Wireless Connection with Windows Vista - HELP!!

Hi Steve

 

Thanks for the quick response.

 

The BT Hub uses WEP encryption but according to BT that shouldn't be a problem? The Hub is only 6 weeks old and was supplied new by BT so I would hope it is compatible with Vista?

Don't know if you are familiar with the BT hub system but you need a Wireless Network Name, which the PC can find and a Wireless key which is the security password.

 

What do you mean by 'network key'?

 

The PC can find the hub okay and correctly identifies it and has a near full wireless signal strength. Once you enter the pass key I get the message displayed and the connection is shown as connected but with limited accessibility. Its really frustrating as this process is normally so simple to do! Even more so as it was my sons Xmas present and he is giving me grief!

 

cheers

Pete

What type of encryption is enabled on the router (WEP or WPA)?   If it is WEP, note that Vista has difficulty with older routers using WEP, also if it is WEP you may have to type  the actually network key rather than the pass phrase.  Please provide more information.

 

Steve

For WEP encryption, there are two methods for supplying the network key.  One uses the encryption key itself, and the other uses a pass phrase to generate the key.   If the router and the network adapter are not from the same manufacturer, then generally one has to enter the actual encryption key rather than the passphrase.

 

Steve

Hi Steve

 

Just accessed the hub diagnostics. The key I use is called the WEP 64 Encryption key once you get into the configuration pages. Is this what you were thinking of?

It does also have an option to use 'WPA-PSK Encryption' but I am not sure if this will work? If I click on it it asks for a different key? Which I don't have and the BT 'experts' didn't try this route?

I can't try anything tonight as the PC is in my sons room and he is asleep.

 

Cheers

Pete

I have never seen seen a BT Hub, but you should be able to log in to the hub/router by typing its IP address into the address bar of a web browser.   Do you have a user manual you can refer to? 

 

Steve

WEP encryption is very easily broken by potential intruders.   It is the least secure.  WPA encryption is much better.  

 

Steve

Hi Steve

Sorry for not replying sooner. I tried the WPA encryption and got the same result. I have also input the IP address of the PC into the router as I saw this on a different post but that didn't work. I have re-installed the wireless PCI card drivers as another post suggested but this has not worked either.

 

I also connected my old Linksys wireless router and all other PC's in the house still connected fine via this but the Vista PC, although it found the router with a strong signal, still came up with the limited connectivity message so I am sure this is a Vista problem and not one with the router?

 

Finally decided to call Dell Technical Support, what a waste of time! Nearly one hour on hold and gave up waiting. Seriously wishing I had bought a PC locally so I could get some help from the manufacturer!

 

I will try disabling the firewalls tonight and also the anit-virus software as I saw this on a different post as a possible conflict but sounds like I am clutching at straws. I am really disappointed that this is proving so difficult a problem to fix and looking at the quantity of posts on this forum I am not alone. I think Dell should be helping 'their' customers resolve this issue?

 

Thanks

Pete