Network WEP Key

[Merlin]

I've recently suffered a major PC Crash and I'm trying to recover that
machine from it. One of the things I need to do is to reconnect it to my
network, but I keep getting the message "Limited or no connectivity" when I
know the signal strength is high and it did connect okay before the crash. I
suspect that I'm not entering the correct WEP key - I thought I had it noted
correctly, but it seems not.

Is it possible to get the correct key from the two other PCs that are
connected to the network or do I have to set up the network again from
scratch?

I'm running Windows XP on all machines.

Help please!

 

[Jim]

I've recently suffered a major PC Crash and I'm trying to recover that
machine from it. One of the things I need to do is to reconnect it to my
network, but I keep getting the message "Limited or no connectivity" when
I
know the signal strength is high and it did connect okay before the crash.
I
suspect that I'm not entering the correct WEP key - I thought I had it
noted
correctly, but it seems not.

Is it possible to get the correct key from the two other PCs that are
connected to the network or do I have to set up the network again from
scratch?

I'm running Windows XP on all machines.

Help please!

Your router has it in plain text.
Jim

 

[Alan]

Hi Merlin,

I have a Linksys router, and I know that if I go into the Linksys Easylink
Advisor, it shows the WEP key and other network settings if I click on the
Support tab.

Alan

 

[Merlin]

Thanks, but how do I locate that text?

Your router has it in plain text.
Jim

 

[Merlin]

Thanks. I also have a Linksys router, but I don't have the Linksys Easylink
Advisor you mention, so I can't go to it to get the information I need.

Any other ideas where/how I can get the required information?

 

[Malke]

Thanks, but how do I locate that text?

If you forgot to write down your wireless settings, you can get them from
your router's configuration utility.

Have a computer connected to the router with an ethernet cable. Examples
given are for a Linksys router. Refer to your router manual or the router
mftr.'s website for default settings if you don't have a Linksys. Open a
browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox and in the addressbar type:

http://192.168.1.1 [enter] (this is the router's default IP address, which
varies from router to router so check your manual)

This will bring you to router's login screen. The default username is left
blank and the Linksys default password is "admin" without the quotes. Enter
that information. You are now in the router's configuration utility. Your
configuration utility may differ slightly from mine. If you were smart, you
changed the router login password to something other than the default. If
you did this, enter the login password accordingly.

Now click on the Wireless link at the top of the page. While you are there,
if you left the Wireless Network Name (SSID) at the default, this is a
golden opportunity to change it to something you will recognize. I suggest
that my clients not use their family name as the SSID. For example, you
might wish to name your wireless network "CastleAnthrax" or the like. ;-)

Click the Save Settings and when you get the prompt that your changes were
successful, click on the Wireless Security link which is right next to the
Basic Wireless Settings link (where you changed your SSID). Now you can see
the level of encryption set (ex. WEP, WPA2-PSK) and the passphrase. You
will enter the passphrase into the wireless utility on any computer trying
to connect to your network.

BTW, if you have a fairly new computer you can use the higher level of
encryption like WPA2-PSK instead of WEP. All devices using the wireless
connection must support that level of encryption. WEP is quite insecure and
should be avoided if at all possible.

Malke

 

[Jim]

Thanks, but how do I locate that text?

Consult the fine manual for your router. Unless you have the same router as
mine, a Linksys, I cannot tell you.
Jim

 

[Jim]

Thanks. I also have a Linksys router, but I don't have the Linksys
Easylink
Advisor you mention, so I can't go to it to get the information I need.

Any other ideas where/how I can get the required information?

If your Linksys router is a WRT54GS, you will find the WEP key through the
Wireless TAB in the Basic Wireless Settings area.
This subject for this model of router is discussed on pages 25-28 and pages
41-44 of the fine manual.
Jim

 

[Alan]

Merlin,

I'm assuming that you CAN get into your Linksys Router's by typing
http://192.168.1.1/ into your browser's address bar -- either IE, Firefox,
or whatever you're using -- and pressing ENTER.

This will launch your router's login screen. Unless you have changed it
since you bought the router the default username is 'administrator' (without
the quote's) and the default password is 'admin' (also without the quotes.)

Once you're in, you'll see a series of tabs on the top.

In my WRT54G I see SETUP, WIRELESS, SECURITY, ACCESS RESTRICTIONS,
APPLICATIONS AND GAMING, ADMINISTRATION, and STATUS

I click on the WIRELESS tab. Directly under the now-enabled WIRELESS Tab, I
have 5 sub-categories showing, which are actually hyperlinks. These are:
Basic Wireless Settings | Wireless Security | Wireless MAC Filter |
Advanced Wireless | Settings

I click on the Wireless Security link and a page displays. At the bottom of
the display there are Keys 1 through Key 4. In my case I use only one key,
so all of them are the same. This is the WEP encryption key that you are
looking for.

What I've done in all the PCs on my network is to copy/paste this key into a
Notepad file on each machine. Then, anytime I need to re-enter this key, I
just open the file and copy the encryption key and paste it into the space
on the appropriate dialog box.

Please let me know if you can find your key by following these steps.

Alan

 

[nass]

Best if you used a WPA encryption method than the weak WEP encryption Key!!!
By typing the IP: 192.168.1.1 click [OK] or Hit Enter;
You will get Login into the router:
Before you can change any settings, you need to log in with a password. if
you have not yet....
Password> [ usually blank ]
Default = Leave blank

[ Clear ] [Submit ]


Set up wizard:
Wizard > 1. Connection Type
The following information are provided by your ISP.
( ) PPPOE
( ) PPPOA
( ) Disable

Select the appropriate one and click
[ Next ]
-------
Wizard > 2.Parameter Setting
The following Info are usually provided by your ISP.

User name: [ ]
Password: [ ]
Retype: [ ]
VPI/VCI: [ ] / [ ]

Click Apply and you will get Configuration Parameters recheck them and click
Apply to apply.

--------
On the Router Home page click on the following to make changes:
LAN Settings
IP Address > [192]. [168].[1].[1]
More Info
______________________________
Subnet Mask > 255.255.255.0
_____________________________
DHCP server > (*) ON ( ) OFF

IP Pool starting Address> [192].[168].[1].[2]
IP Pool Ending Address > [192].[168].[1].[100]

________
Lease leave as is
___________
Domain [ LinksysHome ]

Click on Internet WAN, then on Connection Type:
WAN > Connection Type
Select your connection type:
( ) PPPoE
( ) PPPoA
( ) Disable IS (Bridge mode.....)
( ) Multiple Protocol Over
Make your selection and click Next.

WAN > Connection Type> Whichever your selection was

User Name>
Password>
Retype>
IP assigned by ISP> [Yes â–¼]
IP Address> 0.0.0.0
Subnet Mask> 0.0.0.0
VPI/VCI [ 0]/ [ ] these according to your location and your ISP
Encapsulation> [ LLC â–¼]
Dial On Demand [√]
Idle Time (minute)> [0] or leave Blank

Click Apply changes
-----------------------
WAN > DNS

[√] Automatic from ISP

DNS address > [0].[0].[0].[0]
Secondary DNS Address> [0].[0].[0].[0]

Click Apply changes
---------------------------
Wireless Option:
Wireless > Channel and SSID
To make changes to the wireless............................................
changes to save the settings

Wireless Channel> [6 â–¼]
SSID > [type your Network name give a unique name] write
this down on a piece of paper instated of the default one like belkin54g.
ESSID Broadcast ( ) Enable (*) Disable select the disable Radio
button
Wireless Mode > [ (11b + 11g) â–¼]
Transmission Rate> [Automatic â–¼]
g Nitro> ( ) Enable ( ) Disable

The above step is the most sensitive you need to set it Right to get your
Network secure from your neighbourhood and from the Internet (WWW)


Wireless > Security > WPA
WPA > [ WPA-PSK (no server) â–¼]
Encryption technique TKIP
Pre-shared Key (PSK) [ Type a memorable sentence you only can guess ]


[√ ] obscure PSK check this to Hash your Password.
Click Apply changes.
-----------------
Click Firewall;
Firewall
blah............................blah.................................................
Firewall Enable / Disable (*) Enable ( ) Disable
Click Apply Changes
Now you are done.
With CD there is a PDF doc for setting up you can read this.
How to setup wireless router
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/wireless.mspx
4 steps to set up your home wireless network
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx

HTH.
Regards,
nass

 

[Nonny]

Best if you used a WPA encryption method than the weak WEP encryption Key!!!

Not all equipment will work properly with that for whatever reason.

I tried it with my laptop - which I know works fine - and my new
wireless router. Couldn't do anything. Connection was there, but
slower than a 28k modem.

Went to WEP and the connection flies.

 

[nass]

Not all equipment will work properly with that for whatever reason.

I tried it with my laptop - which I know works fine - and my new
wireless router. Couldn't do anything. Connection was there, but
slower than a 28k modem.

Went to WEP and the connection flies.

Your issue can be either or both:
- Software Updates
- Hardware Driver updates

Also if you are using the same wireless channel which usually (6,11) in a
bust Neighbourhood area

If you are using both Wireless Monitoring utility from the wireless
manufacturer and WZC (Windows wireless Zero Configuration) utility to manage
your wireless connection.

If you are using the encryption in ASCII mode!

Finally, WEP is weak and can be easily and penetrated to gain access to your
wireless and shared folders
HTH.
nass

 

[Big Al]

Best if you used a WPA encryption method than the weak WEP encryption Key!!!
By typing the IP: 192.168.1.1 click [OK] or Hit Enter;
You will get Login into the router:
Before you can change any settings, you need to log in with a password. if
you have not yet....
Password> [ usually blank ]
Default = Leave blank

[ Clear ] [Submit ]


Set up wizard:
Wizard > 1. Connection Type
The following information are provided by your ISP.
( ) PPPOE
( ) PPPOA
( ) Disable

Select the appropriate one and click
[ Next ]
-------
Wizard > 2.Parameter Setting
The following Info are usually provided by your ISP.

User name: [ ]
Password: [ ]
Retype: [ ]
VPI/VCI: [ ] / [ ]

Click Apply and you will get Configuration Parameters recheck them and click
Apply to apply.

--------
On the Router Home page click on the following to make changes:
LAN Settings
IP Address > [192]. [168].[1].[1]
More Info
______________________________
Subnet Mask > 255.255.255.0
_____________________________
DHCP server > (*) ON ( ) OFF

IP Pool starting Address> [192].[168].[1].[2]
IP Pool Ending Address > [192].[168].[1].[100]

________
Lease leave as is
___________
Domain [ LinksysHome ]

Click on Internet WAN, then on Connection Type:
WAN > Connection Type
Select your connection type:
( ) PPPoE
( ) PPPoA
( ) Disable IS (Bridge mode.....)
( ) Multiple Protocol Over
Make your selection and click Next.

WAN > Connection Type> Whichever your selection was

User Name>
Password>
Retype>
IP assigned by ISP> [Yes â–¼]
IP Address> 0.0.0.0
Subnet Mask> 0.0.0.0
VPI/VCI [ 0]/ [ ] these according to your location and your ISP
Encapsulation> [ LLC â–¼]
Dial On Demand [√]
Idle Time (minute)> [0] or leave Blank

Click Apply changes
-----------------------
WAN > DNS

[√] Automatic from ISP

DNS address > [0].[0].[0].[0]
Secondary DNS Address> [0].[0].[0].[0]

Click Apply changes
---------------------------
Wireless Option:
Wireless > Channel and SSID
To make changes to the wireless............................................
changes to save the settings

Wireless Channel> [6 â–¼]
SSID > [type your Network name give a unique name] write
this down on a piece of paper instated of the default one like belkin54g.
ESSID Broadcast ( ) Enable (*) Disable select the disable Radio
button
Wireless Mode > [ (11b + 11g) â–¼]
Transmission Rate> [Automatic â–¼]
g Nitro> ( ) Enable ( ) Disable

The above step is the most sensitive you need to set it Right to get your
Network secure from your neighbourhood and from the Internet (WWW)


Wireless > Security > WPA
WPA > [ WPA-PSK (no server) â–¼]
Encryption technique TKIP
Pre-shared Key (PSK) [ Type a memorable sentence you only can guess ]


[√ ] obscure PSK check this to Hash your Password.
Click Apply changes.
-----------------
Click Firewall;
Firewall>
blah............................blah.................................................
Firewall Enable / Disable (*) Enable ( ) Disable
Click Apply Changes
Now you are done.
With CD there is a PDF doc for setting up you can read this.
How to setup wireless router
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/wireless.mspx
4 steps to set up your home wireless network
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx

HTH.
Regards,
nass
--------
<http://www.nasstec.co.uk>

Thanks. I also have a Linksys router, but I don't have the Linksys Easylink
Advisor you mention, so I can't go to it to get the information I need.

Any other ideas where/how I can get the required information?

And WPA2 is supposed to be even better than WPA.
I've read that all encryptions other than the newer WPA2 have been found
to be crackable. But I'll stick my head out on a limb and say 'not
crackable by the average neighbor'. And then, anything is better than
unsecured!!

 

[Merlin]

Many thanks, I followed your advice and all is working again now.

Much appreciated.

Thanks, but how do I locate that text?

If you forgot to write down your wireless settings, you can get them from
your router's configuration utility.

Have a computer connected to the router with an ethernet cable. Examples
given are for a Linksys router. Refer to your router manual or the router
mftr.'s website for default settings if you don't have a Linksys. Open a
browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox and in the addressbar type:

http://192.168.1.1 [enter] (this is the router's default IP address, which
varies from router to router so check your manual)

This will bring you to router's login screen. The default username is left
blank and the Linksys default password is "admin" without the quotes. Enter
that information. You are now in the router's configuration utility. Your
configuration utility may differ slightly from mine. If you were smart, you
changed the router login password to something other than the default. If
you did this, enter the login password accordingly.

Now click on the Wireless link at the top of the page. While you are there,
if you left the Wireless Network Name (SSID) at the default, this is a
golden opportunity to change it to something you will recognize. I suggest
that my clients not use their family name as the SSID. For example, you
might wish to name your wireless network "CastleAnthrax" or the like. ;-)

Click the Save Settings and when you get the prompt that your changes were
successful, click on the Wireless Security link which is right next to the
Basic Wireless Settings link (where you changed your SSID). Now you can see
the level of encryption set (ex. WEP, WPA2-PSK) and the passphrase. You
will enter the passphrase into the wireless utility on any computer trying
to connect to your network.

BTW, if you have a fairly new computer you can use the higher level of
encryption like WPA2-PSK instead of WEP. All devices using the wireless
connection must support that level of encryption. WEP is quite insecure and
should be avoided if at all possible.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

 

[Merlin]

Thank you to all who offered advice - very much appreciated.

The rogue PC is connected to my network again and I can start the rebuilding
process, but what a frustration having to do it at all!

Best if you used a WPA encryption method than the weak WEP encryption Key!!!
By typing the IP: 192.168.1.1 click [OK] or Hit Enter;
You will get Login into the router:
Before you can change any settings, you need to log in with a password. if
you have not yet....
Password> [ usually blank ]
Default = Leave blank

[ Clear ] [Submit ]


Set up wizard:
Wizard > 1. Connection Type
The following information are provided by your ISP.
( ) PPPOE
( ) PPPOA
( ) Disable

Select the appropriate one and click
[ Next ]
-------
Wizard > 2.Parameter Setting
The following Info are usually provided by your ISP.

User name: [ ]
Password: [ ]
Retype: [ ]
VPI/VCI: [ ] / [ ]

Click Apply and you will get Configuration Parameters recheck them and click
Apply to apply.

--------
On the Router Home page click on the following to make changes:
LAN Settings
IP Address > [192]. [168].[1].[1]
More Info
______________________________
Subnet Mask > 255.255.255.0
_____________________________
DHCP server > (*) ON ( ) OFF

IP Pool starting Address> [192].[168].[1].[2]
IP Pool Ending Address > [192].[168].[1].[100]

________
Lease leave as is
___________
Domain [ LinksysHome ]

Click on Internet WAN, then on Connection Type:
WAN > Connection Type
Select your connection type:
( ) PPPoE
( ) PPPoA
( ) Disable IS (Bridge mode.....)
( ) Multiple Protocol Over
Make your selection and click Next.

WAN > Connection Type> Whichever your selection was

User Name>
Password>
Retype>
IP assigned by ISP> [Yes â–¼]
IP Address> 0.0.0.0
Subnet Mask> 0.0.0.0
VPI/VCI [ 0]/ [ ] these according to your location and your ISP
Encapsulation> [ LLC â–¼]
Dial On Demand [√]
Idle Time (minute)> [0] or leave Blank

Click Apply changes
-----------------------
WAN > DNS

[√] Automatic from ISP

DNS address > [0].[0].[0].[0]
Secondary DNS Address> [0].[0].[0].[0]

Click Apply changes
---------------------------
Wireless Option:
Wireless > Channel and SSID
To make changes to the wireless............................................
changes to save the settings

Wireless Channel> [6 â–¼]
SSID > [type your Network name give a unique name] write
this down on a piece of paper instated of the default one like belkin54g.
ESSID Broadcast ( ) Enable (*) Disable select the disable Radio
button
Wireless Mode > [ (11b + 11g) â–¼]
Transmission Rate> [Automatic â–¼]
g Nitro> ( ) Enable ( ) Disable

The above step is the most sensitive you need to set it Right to get your
Network secure from your neighbourhood and from the Internet (WWW)


Wireless > Security > WPA
WPA > [ WPA-PSK (no server) â–¼]
Encryption technique TKIP
Pre-shared Key (PSK) [ Type a memorable sentence you only can guess ]


[√ ] obscure PSK check this to Hash your Password.
Click Apply changes.
-----------------
Click Firewall;
Firewall>
blah............................blah.................................................
Firewall Enable / Disable (*) Enable ( ) Disable
Click Apply Changes
Now you are done.
With CD there is a PDF doc for setting up you can read this.
How to setup wireless router
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/wireless.mspx
4 steps to set up your home wireless network
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx

HTH.
Regards,
nass
--------
<http://www.nasstec.co.uk>

Thanks. I also have a Linksys router, but I don't have the Linksys Easylink
Advisor you mention, so I can't go to it to get the information I need.

Any other ideas where/how I can get the required information?

:

Hi Merlin,

I have a Linksys router, and I know that if I go into the Linksys Easylink
Advisor, it shows the WEP key and other network settings if I click on the
Support tab.

Alan

I've recently suffered a major PC Crash and I'm trying to recover that
machine from it. One of the things I need to do is to reconnect it to my
network, but I keep getting the message "Limited or no connectivity" when
I
know the signal strength is high and it did connect okay before the crash.
I
suspect that I'm not entering the correct WEP key - I thought I had it
noted
correctly, but it seems not.

Is it possible to get the correct key from the two other PCs that are
connected to the network or do I have to set up the network again from
scratch?

I'm running Windows XP on all machines.

Help please!

And WPA2 is supposed to be even better than WPA.
I've read that all encryptions other than the newer WPA2 have been found
to be crackable. But I'll stick my head out on a limb and say 'not
crackable by the average neighbor'. And then, anything is better than
unsecured!!

 

[Malke]

Many thanks, I followed your advice and all is working again now.

Much appreciated.

I'm glad to hear that helped you and things are sorted now. Thanks for
taking the time to let me know.

Malke