Wireless internet connection.

[Guest]

This is really dumb but hey... I bought a laptop with Vista on it today. In
our house we have a wireless network set up and protected with a password. I
can see the network and it says it is secured (or whatever it says) and when
I try to connect to it, I get a message saying that I can't conect and the
diagnosis tells me that I need to change the settings so that they are the
same as the router (or something like that). But it never asks for a
password!!

Where do I change the settings or put in a password? I really need to be
able to use my laptop and get to the internet!!
Thanks

 

[KrisB]

As the wireless connection is secured (WEP or WPA) you need to supply the
encryption key to gain access. You mention a password, is this the admin
password to get into maintain the router? You can connect to the router with
an IP address like 192.168.0.1. Once in and after entering the password, you
can find your encryption settings.

 

[Guest]

thanks KrisB. Now I am going to be even dumber!!

My other flatmate also bought a laptop a couple of months ago with XP on it.
he just had to change a couple of settings and enter the password to be able
to see the wireless network. I have just connected my laptop to the router
with a blue cord and it works so at least I know the internet works... And
other friends have just had to enter the password when they try to connect to
the network.

But what settings would I have to change to get the wireless side of things
working?

Does any of this make sense?!? I realise this is a really dumb question...

thanks