If I enable WPA security on my wireless router, I can't get access via my laptop HELP

VixxAnn · 13 November 2005 at 11:41PM

I had this system up and running once so know it can be done!!
I think I have buggered up my laptop settings after taking it to work and trying to get access via the wireless router there (which I couldn't do)
but now I cannot get the laptop to connect to the router when at home. Have tried loads of things including disenabling security on the router - which then lets the laptop pick up a wireless signal and go online, but if I try and enable WPA with a network key (which IS how it was working previously) it cannot find anything from the laptop.

I know this is probably something simple but I'm tired, computer phobic and now pulling my hair out - can anyone help PLEASE!!

scotty · 14 November 2005 at 1:18AM

As you have had the system running when security is disabled, it sounds like a set-up problem. Windows XP has a wireless networking wizard. When you run the wizard, settings are written to a floppy disc or memory stick so settings can be transfered to other computers on the network. Try running this wizard.

Browntoa · 14 November 2005 at 7:28AM

try going back to an earlier restore point on the laptop, should have one before you played about with it,restore is under "Accessories" , "System Tools"

VixxAnn · 14 November 2005 at 10:28AM

I tried the network wizard and it just getting errors - however - have done a system restore to a date previous to my "playing" with the settings - and its sorted the problem.
Thank you very much Browntoa - I wouldn't have known how to do a restore until you said.

Browntoa · 14 November 2005 at 10:35AM

no problem, System restore is your friend

if you want to make changes in the future just make sure to do a restore point just before, you can then go back if you break it

VixxAnn · 14 November 2005 at 11:14AM

thanks - I'll do one now because I might just have to do another restore again soon.. I still need to try and get the laptop to be able to connect to our wireless router at work so will still need to play around with some settings (it's like fumbling in the dark for me - I haven't a clue!!)

buster1967 · 17 January 2007 at 4:15AM

System restore is your friend

it is if it works which in my case is not very often especially when its needed.

trojjer · 16 September 2008 at 4:17PM

There is a fix for XP SP2 that I had to download to enable a few laptops to connect to a WPA2 network in a student flat. This is an old thread, but if anyone's having such a problem it might be worth trying this 1.5MB file:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/e/b/9eb62d0b-61f0-4c9e-9c52-e3bef96d9e7f/WindowsXP-KB893357-v2-x86-ENU.exe

http://neosmart.net/blog/2007/why-isnt-wpa2-an-automatic-update/ wrote:

The only problem? Windows XP isn't compatible with WPA2-secured networks without a special update for WPA2 encryption support. That's understandable, after all, WPA2 didn't come out until after Windows XP SP2. But the problem is, it's not even on Windows Update! Windows Update, always quick on the mark with the monthly Malicious Software Removal tool and other recommended updates surprised us by not showing the littlest inkling that there was an update as important to security as WPA2 available for download. It's been available for manual download - only with Genuine Advantage validation - from Microsoft since May 2005... That's a long time to be waiting!

surfsister · 23 November 2009 at 3:41PM

scotty wrote: »

As you have had the system running when security is disabled, it sounds like a set-up problem. Windows XP has a wireless networking wizard. When you run the wizard, settings are written to a floppy disc or memory stick so settings can be transfered to other computers on the network. Try running this wizard.

I ahve the same problem where can I find the wizard please?
system restore didn't help. I am vista and I `can see the connection but it says hiddel location and I can't get the laptop to see it to connect to it.

Under help it told me to customise network locations to private from public if using vista to sleve problem but I cannot find customise anywhere. Any ideas? Taz

-TangleFoot- · 23 November 2009 at 10:16PM

surfsister wrote: »

I `can see the connection but it says hiddel location and I can't get the laptop to see it to connect to it.

Can you reconfigure the device you are trying to connect to? It sounds like your access point isn't broadcasting its SSID.

surfsister · 28 November 2009 at 8:11PM

sorry for the delay been without broadband. Any idea how I configure the device? I think you mean the ethernet ewire thingee?

If I enable WPA security on my wireless router, I can't get access via my laptop HELP

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