Wireless Network

[Silver V]

Why will my XP connect to the internet when the wireless is open and can be logged onto by anyone, but when I put a wpa / wep key in it will not connect at all?!?!?! I have a netgear wireless router and a wireless b adapter for the computer and they wrk ok as they will connect as previously noted.

It is just annoying me now. lol
ANY help is appreciated

[Gsi3.2]

is it keyed down to just one MAC address ( as it could well be) and have you input that MAC address into the router?

[JuzzyD]

Have you actually set the Netgear router up to be WPA or WEP with a key?

Because you say XP connects when its set to OPEN leads me to think you've not actually set up any encryption yet.

[Silver V]

is a wep key, I set them both with the same password but like I say whenever I try to encrypt it will not connect or sometimes it connects but still has the red X and would not let me on the internet even though it does say connected.

[LJ sxi-nav]

I've had similar probs in the past. the problem i found was that when you turn on security from the router config page you have a situation where the routher has security on, but the PC does not, hence no conneciton.

I found it easier to do all the wireless configuration with a computer connected by RJ45 network cable, if your router/kit locations will allow. that way you can set wireless security on router and PC, before trying to connect with it. might work...

[Karl]

you should really be setting the router up with a wired connection. I know my router would not allow me to set wireless encryption without me doing so when using an ethernet cable.

[ukanalyst]

Make sure you are entering your WEP key in HEX ... the router may have a passphrase HEX generator ... unless the wireless adaptor has this by the same manufacturer the resulting HEX keys will differ.

Dave

[Duncan]

some routers will convert a normal word/password into hex, but for some stupid reason, some manufacturers seem to do the conversion differently to others! So typing it in HEX is often the best way. I found this with a wireless bridge (to connect my original Xbox) The Linksys conversion to Hex was different to the Draytek router, and any other hex conversion I'd done!

Also, as said, try and set up the router when wired to it, rather than over wireless.

[ukanalyst]

Also when you have got WEP working try switching over to WPA-PSK ... it's MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more secure than WEP.

Dave

[Advocate]

Wireless networks are the spawn of the devil and should have a worldwide ban put in place immediately.

Just my two-penneth worth.