Need some help with wireless Inspiron 5160

It looks like you are attempting to connect to a secure network.  Is the wireless router you are trying to connect to your own?  If so, then you should know the WEP or WPA key required to connect and you should enter it when requested.

 

Steve

Thanks for the help, here can I look on the host PC for the key to enter it?  The router is my own.  Thanks.

I'm not sure what you mean by a "host PC", as there should be no hosts when using a router.  If you mean a computer that is connected to the router by ethernet, then you need to log on to the router's configuration page by opening a web browser and typing the IP address of the router into the address bar.  Without knowing which router you have, I can't provide more details.

 

Steve

 

I have a lynks 802(maybe 801, im not at home)b router.  Still wondering if the slot protector might have something to do with it, since it is still missing.

I doubt that the slot protector (if you are referring to the PC Card slot on the side of the computer) has anything to do with it.  The message you are getting is asking for the network security key.   Unless you know that key or can reset the router to its default settings (no security), you will not get on the network.  Since you can't supply the model of the router, it is difficult to help.   Thus, I suggest that you reset the router to its default settings.  It probably has a reset button on the back.  Just press and hold that button for about 10 seconds while the router is powered on and it will set it back to its default settings.  When you attempt to connect, it will warn you that this is a non-secure network.  Acknowledge that and connect anyway.  You will probably want to reset the security, but you will either have to read the router's manual or supply the model of the router here so I look up the manual on the Linksys website and read it for you.

 

Steve

That doesn't tell me anything as there were several models of 802.11b routers.

 

Steve

Home now, i have a linksys 802.11b wireless router.  Thanks.

What information am I missing?  Are you looking for this, BEFW11S4.  Also thank you for taking the time to help, it is appreciated.

Documentation for that model can be downloaded at:

 

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_CASupport_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1166859878881&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

 

When you click on the "Downloads" link, you will have to supply the version number of your router.  If you look at the User Guide, you should be able to see how to either find your encryption key or use the reset button on the back of the router to return it to its default settings (no secuity enabled).

 

Steve