Why doesn't it connect to wireless network?

What most likely happened is when you factory reset the device, the wireless setup that you use to connect to the Internet was reset as well. You need to go into the wireless setup area and look for networks to connect to. The one that you use regularly (assuming you are where you use the device), should be among those listed. You then tell the device to connect to the network. This is where the device will ask you for the network password if it is a secure network (and most are). Once you input the password, then the network router will assign an IP address to the device and connect it to the network. After that you can access the Internet normally. If you don't know or forgot the network password, someone in the household (or business) should be able to provide it so long as you are authorized to connect.

The MAC address is a 12-charcter hexadecimal code, grouped in two character clusters separated by colons, that is unique to the device. Some network routers use this as a way to identify devices and validate them on their system. Usually, this can be found in the Settings part of the device, under either Wireless Network or the General Information ("About Tablet") sections.

Every device has a different MAC address. Usually it will be found either on the back of the unit, on the box, or you can check the network settings, The IP address will change depending on the network you connect to in most cases as the standard settings are typically DHCP which means the computer gets the address from a server on the network. If you check in settings you should be able to see it,

Hi
I find your question very interesting, and also your WiFi support comment, because in 18 years of IT consultancy and troubleshooting I have never come across a changing mac address.
The mac address is
"a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. MAC addresses are used as a network address for most IEEE 802 network technologies, including Ethernet and WiFi."
The emphasis here is on "unique" and all network adaptors I have come across - ethernet or WiFi have had a fixed mac address. Are you sure they didn't mean IP address, as this is supplied by the router/access point via a DHCP server, and can change according to the access requirements of the router/access point.
If you go here:
MAC address Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
you can learn a lot more about mac addresses.
Hope this is helpful, if so would you please register that with Fixya
Cheers

I assume you are either unable to see your network listed or when you select your network from the list of active Wi-Fi Networks within range of you device and depending on security level no password or the Security Key you have doesn't work. First, make sure you have a few pieces of information: 1) The SSID or name of the network 2) The security type and password 3) If no DHCP service you'll need the ip address subnet and an available address for your device, ip address of the gateway/router, & ip address of the DNS servers. Usually the router provides DHCP and provides all of the addressing information.

Typically, you are provided the SSID and a security key or password. On your tablet open settings and turn Wi-Fi in necessary and look for your SSID in the list to the right. If your SSID is not shown verify the name, that the router is on and you are within range. Be aware of obstructions between you and the router. My Pool House is a virtual dead zone due to some electrical wiring on the wall it shares with the office. The router is less than 5 feet away, but the signal is unreliable. If everything is working and still no SSID on list, then it may be hidden. Simply, select Add Wi-Fi Network at the bottom and enter the SSID (Netgear987), security type (WPA OR WPA2 typically) and the password (PASSWORD maybe case sensitive). If it connects and fails to obtainan ip address or just drops it may indicate another layer of security that requires each device MAC ID is added to the list of authorized devices for that router. Your MAC ID is listed on the Settings_About Device_Status screen WiFi MAC Address: (F7:C7:AE:78:E6:FC). Sounds like a lot but usually verified SSID and password do the trick. Good Luck

Steve,
Below are steps to get the mac address on your Dell Streak.
From the home screen:

1. Tap the Menu key
2. Tap 'Settings'
3. Scroll down and tap 'About Device'
4. Tap 'Status'

The MAC is listed under 'Wi-Fi MAC Address'
How to find the IP address on your Streak:
From the home screen:

1. Tap the Menu key
2. Tap 'Settings'
3. Tap 'Wireless Controls'
4. Tap 'Wi-Fi Settings'

At the bottom, under 'Wi-Fi Networks', tap the connection you are connected to and the IP address will be displayed on the next screen
Thank You,
Dell-Jesse L
Dell Social Media and Communities

http://www.cobyusa.com/?p=faq#faqcat_8
on this page you will find almost all answers for your questions related with the tablet ..(under internet tablets sector )
The issue in your case it is the internet connection itself ..either the wireless network you used it is not working anymore or not on (if you use a router ) ..or simply you reset the tablet and you need to make the connection again ..Just open the internet connections ..(wireless card 0 ..and select to scan for networks ...and when you find your network ..select ti ..and than click connect ..This should connect it right the way ..
Also check if your internet network may need your mac address for to let you connect ..(this happens on the networks having the access restricted by the Mac address..)
to get it follow these :

1. Click on Settings.
2. Click on Wireless & Networks.
3. Click on Wi-Fi Settings.
4. Click the MENU button, located on the side of the unit.
5. Click on "Advanced".
6. Your MAC address will appear in the Advance Menu ..

same way to get to the connection for to activate just open wifi connections ..

The first thing I would do is install is a PCMCIA wireless card. If you are able to log in to your network with the PCMCIA wireless card, I would be leaning towards replacing your internal wireless card.
Hope that helps.....