Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Availon Ea Comp

[Guest CT]

Hello,

 

I'm rebuilding our home network Desktop is wired to Linksys router,

laptop is connected wirelessly. Both are XP Pro SP2 machines.

 

I thought I read somewhere that in setting up a home network, all

computers are supposed to be configured with the same security level.

How do I find the highest security level available on each computer?

 

Thank you,

Cheryl

[Guest Holz]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

 

 

On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:27:50 -0800 (PST)

CT <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote:

>Hello,

>

>I'm rebuilding our home network Desktop is wired to Linksys router,

>laptop is connected wirelessly. Both are XP Pro SP2 machines.

>

>I thought I read somewhere that in setting up a home network, all

>computers are supposed to be configured with the same security level.

>How do I find the highest security level available on each computer?

>

>Thank you,

>Cheryl

>

 

No really.

What are you trying to do? Share files?

 

--

Holz

:-)

[Guest John]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

 

"CT" <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1499a769-f990-4f65-976f-c27be622ea84@h25g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

> Hello,

>

> I'm rebuilding our home network Desktop is wired to Linksys router,

> laptop is connected wirelessly. Both are XP Pro SP2 machines.

>

> I thought I read somewhere that in setting up a home network, all

> computers are supposed to be configured with the same security level.

 

What "security" are you referring to? Wireless security? Windows XP

(firewall) security?

> How do I find the highest security level available on each computer?

>

> Thank you,

> Cheryl

>

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 4:53 pm, "John" <a> wrote:

> "CT" <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:1499a769-f990-4f65-976f-c27be622ea84@h25g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

> > Hello,

>

> > I'm rebuilding our home network Desktop is wired to Linksys router,

> > laptop is connected wirelessly. Both are XP Pro SP2 machines.

>

> > I thought I read somewhere that in setting up a home network, all

> > computers are supposed to be configured with the same security level.

>

> What "security" are you referring to? Wireless security? Windows XP

> (firewall) security?

>

> > How do I find the highest security level available on each computer?

>

> > Thank you,

> > Cheryl

 

Wireless security, I guess. The only security I'm aware of is located

only in the router's setup, online. The Linksys WRT54GX2 router is

configured with WPA/WPA2 Personal, with WPA enabled and WPA2 disabled.

TKIP encryption. But I thought I read that both computers on the

network (during set up) must be configured to use the same security

level? Can't mix WEP and WPA for instance.

 

Call me "Confused".

 

Thanks.

Cheryl

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 4:32 pm, Holz <h...@my-laptop.nowhere> wrote:

> On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:27:50 -0800 (PST)

>

> CT <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >Hello,

>

> >I'm rebuilding our home network Desktop is wired to Linksys router,

> >laptop is connected wirelessly. Both are XP Pro SP2 machines.

>

> >I thought I read somewhere that in setting up a home network, all

> >computers are supposed to be configured with the same security level.

> >How do I find the highest security level available on each computer?

>

> >Thank you,

> >Cheryl

>

> No really.

> What are you trying to do? Share files?

>

> --

> Holz

> :-)

 

Well, I was trying to get file sharing to work (see http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv

), until I was told I needed to build the network from scratch,

because my laptop isn't in the same workgroup as the desktop.

Apparently, starting over is the only way to fix the problem.

 

Thanks.

Cheryl

[Guest R. McCarty]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Starting over is the Universal fix when the appropriate steps are not

known. Security for Wireless is limited by the lowest level supported

by any single network card. If you have 3 Wireless cards that use

up to WPA2 and one that only supports WEP then you must set the

router to a WEP security mode.

For networking/sharing the PC's should be in a commonly named

Workgroup ( Peer-to-Peer Network where all machines are equal ).

Each machine should have at least a single User/Password that is on

all member computers. File and Printer sharing must be bound to the

Network cards and any software Firewall must have the IP Range of

the LAN in it's "Trusted Zone". ( Unless using Windows Firewall,

which should have "File & Printer Sharing" in it's exception list.

 

"CT" <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:74879cd0-c60a-4b95-9dae-45ada4c89c40@60g2000hsy.googlegroups.com...

> On Mar 6, 4:32 pm, Holz <h...@my-laptop.nowhere> wrote:

>> On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:27:50 -0800 (PST)

>>

>> CT <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote:

>> >Hello,

>>

>> >I'm rebuilding our home network Desktop is wired to Linksys router,

>> >laptop is connected wirelessly. Both are XP Pro SP2 machines.

>>

>> >I thought I read somewhere that in setting up a home network, all

>> >computers are supposed to be configured with the same security level.

>> >How do I find the highest security level available on each computer?

>>

>> >Thank you,

>> >Cheryl

>>

>> No really.

>> What are you trying to do? Share files?

>>

>> --

>> Holz

>> :-)

>

> Well, I was trying to get file sharing to work (see

> http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv

> ), until I was told I needed to build the network from scratch,

> because my laptop isn't in the same workgroup as the desktop.

> Apparently, starting over is the only way to fix the problem.

>

> Thanks.

> Cheryl

[Guest John]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

 

"CT" <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:fa2e4a0f-c399-450d-a70e-6abb2017c961@59g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...

>> What "security" are you referring to? Wireless security? Windows XP

>> (firewall) security?

>>

> Wireless security, I guess. The only security I'm aware of is located

> only in the router's setup, online. The Linksys WRT54GX2 router is

> configured with WPA/WPA2 Personal, with WPA enabled and WPA2 disabled.

> TKIP encryption. But I thought I read that both computers on the

> network (during set up) must be configured to use the same security

> level? Can't mix WEP and WPA for instance.

 

Ok, so WiFi security it is. That is correct, you can't set your Linksys to

use WPA and your laptop to use WEP or WPA2 for instance. If you set Linksys

to use WPA (preferably WPA2 if your laptop WLAN card supports it), you must

also set your laptop computer to use WPA security.

 

The part that I don't understand on your post is "...both computers". If I

understand you correctly, you have 2 computers (judging by your other

posts)... 1 wired and the other wireless. If that is correct, you won't even

have to worry about the wired PC. Configure Linksys to use WPA2 with AES

encryption, enter/create a shared key.

 

Next step is to turn on your laptop. It will detect a wireless network name

(which is yours). Double click to join (or connect to) your Linksys router.

You'll be prompted for a shared key. Type in exactly the same key you put on

Linksys router. That is it.

[Guest Holz]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

 

 

On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 14:42:11 -0800 (PST)

CT <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote:

>Well, I was trying to get file sharing to work (see

>http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv ), until I was told I needed to build the

>network from scratch, because my laptop isn't in the same workgroup as

>the desktop. Apparently, starting over is the only way to fix the

>problem.

>

>Thanks.

>Cheryl

 

No really. You are already getting good answers, all that is left to do

is shoot who ever told you to start from scratch ;-)

 

--

Holz

:-)

[Guest D.]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

why don't you post a few more times ?

you loser .

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 6:08 pm, "John" <a> wrote:

> "CT" <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:fa2e4a0f-c399-450d-a70e-6abb2017c961@59g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> What "security" are you referring to? Wireless security? Windows XP

> >> (firewall) security?

>

> > Wireless security, I guess. The only security I'm aware of is located

> > only in the router's setup, online. The Linksys WRT54GX2 router is

> > configured with WPA/WPA2 Personal, with WPA enabled and WPA2 disabled.

> > TKIP encryption. But I thought I read that both computers on the

> > network (during set up) must be configured to use the same security

> > level? Can't mix WEP and WPA for instance.

>

> Ok, so WiFi security it is. That is correct, you can't set your Linksys to

> use WPA and your laptop to use WEP or WPA2 for instance. If you set Linksys

> to use WPA (preferably WPA2 if your laptop WLAN card supports it), you must

> also set your laptop computer to use WPA security.

 

I would like to increase my security from WPA to the highest

available. So, that brings us back to my original question:

How do I find the highest security level available on each computer['s

WLAN card]? Where do I look? In the paperwork? In the system

somewhere?

 

The computers:

Desktop: WinXP Professional SP2 (Generic build), built a few years

ago. No paperwork or discs at all came with it.

Laptop: WinXP Media Center Edition(Pro) SP2 (HP Compaq Presario)

bought last year. Maybe some paperwork and discs (have yet to pull its

file from the file cabinet and look at it)

>

> The part that I don't understand on your post is "...both computers". If I

> understand you correctly, you have 2 computers (judging by your other

> posts)... 1 wired and the other wireless. If that is correct, you won't even

> have to worry about the wired PC. Configure Linksys to use WPA2 with AES

> encryption, enter/create a shared key.

>

 

You understand me correctly. The desktop is wired to the router, the

laptop is connected wirelessly. I'm using the laptop and Gmail right

now, wirelessly. I can wirelessly print from the laptop to the two

printers wired to the desktop and share files (properly) only one way

- desktop can SAVE and share files to laptop, laptop cannot SAVE, only

share and only if I type the \\computer name\folder into the address

bar in My Network Places so the file appears under Entire Network .

 

I was told here: http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv that I need to rebuild my

network from scratch because my laptop is not on the same workgroup

(WORKGROUP) as the desktop (MSHOME). The first step I'm supposed to

perform is, "remove all the networks" (for which I have another post

going to find out what this means).

 

Quote: "Configure Linksys to use WPA2 with AES encryption, enter/

create a shared key."

 

Shouldn't I first find out if the laptop's WLAN card supports WPA2

with AES? This is my goal with this posting. To find out how/where to

get this information.

> Next step is to turn on your laptop. It will detect a wireless network name

> (which is yours). Double click to join (or connect to) your Linksys router.

> You'll be prompted for a shared key. Type in exactly the same key you put on

> Linksys router. That is it.

 

This is what I did the first time in setting up the network. The

shared key is identical to the router's. The only thing, it seems,

that I messed up was placing the laptop in its own separate workgroup

called WORKGROUP instead of placing it with the desktop in MSHOME. :-

(

 

If I can get my questions answered, then I will be able to rebuild (or

simply fix?) this network the way it should be:

 

With more meaningful Computer and User names.

With the highest possible security level (to be determined).

With both computers on the same workgroup.

 

Thanks.

Cheryl :-)

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 6:19 pm, Holz <h...@my-laptop.nowhere> wrote:

> On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 14:42:11 -0800 (PST)

>

> CT <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >Well, I was trying to get file sharing to work (see

> >http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv), until I was told I needed to build the

> >network from scratch, because my laptop isn't in the same workgroup as

> >the desktop. Apparently, starting over is the only way to fix the

> >problem.

>

> >Thanks.

> >Cheryl

>

> No really. You are already getting good answers, all that is left to do

> is shoot who ever told you to start from scratch ;-)

>

> --

> Holz

> :-)

 

I don't have to rebuild the network from scratch?

 

Cheryl

[Guest R. McCarty]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

You'll have to use Device Manager to determine your Wireless card

vendor/model # and research it's security capabilities on the vendor

website. The other makeshift way to tell is through the Wireless Net

connection properties, Wireless Networks, Preferred Networks -

Select any existing Wireless Network, Properties. The Network

Authentication field will have a table of support Security Protocols. If

WPA2 or WPA2-PSK isn't shown the NIC isn't capable of that

security level.

 

For an XP machine to be able to use/access WPA2 requires a

hotfix to be applied.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=662BB74D-E7C1-48D6-95EE-1459234F4483&amp;amp;amp;amp;displaylang=en&displaylang=en

 

 

"CT" <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1f5f5f3b-9447-490a-ba13-880e412481e0@8g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

> On Mar 6, 6:08 pm, "John" <a> wrote:

>> "CT" <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> news:fa2e4a0f-c399-450d-a70e-6abb2017c961@59g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> What "security" are you referring to? Wireless security? Windows XP

>> >> (firewall) security?

>>

>> > Wireless security, I guess. The only security I'm aware of is located

>> > only in the router's setup, online. The Linksys WRT54GX2 router is

>> > configured with WPA/WPA2 Personal, with WPA enabled and WPA2 disabled.

>> > TKIP encryption. But I thought I read that both computers on the

>> > network (during set up) must be configured to use the same security

>> > level? Can't mix WEP and WPA for instance.

>>

>> Ok, so WiFi security it is. That is correct, you can't set your Linksys

>> to

>> use WPA and your laptop to use WEP or WPA2 for instance. If you set

>> Linksys

>> to use WPA (preferably WPA2 if your laptop WLAN card supports it), you

>> must

>> also set your laptop computer to use WPA security.

>

> I would like to increase my security from WPA to the highest

> available. So, that brings us back to my original question:

> How do I find the highest security level available on each computer['s

> WLAN card]? Where do I look? In the paperwork? In the system

> somewhere?

>

> The computers:

> Desktop: WinXP Professional SP2 (Generic build), built a few years

> ago. No paperwork or discs at all came with it.

> Laptop: WinXP Media Center Edition(Pro) SP2 (HP Compaq Presario)

> bought last year. Maybe some paperwork and discs (have yet to pull its

> file from the file cabinet and look at it)

>

>>

>> The part that I don't understand on your post is "...both computers". If

>> I

>> understand you correctly, you have 2 computers (judging by your other

>> posts)... 1 wired and the other wireless. If that is correct, you won't

>> even

>> have to worry about the wired PC. Configure Linksys to use WPA2 with AES

>> encryption, enter/create a shared key.

>>

>

> You understand me correctly. The desktop is wired to the router, the

> laptop is connected wirelessly. I'm using the laptop and Gmail right

> now, wirelessly. I can wirelessly print from the laptop to the two

> printers wired to the desktop and share files (properly) only one way

> - desktop can SAVE and share files to laptop, laptop cannot SAVE, only

> share and only if I type the \\computer name\folder into the address

> bar in My Network Places so the file appears under Entire Network .

>

> I was told here: http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv that I need to rebuild my

> network from scratch because my laptop is not on the same workgroup

> (WORKGROUP) as the desktop (MSHOME). The first step I'm supposed to

> perform is, "remove all the networks" (for which I have another post

> going to find out what this means).

>

> Quote: "Configure Linksys to use WPA2 with AES encryption, enter/

> create a shared key."

>

> Shouldn't I first find out if the laptop's WLAN card supports WPA2

> with AES? This is my goal with this posting. To find out how/where to

> get this information.

>

>> Next step is to turn on your laptop. It will detect a wireless network

>> name

>> (which is yours). Double click to join (or connect to) your Linksys

>> router.

>> You'll be prompted for a shared key. Type in exactly the same key you put

>> on

>> Linksys router. That is it.

>

> This is what I did the first time in setting up the network. The

> shared key is identical to the router's. The only thing, it seems,

> that I messed up was placing the laptop in its own separate workgroup

> called WORKGROUP instead of placing it with the desktop in MSHOME. :-

> (

>

> If I can get my questions answered, then I will be able to rebuild (or

> simply fix?) this network the way it should be:

>

> With more meaningful Computer and User names.

> With the highest possible security level (to be determined).

> With both computers on the same workgroup.

>

> Thanks.

> Cheryl :-)

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 5:54 pm, "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSp...@mindspring.com>

wrote:

> Starting over is the Universal fix when the appropriate steps are not

> known. Security for Wireless is limited by the lowest level supported

> by any single network card. If you have 3 Wireless cards that use

> up to WPA2 and one that only supports WEP then you must set the

> router to a WEP security mode.

 

Thanks for responding.

 

This I knew, but you explain it better than I.

> For networking/sharing the PC's should be in a commonly named

> Workgroup ( Peer-to-Peer Network where all machines are equal ).

 

I just found out I messed up this part of my original network setup.

Which is why the Desktop file sharing works but the Laptop's doesn't.

Desktop is on MSHOME workgroup and laptop is on WORKGROUP workgroup.

Duh...

> Each machine should have at least a single User/Password that is on

> all member computers.

 

The same User name (User account?) is on both computers. No password

is set up on either computer.

>File and Printer sharing must be bound to the

> Network cards

 

How does one bind "File and Printer sharing...to the Network cards"?

>and any software Firewall must have the IP Range of

> the LAN in it's "Trusted Zone".

 

This I fixed already.

> ( Unless using Windows Firewall,

> which should have "File & Printer Sharing" in it's exception list.

>

 

Only using ZoneAlarm for the third party firewall on both machines.

Not Windows firewall. It's turned off.

 

Thanks again for your kind help.

Cheryl

> "CT" <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:74879cd0-c60a-4b95-9dae-45ada4c89c40@60g2000hsy.googlegroups.com...

>

> > On Mar 6, 4:32 pm, Holz <h...@my-laptop.nowhere> wrote:

> >> On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:27:50 -0800 (PST)

>

> >> CT <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >> >Hello,

>

> >> >I'm rebuilding our home network Desktop is wired to Linksys router,

> >> >laptop is connected wirelessly. Both are XP Pro SP2 machines.

>

> >> >I thought I read somewhere that in setting up a home network, all

> >> >computers are supposed to be configured with the same security level.

> >> >How do I find the highest security level available on each computer?

>

> >> >Thank you,

> >> >Cheryl

>

> >> No really.

> >> What are you trying to do? Share files?

>

> >> --

> >> Holz

> >> :-)

>

> > Well, I was trying to get file sharing to work (see

> >http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv

> > ), until I was told I needed to build the network from scratch,

> > because my laptop isn't in the same workgroup as the desktop.

> > Apparently, starting over is the only way to fix the problem.

>

> > Thanks.

> > Cheryl

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 6:57 pm, "D." <wdst...@sover.net> wrote:

> why don't you post a few more times ?

> you loser .

 

I'm not a loser, I'm disabled (confined to bed often) and need to get

this network running properly so I can work and be productive. Maybe

you could find a way to be more productive, too. :-)

 

Peace

Cheryl

[Guest John]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

From your other post: "Broadcom 802.11b WLAN"

 

That may or may not support WPA2 but you will have to confirm it by looking

at the adapter in Device Manager. You can also post your laptop exact model

number (may be on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop), we may be able to

help you find out if it supports WPA2 or not.

 

Btw, you said you bought the laptop last year. Was it a brand new laptop or

used (older model)? I find it hard to believe last year model does not have

802.11bg network adapter.

 

"CT" <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1f5f5f3b-9447-490a-ba13-880e412481e0@8g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

> On Mar 6, 6:08 pm, "John" <a> wrote:

>> "CT" <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> news:fa2e4a0f-c399-450d-a70e-6abb2017c961@59g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> What "security" are you referring to? Wireless security? Windows XP

>> >> (firewall) security?

>>

>> > Wireless security, I guess. The only security I'm aware of is located

>> > only in the router's setup, online. The Linksys WRT54GX2 router is

>> > configured with WPA/WPA2 Personal, with WPA enabled and WPA2 disabled.

>> > TKIP encryption. But I thought I read that both computers on the

>> > network (during set up) must be configured to use the same security

>> > level? Can't mix WEP and WPA for instance.

>>

>> Ok, so WiFi security it is. That is correct, you can't set your Linksys

>> to

>> use WPA and your laptop to use WEP or WPA2 for instance. If you set

>> Linksys

>> to use WPA (preferably WPA2 if your laptop WLAN card supports it), you

>> must

>> also set your laptop computer to use WPA security.

>

> I would like to increase my security from WPA to the highest

> available. So, that brings us back to my original question:

> How do I find the highest security level available on each computer['s

> WLAN card]? Where do I look? In the paperwork? In the system

> somewhere?

>

> The computers:

> Desktop: WinXP Professional SP2 (Generic build), built a few years

> ago. No paperwork or discs at all came with it.

> Laptop: WinXP Media Center Edition(Pro) SP2 (HP Compaq Presario)

> bought last year. Maybe some paperwork and discs (have yet to pull its

> file from the file cabinet and look at it)

>

>>

>> The part that I don't understand on your post is "...both computers". If

>> I

>> understand you correctly, you have 2 computers (judging by your other

>> posts)... 1 wired and the other wireless. If that is correct, you won't

>> even

>> have to worry about the wired PC. Configure Linksys to use WPA2 with AES

>> encryption, enter/create a shared key.

>>

>

> You understand me correctly. The desktop is wired to the router, the

> laptop is connected wirelessly. I'm using the laptop and Gmail right

> now, wirelessly. I can wirelessly print from the laptop to the two

> printers wired to the desktop and share files (properly) only one way

> - desktop can SAVE and share files to laptop, laptop cannot SAVE, only

> share and only if I type the \\computer name\folder into the address

> bar in My Network Places so the file appears under Entire Network .

>

> I was told here: http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv that I need to rebuild my

> network from scratch because my laptop is not on the same workgroup

> (WORKGROUP) as the desktop (MSHOME). The first step I'm supposed to

> perform is, "remove all the networks" (for which I have another post

> going to find out what this means).

>

> Quote: "Configure Linksys to use WPA2 with AES encryption, enter/

> create a shared key."

>

> Shouldn't I first find out if the laptop's WLAN card supports WPA2

> with AES? This is my goal with this posting. To find out how/where to

> get this information.

>

>> Next step is to turn on your laptop. It will detect a wireless network

>> name

>> (which is yours). Double click to join (or connect to) your Linksys

>> router.

>> You'll be prompted for a shared key. Type in exactly the same key you put

>> on

>> Linksys router. That is it.

>

> This is what I did the first time in setting up the network. The

> shared key is identical to the router's. The only thing, it seems,

> that I messed up was placing the laptop in its own separate workgroup

> called WORKGROUP instead of placing it with the desktop in MSHOME. :-

> (

>

> If I can get my questions answered, then I will be able to rebuild (or

> simply fix?) this network the way it should be:

>

> With more meaningful Computer and User names.

> With the highest possible security level (to be determined).

> With both computers on the same workgroup.

>

> Thanks.

> Cheryl :-)

[Guest John]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

 

"R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> wrote in message

news:e$ldx0%23fIHA.1900@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

> You'll have to use Device Manager to determine your Wireless card

> vendor/model # and research it's security capabilities on the vendor

> website. The other makeshift way to tell is through the Wireless Net

> connection properties, Wireless Networks, Preferred Networks -

> Select any existing Wireless Network, Properties. The Network

> Authentication field will have a table of support Security Protocols. If

> WPA2 or WPA2-PSK isn't shown the NIC isn't capable of that

> security level.

>

> For an XP machine to be able to use/access WPA2 requires a

> hotfix to be applied.

> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=662BB74D-E7C1-48D6-95EE-1459234F4483&amp;amp;amp;amp;displaylang=en&displaylang=en

 

Yes and no. KB893357 is needed only if you want to use Windows Wireless

Configuration. If the adapter's driver already supports it, you won't need

KB893357. My Linksys WUSB adapter can connect to WPA2 (with AES) network

without KB893357, only if I let Linksys (software) manage my WiFi

connection.

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 7:50 pm, "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSp...@mindspring.com>

wrote:

> You'll have to use Device Manager to determine your Wireless card

> vendor/model # and research it's security capabilities on the vendor

> website. The other makeshift way to tell is through the Wireless Net

> connection properties, Wireless Networks, Preferred Networks -

> Select any existing Wireless Network, Properties. The Network

> Authentication field will have a table of support Security Protocols. If

> WPA2 or WPA2-PSK isn't shown the NIC isn't capable of that

> security level.

>

> For an XP machine to be able to use/access WPA2 requires a

> hotfix to be applied.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=662BB74D-E7C...

>

> "CT" <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:1f5f5f3b-9447-490a-ba13-880e412481e0@8g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

 

Thank you so very much!

Cheryl

[Guest Jim]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

 

"CT" <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1e0f1d80-7d3c-46d6-b473-0211ddf444de@47g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...

> On Mar 6, 6:19 pm, Holz <h...@my-laptop.nowhere> wrote:

>> On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 14:42:11 -0800 (PST)

>>

>> CT <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote:

>> >Well, I was trying to get file sharing to work (see

>> >http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv), until I was told I needed to build the

>> >network from scratch, because my laptop isn't in the same workgroup as

>> >the desktop. Apparently, starting over is the only way to fix the

>> >problem.

>>

>> >Thanks.

>> >Cheryl

>>

>> No really. You are already getting good answers, all that is left to do

>> is shoot who ever told you to start from scratch ;-)

>>

>> --

>> Holz

>> :-)

>

> I don't have to rebuild the network from scratch?

>

> Cheryl

No.

Jim

[Guest Jim]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security Level Avail on Ea Comp

 

 

"CT" <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1f5f5f3b-9447-490a-ba13-880e412481e0@8g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

> On Mar 6, 6:08 pm, "John" <a> wrote:

>> "CT" <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> news:fa2e4a0f-c399-450d-a70e-6abb2017c961@59g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> What "security" are you referring to? Wireless security? Windows XP

>> >> (firewall) security?

>>

>> > Wireless security, I guess. The only security I'm aware of is located

>> > only in the router's setup, online. The Linksys WRT54GX2 router is

>> > configured with WPA/WPA2 Personal, with WPA enabled and WPA2 disabled.

>> > TKIP encryption. But I thought I read that both computers on the

>> > network (during set up) must be configured to use the same security

>> > level? Can't mix WEP and WPA for instance.

>>

>> Ok, so WiFi security it is. That is correct, you can't set your Linksys

>> to

>> use WPA and your laptop to use WEP or WPA2 for instance. If you set

>> Linksys

>> to use WPA (preferably WPA2 if your laptop WLAN card supports it), you

>> must

>> also set your laptop computer to use WPA security.

>

> I would like to increase my security from WPA to the highest

> available. So, that brings us back to my original question:

> How do I find the highest security level available on each computer['s

> WLAN card]? Where do I look? In the paperwork? In the system

> somewhere?

>

> The computers:

> Desktop: WinXP Professional SP2 (Generic build), built a few years

> ago. No paperwork or discs at all came with it.

> Laptop: WinXP Media Center Edition(Pro) SP2 (HP Compaq Presario)

> bought last year. Maybe some paperwork and discs (have yet to pull its

> file from the file cabinet and look at it)

>

>>

>> The part that I don't understand on your post is "...both computers". If

>> I

>> understand you correctly, you have 2 computers (judging by your other

>> posts)... 1 wired and the other wireless. If that is correct, you won't

>> even

>> have to worry about the wired PC. Configure Linksys to use WPA2 with AES

>> encryption, enter/create a shared key.

>>

>

> You understand me correctly. The desktop is wired to the router, the

> laptop is connected wirelessly. I'm using the laptop and Gmail right

> now, wirelessly. I can wirelessly print from the laptop to the two

> printers wired to the desktop and share files (properly) only one way

> - desktop can SAVE and share files to laptop, laptop cannot SAVE, only

> share and only if I type the \\computer name\folder into the address

> bar in My Network Places so the file appears under Entire Network .

>

> I was told here: http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv that I need to rebuild my

> network from scratch because my laptop is not on the same workgroup

> (WORKGROUP) as the desktop (MSHOME). The first step I'm supposed to

> perform is, "remove all the networks" (for which I have another post

> going to find out what this means).

>

> Quote: "Configure Linksys to use WPA2 with AES encryption, enter/

> create a shared key."

>

> Shouldn't I first find out if the laptop's WLAN card supports WPA2

> with AES? This is my goal with this posting. To find out how/where to

> get this information.

>

>> Next step is to turn on your laptop. It will detect a wireless network

>> name

>> (which is yours). Double click to join (or connect to) your Linksys

>> router.

>> You'll be prompted for a shared key. Type in exactly the same key you put

>> on

>> Linksys router. That is it.

>

> This is what I did the first time in setting up the network. The

> shared key is identical to the router's. The only thing, it seems,

> that I messed up was placing the laptop in its own separate workgroup

> called WORKGROUP instead of placing it with the desktop in MSHOME. :-

> (

>

> If I can get my questions answered, then I will be able to rebuild (or

> simply fix?) this network the way it should be:

>

> With more meaningful Computer and User names.

> With the highest possible security level (to be determined).

> With both computers on the same workgroup.

>

> Thanks.

> Cheryl :-)

The easy way to correct the workgroup of the laptop is to create a network

setup floppy using the Network Setup Wizard on your desktop. The wizard wll

display all of the desktop settings, and

you accept all of the existing settings. At some point, the wizard will ask

you if you wish to create the setup floppy. You accept this choice.

When all is done on the desktop, you take the floppy over to your laptop and

execute the file which resides on the floppy. When done, you have made the

settings on your laptop

to agree with those on your desktop. This procedure, in effect, rebuilds

the network settings on your laptop. If you don't have a floppy, then you

may be able to use a CD.

 

USB floppy drives are quite cheap anyway.

 

Jim

[Guest Holz]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 16:34:09 -0800 (PST)

CT <CThompson.FL@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Mar 6, 6:19 pm, Holz <h...@my-laptop.nowhere> wrote:

> > On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 14:42:11 -0800 (PST)

> >

> > CT <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > >Well, I was trying to get file sharing to work (see

> > >http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv), until I was told I needed to build the

> > >network from scratch, because my laptop isn't in the same

> > >workgroup as the desktop. Apparently, starting over is the only

> > >way to fix the problem.

> >

> > >Thanks.

> > >Cheryl

> >

> > No really. You are already getting good answers, all that is left

> > to do is shoot who ever told you to start from scratch ;-)

> >

> > --

> > Holz

> > :-)

>

> I don't have to rebuild the network from scratch?

>

> Cheryl

 

Not at all. Changing a workgroup name is a matter of 30 seconds

including a reboot.

You seem to be eager to learn, so here are some pointers:

 

Easy Home Networking Tutorial! (Version 2.0)

http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/HomeNet-start.asp

 

Home Network Setup - Setting up a Local Area Network

http://www.pcnineoneone.com/howto/hmnetwk1.html

 

Google questions in simple language, you get many answers, and you are

already one step ahead of the rest, you want to know how, which is the

most important part!

 

--

Live & let live, or leave.

:-)

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 7:50 pm, "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSp...@mindspring.com>

wrote:

> You'll have to use Device Manager to determine your Wireless card

> vendor/model # and research it's security capabilities on the vendor

> website. The other makeshift way to tell is through the Wireless Net

> connection properties, Wireless Networks, Preferred Networks -

> Select any existing Wireless Network, Properties. The Network

> Authentication field will have a table of support Security Protocols. If

> WPA2 or WPA2-PSK isn't shown the NIC isn't capable of that

> security level.

 

Thank you for responding,

 

Update:

 

(Wireless)

On the laptop, looking under Network Connections...Wireless Networks

tab > Properties, the Authentication tab is greyed out (unaccessible).

 

Under the Association tab > Wireless network key > Network

auhentication, WPA2-PSK does appear as a selection in the drop-down

list .

 

The network adapter is listed as a Broadcom 802.11 b/g.

-------------

 

(Ethernet)

On the desktop, looking under Network Connections...Authentication,

the Authentication tab shows enable IEEE 802.1x authorization for this

network (checkmarked). EAP type: Smart card or other certificate.

Authenticate as computer when computer information is available

(checkmarked). Properties button reveals, Use a certificate on this

computer, etc.

 

The network adapter is listed as a Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast

Ethernet NIC.

 

Checking the website, http://www.realtek.com/tw/ offered no

information regarding WPA2-PSK support. Sent an inquiry to support.

Waiting for a reply from them.

 

Thanks again! :-)

Cheryl

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 8:07 pm, "John" <a> wrote:

> From your other post: "Broadcom 802.11b WLAN"

>

> That may or may not support WPA2 but you will have to confirm it by looking

> at the adapter in Device Manager. You can also post your laptop exact model

> number (may be on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop), we may be able to

> help you find out if it supports WPA2 or not.

 

Hi John,

 

Looked at the post you're referring to. It's a typo. Should read

"Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN.

> Btw, you said you bought the laptop last year. Was it a brand new laptop or

> used (older model)? I find it hard to believe last year model does not have

> 802.11bg network adapter.

 

The laptop was purchased new 1/1/07. From what I can tell (thanks!),

the laptop supports WPA2-PSK. Not sure about the desktop. I was

mistaken about how new it is. My how the years fly by! It was built

9/30/04. :-/

 

(see my other post in this thread)

Thanks again,

Cheryl

[Guest CT]

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

Re: Rebuilding Simple Home Network - Finding Highest Security LevelAvail on Ea Comp

 

On Mar 6, 9:25 pm, Holz <h...@my-laptop.nowhere> wrote:

> On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 16:34:09 -0800 (PST)

>

>

>

> CT <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > On Mar 6, 6:19 pm, Holz <h...@my-laptop.nowhere> wrote:

> > > On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 14:42:11 -0800 (PST)

>

> > > CT <CThompson...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > > >Well, I was trying to get file sharing to work (see

> > > >http://tinyurl.com/2knlmv), until I was told I needed to build the

> > > >network from scratch, because my laptop isn't in the same

> > > >workgroup as the desktop. Apparently, starting over is the only

> > > >way to fix the problem.

>

> > > >Thanks.

> > > >Cheryl

>

> > > No really. You are already getting good answers, all that is left

> > > to do is shoot who ever told you to start from scratch ;-)

>

> > > --

> > > Holz

> > > :-)

>

> > I don't have to rebuild the network from scratch?

>

> > Cheryl

>

> Not at all. Changing a workgroup name is a matter of 30 seconds

> including a reboot.

> You seem to be eager to learn, so here are some pointers:

>

> Easy Home Networking Tutorial! (Version 2.0)http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/HomeNet-start.asp

>

> Home Network Setup - Setting up a Local Area Networkhttp://www.pcnineoneone.com/howto/hmnetwk1.html

>

> Google questions in simple language, you get many answers, and you are

> already one step ahead of the rest, you want to know how, which is the

> most important part!

>

> --

 

 

Hi Holz,

 

Thanks for the links! I'm always studying and learning something. Love

computers. Love learning about software and hardware. Google search is

my Home Page!

 

Fixed the workgroup problem and then some.

> Live & let live, or leave.

> :-)

 

I agree! ;-)

 

Cheers!

Cheryl