Not recognizing my WEP-password wireless network

[Guest]

I just bought a new laptop and it was initially working fine on my wireless
network. However, on day 2, a Vista pop-up come up and asked if I wanted to
make my network more secure/private. i clicked yes and since then the
computer no longer recognizes my WEP network. It thinks my home network is
WPA2. I can connect using my WEP password, but the signal strength is
terrible. When I switch to an open or shared network where I can put in my
WEP password, it says that the parameters required by my computer do not
match the network...

The network iteslf is fine and the signal strength where I am using this
machine is strong (according to the other laptop i tried it on)

I can't seem to figure out how to go back to the original state for the
computer and to re-set-up my home network so that it will work properly.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Blue Max]

Helly emmymac,

I am not at a laptop, so cannot give you specific instructions, but know you
can change your settings for your wireless connection back to WEP. It is
just a little unintuitive in the new Vista. I recommend that you go to
"Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center." In
that folder, in the network section, you should have a wireless network
connection listed with a link to 'View Status.' From the status dialog you
should be able to select the button for properties to see the wireless
connections you have configured on one of the tabs. Choose the properties
for the desired wireless connection and change the configuration.

Sorry this is a little sketchy. However, it might set you in the right
direction and others may be able to help you narrow in on the proper
location for making the proper changes. Good Luck.

*****************************

 

[Barb Bowman]

WEP is NOT safe. You'd be better of configuring everything for WPA2
or at least WPA.

I just bought a new laptop and it was initially working fine on my wireless
network. However, on day 2, a Vista pop-up come up and asked if I wanted to
make my network more secure/private. i clicked yes and since then the
computer no longer recognizes my WEP network. It thinks my home network is
WPA2. I can connect using my WEP password, but the signal strength is
terrible. When I switch to an open or shared network where I can put in my
WEP password, it says that the parameters required by my computer do not
match the network...

The network iteslf is fine and the signal strength where I am using this
machine is strong (according to the other laptop i tried it on)

I can't seem to figure out how to go back to the original state for the
computer and to re-set-up my home network so that it will work properly.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

--

Barb Bowman
MS Windows-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/

 

[Blue Max]

That is true Barb, but some devices do not support WPA and WPA2.

***********************************

 

[Barb Bowman]

I still recommend that people consider the risks of using these
devices and compromising security by using WEP. I certainly would
prefer to upgrade to a device that supports proper security. It is
up to everyone to decide if the risk is worth it.

That is true Barb, but some devices do not support WPA and WPA2.

--

Barb Bowman
MS Windows-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/