Wireless Connection problems

bungalowbill

Oh dear...I thought this would be a nightmare and it is

I have installed a Belkin pci card, but although the computer recognises my BT wireless router, it won't connect. Atm, the computer is wired to the router because we only use it wirelessly for OH's laptop.

I've tried the helpline for 30mins to no avail.

When we installed the wireless router, we had a 26 digit encryption code pressumably for security. Do I have to enter this somewhere in the Belkin stuff? Or do you put in the code on the bottom of the router?
What's the difference between network key, wireless key and encryption key?

Have tried unplugging the router from the computer, did everything again. No result.

When I click connect, the message says unable to connect, the router may be out of range. (But its sitting next door to the computer)

PLeeeeeeeeeeeese someone, can you help?

gatita

Bungalowbill ,Sorry I can't help but having passed the last 2 days battling with my router, (see my post) all I can do is offer my deepest sympathy:p I had nightmares last night about clicking boxes and everything exploding:D
I do know you will receive help very soon from the boffins on here, what would we do without them!:T

mjr600

Wireless Networks can be a nightmare for many people.

You will receive help on here but could I suggest you download the below bit of software first. It will really help with the process, keeps it simple and sets up security for the layman.

https://www.networkmagic.com

Just an addit, when its all plugged in turn everything off for 20 seconds, PC's router everything, then see what happens.

bungalowbill

mjr600 wrote:

Wireless Networks can be a nightmare for many people.

You will receive help on here but could I suggest you download the below bit of software first. It will really help with the process, keeps it simple and sets up security for the layman.

https://www.networkmagic.com

Just an addit, when its all plugged in turn everything off for 20 seconds, PC's router everything, then see what happens.

Sorry...what is it?

mjr600

It sets up your network, the security, devices, allows file and printer sharing, does the lot.

espresso

Wireless networking is not rocket science! If your router has been set up with encryption to make it secure, then obviously you will need to enter the encryption key into any devices that you want to be able to connect. If you didn't, it would not be secure would it.

tracknfield

On my wifi, I don't use the software that comes with the wifi card/adaptor.

To makes things as simple as possible. I'd do this:
Assuming you have everything installed properly.
1. Right click My Network Places on your desktop
2. Right click on the Wireless icon and go to properties
3. Click on the Wireless network tab
4. Tick the box where it says something like use Windows to set up my wifi
5. Add your network - SSID, enter the network key. Just use the default one for now and click ok. If you changed it and forgotten it, should be at the bottom of your router. Now it will try to connect to it.

Also you have to make sure you everything set up properly in your router configuration, like it's the same exact key and ssid you entered in Windows network set up

cledor

If all the suggestions fail, try to disable the encryption then set it all up from scratch.

Other potential problem areas:-

Wireless Channel selection
Windows Firewall
MAC Address filtering, try to disable it if it's enabled.
Key Type selection (when encrypted) make sure "Open Key" or "Shared Key" are selected on both router and wireless PC.

bungalowbill

espresso wrote:

Wireless networking is not rocket science! If your router has been set up with encryption to make it secure, then obviously you will need to enter the encryption key into any devices that you want to be able to connect. If you didn't, it would not be secure would it.

I am also not an idiot! I know its not rocket science... but its still confusing. I know an encryption key keeps things secure, I only wanted to know where to put it. I also wanted to know if there was a difference between all the terms, or is it only one key with numerous different names.

track...i don't know my SSID, and the network key box isn't highlighted...any more advice?

espresso

bungalowbill wrote:

I am also not an idiot! I know its not rocket science... but its still confusing..........

In your first post you were asking "Do I have to enter this somewhere in the Belkin stuff? Or do you put in the code on the bottom of the router?"

Nobody can answer that because we don't know if you have entered your own random WPA-PSK encryption key or if your are still using the relatively insecure WEP key on the label.

It is easy to set up if you simply follow the steps outlined in these threads:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2471408&postcount=37

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2471410&postcount=38

These are for Netgear but you should have your own instruction manual for guidance!

:rolleyes:

bungalowbill

When I set up the wireless router originally, I set a 26 digit code. Is this called an encryption code, a wireless key or a network key?

When I go into the wireless network properties tab, do I enter this same code in the 'network name' SSID box?