Connect XP to Vista Network

[Guest]

I have a Vista computer with a wireless router. I have internet access on my
vista computer. I go to the XP computer and try to connect to the available
network, it ask for a key and I input the key given to me by my Vista setup
wizard...It then gives me an error message about the key needs to be a
certain number of characters if it is ascii or hex. I can see my Network from
the XP computer I just cant get internet access. I look at the properties of
my wireless connection via the router software and it says connected to
router.
Is there something on my vista machine blocking my connection? Have I
configured something incorrectly? This is my first wireless network setup...I
work on servers and computers all day and to be honest I just dont have the
patience for this. If someone could lend me some advice, it would be much
appreciated!!

 

[Guest]

I am confused about one thing. You stated there was a key number that you
retrieved from the Vista machine to access the router. The number you are
looking for is in the router not Vista. Here is the easiest way to set up a
wireless router.

From a machine that is wired to the LAN port of the router, gain access to
the router software. Under the wireless security settings (assuming it is
secured) write down the key number and the SSID. If it has not been a secured
you can enter a number generated by XP or Vista in the wireless setup wizard.
I also recommend you rename the SSID to something you can recognize and will
set it apart from other networks. But first it is important to select a
protocol that both the network router and the network card supports. WPA is
is more desirable than WEP but if you can use WPA2, that is even better. Most
newer Hardware supports both WPA and 2. Once the number is entered, save the
configuration. The router will restart and the router will be secured. On the
Vista machine in the lower right corner you will see the Network Activity
Icon. Right click and select connect to a wireless network. It will open a
small window that has a list of available networks. Select your network and
click connect. It will ask for the key, type it in, reenter it and it will
connect to your network.