Wireless security problem

Question

I have had a wireless unsecured network for over a year, I found my neighbor using it so am now trying to secure it.  I have a Linksys WRT54G router with 2 desktops hard wired to it, both running XP Home, a wireless laptop also running XP Home.  I followed all the directions that I printed out from Linksys web site, when I disable the ssid setting the laptop does not even see the network, when I leave it at enable the laptop sees the secured network and asks me to enter the key to connect which I then enter the key generated by the router in the WEP (128 bits by 26 hex) setup process, it trys to connect but does not, it goes back to the same screen asking for the key (26 alpha/numeric characters), no other messages.  Both hard wired computers can connect to the internet after I secured the router so I am thinking there is some setting in the laptop I need to change.   Also when I try to do the MAC settings on the desktop it does not see the laptop even with the SSID enabled.   Any help is appreciated. Thanks

spook_d83894 · Answer

When you or entering the WEP key try to change the setting that is now (26 alpha/numeric characters) to another setting that fits the length and type of the key.

Midnightbandit9 · Answer

Ruby121948, You do not nescessarily need to disable broadcase of the SSID.  This will help make it easier to connect with your laptop.  It is nescessary to enable WEP.  With WEP enabled, you neighbor can't access your network without entering your 26 alphanumeric charactor key code.  On you laptop, you should configure your WEP key.  To do this (I am going to have to take you the long way becuase I don't know if your computer is set up like it was from the factory) Click Start>>Control Panel>>Network and Internet Connections>>Down near the bottom click Network Connections>>Right click your connection and click properties>>Go to the wireless networks tab>>Under prefered networks, select your network and clik properties>>Here you can configure WEP settings.  Network Authentication should be marked OPEN, Data encryption should be marked WEP, and you should type in your network key two times.

Mary G · Answer

Here's a helpful site: http://www.winguides.com/security/password.php Also check out: http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

Ruby121948 · Answer

Thanks for the replies!  I finally got the network secured 'with a little help from a friend' :).

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless security problem

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