More wireless connection problems

[Tefler]

I have a Linksys router, which I have managed to configure. I chose the security option of WEP with key. I'm not sure why I did this, but the instructions were less than easy to follow. Now my computer finds the network and tries to acquire the address. While doing this, it asks for the key. If I type in the very long string of letters and numbers which were produced when I set the network up, it won't connect, but says I need to use 5 or 10 ASC?? characters.

What have I done wrong? What do I need to do now? As I said before, I don't know a lot about these machines, but am learning, thanks to members of this board.

[fo3nix]

OK, in the router settings you'll either have entered an ASCII string (ASCII just means text like what you're reading now), or a hexadecimal combination, probably either 64 or 128 bits long. The hex stuff is the 2a4b9c stuff, etc.

See how it was entered in your router, and get the hex stuff too (I guess this is what you already have?), and take a note of how many bits there are (64 or 128, normally a little button you can press to select).

Now on the computer you want to give access to, when it asks for the key try entering in either to basic text you typed in (if that's what you typed?), i.e. the ASCII, or the hex. If you're typing in the hex stuff, make sure you've told it what length it has to be too.

[TEAK36]

Tefler,fo3nix is spot on here.You have to make sure that you create an identical hexadecimal security code in both your router and your pc.I use 128 bit WEP and the code is about 24 characters long.Also, if your pc finds other wireless connection belonging to your neighbours,make sure that your network is the default one.

Dont worry, it originally took me 3 long hard frustrating days to get my wireless set up, but once you understand what you are doing, next time it will only take 10 minutes.

[Tefler]

Thank, f3nix and thanks again, Teak. It makes me feel better to know that others have been similarly confused!

I'm beginning to think that this might all make sense one day, so I'll give it a go. Watch this space - please!

[Ethel]

Hope you've done it ok, tefler.

[wideboy]

Any success, Tefler? I would have set it up without the security first just to see if it was working after all the effort you've put in.

[Tefler]

Yes, Wideboy, that might have been an idea!

No, Ethel, I'm not there yet! What I have achieved is setting up the network. I then managed to use the key to, apparently, connect to the Internet. Unfortunately, however, once on there I can do nothing - the computer can't find the search page.

Any further ideas before I throw the whole lot out of the window?

[fo3nix]

First, take off the WEP key. Get your laptop, and connect to your network. Make sure it can connect.

Also make sure any other computer you connect can access the net at the same time.

Then, enable the WEP key. If it asks you for a passphrase, enter that. it'll probably generate you a hex string, take note of your passphrase and hex string, and length of hex string, and enter what it asks for on your laptop.

What operating system do you have on your laptop? XP? And are you just using the standard XP program to connect to the network, or are you using a special program you installed with the wireless dongle you're using on the laptop? (if that's what you're using)

Secondly, what router have you got? Make and model, and we can track down the instructions online and give better advice.

[TEAK36]

Hi Tefler, Wideboys suggestion of trying to set up without the security is definately worth a go.Does your wireless icon at the bottom right of the screen have some little gold circles going round the icon, and if you move your cursor over the icon does it give you a message saying something like you have little of no connectivity.I had this happen to me, and I did exactly what wideboy suggested, and it worked.I dont know if it is of any help, and I am certainly no expert,but the following is how my laptop was set up wirelessly without WEP.

In the wireless network tab, my network name is at the top of the list of available networks,and next to it in brackets is states (automatic).mine was originally not set up as the automatic default, so I deleted them all (including my one) and set my one up again, and this seemed to work.Highlight your network name and go into properties.Network authentication should be set at 'Open', and Data Encrytion should be set to 'disabled'.

Good luck!

[Tefler]

Wideboy and Teak, your advice is really appreciated. Unfortunately, I haven't got time to play with the machines at the moment, but I will certainly have another go at it at the weekend. I'll let you know how I get on!

[Tefler]

fo3nix, I'm using XP. The router is a Linksys WAG54GS. I'm trying to use the software they included in the kit. I don't think I've got a dongle on the laptop - it came 'wireless ready'.

[fo3nix]

Tried getting the user guide for that one, but can't find it.

I think wideboy's suggestion is good though; try it with no security first, then get it set up as said in this QA page)