Trouble with internet connection (WEP/WPA2), please help! :)

[Loorbian]

Hello everyone!

 

I've just had my Dell Inspiron 15R with Windows 7 arrive in the post today, and I can't connect to the internet. We have a BT router, and I'm trying to connect to it via a wireless connection.

 

I know the WPA2 key is right, as it works with all the other computers in the house, and I'm definitely trying to connect to the right router. Every time I enter the WPA2 key however, it says something like "Network Key Mismatch".

 

Someone suggested to me that maybe my new laptop is configured to WEP key settings, though it's a new laptop, so I doubt it.

 

I'm new to Windows 7, so it might be something really easy to solve, but I could do with some advice on rectifying this situation, 'cuz I don't know much about encryption or wireless network connections at all. I'd be grateful for any advice.

 

Thank you ever so much,

 

Steph.

[KenB]

Hi Steph and welcome to ExTS

 

“Start” > “Control Panel” > “Network and Internet” > “Network and Sharing Center”.

On the left pane, click “Manage Wireless Networks”.

Your network should be there.

Double left click on it > Wireless Properties > Security

 

make a note of what the original settings are.

 

If your router security is WPA2 then set this to WPA2 - Personal

Encryption Type - should be AES.

[Loorbian]

Still having problems :S.

 

Hello Ken, and thank you very much for replying, although I'm still having trouble. I followed your instructions, but the network wasn't there. I tried to create my own, but I couldn't connect the router to it. I think the original settings were either WEP or WPA2, and the encryption type as AES.

 

Do you have any suggestions about what to do next?

 

I do appreciate your help, particularly at this late hour. Lol.

 

Thank you!

 

Steph.

[KenB]

Hi Steph

 

but the network wasn't there.

Strange.

Is there a monitor icon ( bottom right of screen ) ?

If so - right click on this and select "Diagnose and Repair".

 

If this runs through the process - try connecting again.

If it fails - what error message do you get?

 

Click on the monitor icon again...

"Connect to a Network" is there.

Click on this.

You should see your network.

Does it say you are connected?

If you point the screen curser at this it should tell you the Security Type ( WEP / WPA2 )

What is it set to?

If you are not connected what happens when you try to connect?

 

===============

 

If you are still having problems try switching the router off > leave it for a minute or so > switch on again.

Try connecting again.

 

===============

 

The Network Key should be on the base / back of the router.

Make sure that you are typing this correctly.

A "0" for instance can be confused as can a "1".

Edited July 21, 2011 by KenB

[mooklook]

I guess it could be a number of things. I have just had a similar or the same problem connecting a new laptop. I entered a password and then a box appeared saying 'Network Key Mismatch'. after a lot of messinig around thinking the password was not accepted or there was a compatability issue I noticed something in my router configuration.

"WPA-PSK Encryption Key:"

 

This was simply my landline phone number. So the next time I tried to connect with my new laptop and got the message 'Network Key Mismatch' I entered my landline phone number and it connected. It might work for you it may not. Good luck.

 

Mike

[Jelly Bean]

Sorry to but in,but are you trying to connect to BT Openzoneor the hub?

 

Here are some helpfull links:

 

http://www.btopenzone.com/help/before-you-start.jsp

 

http://www.btopenzone.com/help/how-to-connect/index.jsp#general_0

 

http://www.btopenzone.com/help/how-to-log-in.jsp

 

Can you cable connect the laptop to the router and do you get a connection?

[KenB]

Sorry to but in

No problem at all J-B :)

It looks as if this poster may have abandoned us.

[Jelly Bean]

Hi KenB,it just wasnt clear on what he was connecting to.....Wifi hotspot,Openzone,Modem?