How do I encrypt my wireless connection?

TBeckett100

I did half the steps in this thread, encypted my wireless, closed it down and then didnt know what password i had to put in or hex key. have reinstalled and i am now secure.

albertross_2

If it's not working at all, try a 10 character word, make sure it works, then move to a 63 character one

Is your router asking for hex or ascii?

espresso

Doozergirl wrote: »

Spoke to soon!

It's flitting between 'acquiring network address' and 'not connected'

Why?!

Most likely due to the encryption key. Your router will not accept 64 characters when WPA is used, 64 chars can only be when WEP is used.

Go to the https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm site again but this time choose the third box (63 random alpha-numeric characters) save your key to a notepad file and copy and paste it into your routers WPA PSK string box and also the PC when prompted.

Doozergirl

I've turned off the encryption altogether, thinking it would be that, but it still won't connect

espresso

In post #1 you said that "it looks like my computer has picked up the router now but the connection isn't secure" Have you changed the network name (SSID) to a random name of your choice?

Doozergirl

Maybe?

LOL

I don't know. It asked me to name it but the list does show that I'm using a buffalo? (It feels like I'm trying to connect wirelessly with an actual animal!)

espresso

Well I would go into the routers config screens and change the SSID to a different name i.e. Doozergirl so that you know that it is your network and then see if you can pick it up on your PC over wireless. Then continue as before adding the WPA-PSK encryption to secure it.

Doozergirl

Well I just changed it to WPA-PSK and entered the third encryption key to a 63 digit one and it worked, briefly.

The connection keeps falling away.

Are Connection 5
Speed: 54 mbps
Signal Strength: Excellent
Status: Limited or no connectivity

I don't understand! I'm connected with an ethernet cable through the wireless router so how can i have no connectivity? It's definately my wireless network I'm picking up.

espresso

Do you have any other devices that could be causing interference i.e. video sender, cordless phone etc. Try changing the channel number on the wireless settings screen in the router i.e. if it's on 6 try 13 or 1.

Doozergirl

OMG! I don't want to tempt fate but I think it's actually working now!

I could never have done this without your help, thank you so much!

(The plan was to move the router downstairs once I'd got it up and running, but I'm petrified!!)