please help a veteran gamer that can't think of a way to solve this problem...

Hello GS.

I don't usually make threads asking for help, but I don't know what to do, and my frustration couldn't be worse, as I haven't been able to enjoy my system because of this.

I have my 3DS right here so I will tell you step by step what I doing, cause I can't figure what's wrong:

1) I open my 3DS (it's in sleep mode).

2) I check that the wireless is enabled.

3) Indeed, the yellow led on the side of the system is on and flashing.

4) On the 3D screen, in the upper left corner, it says "internet" and I have full bars.

5) I take out my stylus.

6) I click on "Friend List".

7) I click on "Register Friend".

8 ) I click on "internet".

9) The system tells me: "you cannot use internet registration because you are not online".

10) After waiting a while, I get the error code 001-0502.

"Error Code: 001-0502

Unable to connect to the server.

Please try again later."

When I put that code in the support page of Nintendo, it says this exactly:

"Connecting from a wireless home network:
*Make sure that the Nintendo 3DS system is within 30 feet of the wireless access point and facing in its general direction.

*Make sure that any other interfering devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, are turned off."

Of course that's NOT the problem here, as I have no interfering devices and my 3DS is very near to the router.

/

The weird thing is that I can access the eShop and the web browser with absolutely no problems.

I even access the eShop, press HOME and try to register a friend, but it tells me that I'm not online...

It says:

Currently playing: Nintendo eShop.

HOW CAN I BE OFFLINE WHEN I'M ON THE ESHOP???

/
I have Zelda and Dead or Alive Dimensions, and I can't access internet play on Dead or Alive, as I get the exact same error code when trying to add a friend.

I'm at a loss here, as I have no idea what to do.

To sum things up, this is my situation:

- The 3DS Menu says I'm connected to the internet with full bars.

- I can access the eShop, and I can download games with no problems.

- I can enter the web browser and surf the web with no problems.

- I even receive SpotPass updates regularly, including for a retail game I have (Dead or Alive Dimensions).

- I CAN'T add friends via Internet to my Friend List.

- I CAN'T play online on the game Dead or Alive Dimensions (I get the same message and error code I had when I wait a while on the Friend List).

Loook at you own friend card. Your Mii should be dancing and it should be highlighted in orange. If it's not keep tapping it until it comes online Now try adding a friend.

I can't help with the DOA problem because I don't have it. Darn you U-Mart!

It could be the type of connection you have?

Loook at you own friend card. Your Mii should be dancing and it should be highlighted in orange. If it's not keep tapping it until it comes online Now try adding a friend.

I can't help with the DOA problem because I don't have it. Darn you U-Mart!

Spinnerweb

This, give about 20 seconds to realize your online.

[QUOTE="Spinnerweb"]

Loook at you own friend card. Your Mii should be dancing and it should be highlighted in orange. If it's not keep tapping it until it comes online Now try adding a friend.

I can't help with the DOA problem because I don't have it. Darn you U-Mart!

Nozizaki

This, give about 20 seconds to realize your online.

It could be the type of connection you have?

LaytonsCat

[QUOTE="Nozizaki"]

[QUOTE="Spinnerweb"]

Loook at you own friend card. Your Mii should be dancing and it should be highlighted in orange. If it's not keep tapping it until it comes online Now try adding a friend.

I can't help with the DOA problem because I don't have it. Darn you U-Mart!

Rod90

This, give about 20 seconds to realize your online.

Then it might be time to call Nintendo.

I don't think. I have a regular high-speed connection with a wireless router (D-LINK, model DI-624S), and I can connect my Wii, DS, DSi and PC to it.

Rod90

Thats kinda odd. Maybe the issue is caused by your 3DS's profile? Make sure you created your Personal MII (try to delete your caracter - the system should tell you that this Mii can not be erased because it's personal), and if that won't help than tell me your router's manufacturer and model, type of security and encryption.. and well, maybe we can figure out something? ;)

[QUOTE="Rod90"]

I don't think. I have a regular high-speed connection with a wireless router (D-LINK, model DI-624S), and I can connect my Wii, DS, DSi and PC to it.

demon-zer0

Thats kinda odd. Maybe the issue is caused by your 3DS's profile? Make sure you created your Personal MII (try to delete your caracter - the system should tell you that this Mii can not be erased because it's personal), and if that won't help than tell me your router's manufacturer and model, type of security and encryption.. and well, maybe we can figure out something? ;)

I do have a personal Mii.

D-LINK, model DI-624S.

WEP security.

WEP encryption.

Thanks demon-zer0!

WEP is the lowest security protocol, so there should be no problems at all. D-Link is kinda problematic, especially with Atheros wireless cards (and unfortunatelly 3DS is equiped with Atheros WiFi card).

The thing is, in WEP encryption the password must match an exact rules - 5 or 13 ASCII characters or 10 or 26 hex signs. Some devices likes the same key in ASCII, some in hex format, and I knowfrom personal experience, that D-Link in most cases will hinder.

Try to set a higher level of protection on your router, for eg WPA2-Personal with AES encryption. My Linksys WRT320 works on that protection with password Jack Daniel's Whiskey (yes, I know - it's a stupid password :lol: )

If that won't help than go to your friend who has a different router (maybe Linksys) or go to McDonalds (since they provide a free connection, unprotected unfortunatelly) and test your connection there. If the issue occures there - this means you should call Nintendo or get your 3DS replaced (or repaired).

WEP is the lowest security protocol, so there should be no problems at all. D-Link is kinda problematic, especially with Atheros wireless cards (and unfortunatelly 3DS is equiped with Atheros WiFi card).

The thing is, in WEP encryption the password must match an exact rules - 5 or 13 ASCII characters or 10 or 26 hex signs. Some devices likes the same key in ASCII, some in hex format, and I knowfrom personal experience, that D-Link in most cases will hinder.

Try to set a higher level of protection on your router, for eg WPA2-Personal with AES encryption. My Linksys WRT320 works on that protection with password Jack Daniel's Whiskey (yes, I know - it's a stupid password :lol: )

If that won't help than go to your friend who has a different router (maybe Linksys) or go to McDonalds (since they provide a free connection, unprotected unfortunatelly) and test your connection there. If the issue occures there - this means you should call Nintendo or get your 3DS replaced (or repaired).

demon-zer0

I tried my 3DS at a friend's house and there it worked without problems. The thing is that is extreamly weird that only 2 things of the online on the 3DS don't work... I can connect to the eShop and download games, and my Wii, PC, DSi, etc all work fine with the same router, so I can't figure what's "wrong" about my wi-fi, if everything works except a couple of features of the 3DS.Rod90

So, if your 3DS worked fine at your friend, than it means you don't need to call nintendo or repair your console. It works fine :)

Your router is faulty. D-Link is really problematic. Once I've tried to connect my gf laptop to D-Link router and I just could not do it. Her laptop hasn't even seen the SSID. Other device's worked perfectly fine. What came out - my gf laptop had ATHEROS Wi-Fi card.

Here is also pointed an issue with D-Link and Atheros.

This is the last post within the linked topic:

i have been informed by technicians that the problem is that the wireless receiver (i.e. atheros) is not compatible with the D link router. this is complete BS considering D link has been aware of this problem for ages. also its unlikely part of the electronics have died, my laptop (with atheros receiver) works with any other router.Anonymus

What you can do now?

1) Try a higher level of security, anything but WEP

2) Try the connection with unprotected access (with openauthentication and NO encryption), but this will left your router unprotected. So in order to protect it with open authentication go to your router settings and set MAC adress filter. Just type the MAC address of any device you link to your router wirelessly on permited list. This will ensure that a device with unknown MAC won't connect to your router :)

Wouldn't buying a new (different) router be easier? And would that solve the issue?

Wouldn't buying a new (different) router be easier? And would that solve the issue?

Rod90

Buying a new one would be easier, but also related with money loss. Would it solve the issue? Most likely yes, but you'll never know ;) If you don't mind giving out money than buy a Linksys, and if you like to claim the satisfaction of solving the issue by yourself, than try different setting on the router you have. The second solution costs nothing, only a little time.