Passphrase or WEP security key

I am trying to add a new HP laptop to my wireless network using a linksys router 54G. The new computer is asking for a security key or passphrase. How do I locate them?

Login to your router, and go to the Wireless Security tab (or similar tab).
Find your encryption method (WEP, WPA, WPA2, etc.).
Nearby, you will find the key.
For WEP, enter WEP "key 1" into your computer.
For WPA or WPA2, enter the key (sometimes called password or passphrase) into your computer.
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 12-29-2007 03:57 AM

Similar Messages

C4580 Wireless Networking Issue - WEP Security Key not accepted.

I keep getting this error whe doing network setup on my new Photosmart C4580.
"Your wireless rounter requires a WEP secuirty key. The security key configured on your printer does not match exactly. Reconfigure your wireless network WEP security key for your printer."
I have downloaded an updated installer. I have tried to access the printer via the IP address to make the change. It is never updated. When I run the Wireless Network Test Report it also shows it fails. I am entering in the first WEP security key (Index 1). I know the key is being entered correctly. I have even copied and pasted it. Nothing works.
Help Please!

Jim:
Thanks for your comments. I think you may be right. I have more information now. I installed a later version of the C4500 package (to fix another problem where the PC Firewall and internet access was disabled for 3 mins at startup), and the network setup/diagnostics are different in the newer package. After installing this the first time, everything worked - I mean everything, even scan from printer. During the Network Setup the wizard found only one network (mine). However, the Wireless Network Report said it had detected two.
However, the next time I switched the printer on, it never connected. Network diagnostics then told me that the PC and the printer were on different networks, 192.168.0.0 and 169.254.0.0 and that this usually results from two close networks with the default router manufactures SSID. This is not the case here - I am in any case in a very isolated country farm! It also (predictably) said the WEP was wrong. At one point in the diagnostic I can see it's trying 169.254.196.213. There's nothing on my network other than 192.168.0.* Attempts to reconfigure the network again show that there is only one network detected on-air, and no duplicate SSIDs, but the same result in the diagnostic - crossed-networks. Even re-installing the software won't fix it now. Whereas before I could at least print/scan from the PC and only the printer 'thought' the network was dead, now the network really IS dead and I am left with a USB-only setup.
I think you may be right that the printer somehow 'remembers' a phantom/ghost network. What I need is some way to hard-reset the printer. I saw in other postings that you know something about this, at least on other printers. Alternatively, I need a way to set the printer network parameters, including hard-coded IP address, over the USB but WITHOUT the router radio on, then switch it on and let the HP network setup wizard find it over the radio. Any ideas on that one please?
Peter M

How do I locate my wep security key?

where and how do i locate my wep security key

The security key / passcode is set on your router. If you have an Apple Airport router (Extreme or Express), you would use the Airport Utility on your Mac (in Applications/Utilities) to configure it. If you have a router that was supplied by your ISP, the WEP key is often written on the bottom (and you can always ask your ISP). If you purchased a different router, you would have set up a passcode. You usually administer non-Apple routers by browsing to its private IP address, eg http://192.168.1.1 (or whatever your equivalent is; you can usually figure it out from your Mac's Network panel of System Preferences).
Matt

15" not keeping WEP security key...

When my powerbook boots into Leopard, it says my wireless network isn't available. I enter the WEP password and it works fine until the next reboot.
WEP keys aren't being saved.
After some research I found it might be the internal battery. Just replaced the internal battery and reset the PRAM/NVRAM and I'm still having the issue. Any ideas?

try zapping pram and power manager reset.

RE2000 Wi-Fi Extender only supports WEP w /hexadecimal format security key

My E4200 router security key has ascii characters, not hexadecimal.
The Linksys article on the RE2000 Extender I want to buy for the house says: " If your gateway is set up with a WEP ASCII format, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance."
Isn't that my situation? I don't think my ISP (Time Warner RoadRunner cable service) will know what to do.
Are these ascii characters on my key going to be a problem in getting an RE2000 to work in my home?
Regards,
Ted

Hi tedm,
On the initial setup of your E4200, by default, it will auto-configure a WPA2/WPA mixed wireless security mode - and ascii characters are accepted. Don't worry about it because your RE2000 is compatible with that security mode. It is only indicated on the linksys article that if the security mode is set to WEP, its WEP Key should only contain hexadecimal characters - letters from A-F and numbers from 0-9. Also, if the WEP encryption is set to 64bit, you should have 10 hex digits (128bit = 26 hex digits).
Hope this helps.
If everyone needs to believe in something, I believe I'll have another beer..

Network security key resets every few hours

Hi all, I have had an 802.11b wireless router for a few years now, and over the past few months I have been getting kicked off the network every few hours and having to reset the router in order to get back on. I ran a diagnostic check and it is telling me that my security key is not correct, even when it is the same saved password that I was using that earlier let me on the network (as in, I only typed it once for both times). Is this a known error? Has this ever happened to anyone else? I am thinking I will just replace the equipment but I'm curious to see if anyone else has had such strange experience. This happens to me on either XP or Vista. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated.

Hi,
First thing you should try is to update the firmware of the router. As your router is a bit older.
After this Check the security key by logging to routers setup and if it is not your security key, then you can change it.
To check security key, connect your computer to one of the four ports on router using ethernet cable.
1.      Open setup page of router by typing http://192.168.1.1 in browser’s address bar, and typing password as "admin" and no user name. Use your password if you have changed it earlier
2.      Go to wireless tab.
3.      Go to wireless security sub-tab
4.      If security mode is wpa or wpa2 note down passphrase/shared key, if security mode is WEP note down wep key number 1. This will be your network key

Using AX with Linsys router and WEP security

I have a Dell Inspiron 700m running XP. I use a Linksys wireless router for internet access. I have configured my AX to connect to the router and, with the WEP security turned off, it worked fine. However, when I turned WEP back on, reset the AX, and tried to configure it as a client to my wireless network, it didn't work. Rather, I could not connect to my wireless network, and can only connect directly to the AX network. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tom
Dell Inspiron 700m Windows XP

One of the problems with WEP is that the actual standard relies on a 10 character HEX key for 40bit WEP and a 26 character HEX key for 128bit WEP.
In order to make things easier for people, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling people to use simple memorable WEP password rather than lengthy HEX keys.
The problem is that different vendors use different algorithms to generate the HEX key and therefore a ASCII password on an AEBS will be hashed differently on a Netgear client and vice versa.
One thing is a 13 character 128 bit WEP password will be hashed by all vendors in the same way (if you use 40bit WEP then a 5 character password is required).
Having said that, this will only work if they use an algorithm, some don't and in these cases you must use the HEX key regardless of the length of the plain text password.
AirPort: Joining an encrypted wireless network
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106424
Choosing a password for networks that use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108058
iFelix

AX WEP Security Problem

I've just pulled my AX out of the closet for the first time in a couple of years. I want to use it as a client on my home wireless network to stream Internet radio over my home stereo system. I've gotten it to work--but only without security on my wireless network. Without security, everything went as scripted. But before that I tried it three times with WEP security enabled and failed each time. I won't bore you with the details, since obviously (since I got it to work without security) I went through the correct procedures. I'll just provide a couple of details here.
* During the setup procedure, everything seemed to be going perfectly until the end.
* During the procedure, I specified WEP security and gave the utility access to my keychain, where it accessed my WEP password. I 'showed' the password to make sure it was correct.
* Setup was successful (according to the admin utility) but after restarting a connection between the AX and the existing network could not be established. The light flashed amber and the device disappeared, inaccessible either directly or through the existing network.
Don't know which WEP this is, but the password is 5-digit hex.
Thanks for your help.
Jim

I want to use it as a client on my home wireless network to stream Internet radio over my home stereo system.
What is the make/model of your current home wireless network's router?
But before that I tried it three times with WEP security enabled and failed each time.
Any reason that you can't use WPA or WPA2, instead of WEP. WEP is no longer considered secure and it doesn't play "nice" when working with different vendor's equipment.
Don't know which WEP this is, but the password is 5-digit hex.
One of the problems with WEP is that the actual standard relies on a 10 character HEX key for 40bit WEP and a 26 character HEX key for 128bit WEP.
In order to make things easier, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling the use of simple easy to remember WEP password rather than lengthy HEX keys. The problem is that different vendors use different algorithms to generate the HEX key and therefore a ASCII password on an AX will be hashed differently on a non-Apple client and vice versa.

How do I enter my existing 26 character wep network key on my airport express. I have tried using a preceding $ to no avail

How do I enter my existing 26 character wep network key on my airport express. I have tried using a preceding $ to no avail

The WEP standard provides support for either:
A 10 hexidecimal digit or 5 ASCII character key for 40-bit WEP, OR
A 26 hexidecimal digit or 13 ASCII character key for 128-bit WEP
In order to make things easier, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling the use of simple easy to remember WEP password rather than lengthy HEX keys. The problem is that different vendors use different algorithms to generate the HEX key and therefore a ASCII password on an AirPort Express will be hashed differently than on a non-Apple client and vice versa.
In addition, the 802.11n AirPorts do NOT support either 40-bit or 128-bit WEP in the "n" Radio Mode. You will have to switch to one of the non-"n" modes to access these wireless security options.
When operating in 802.11n, the only WEP option is the WEP (Transitional Network Security) mode. Note: This mode only supports using 13 ASCII character keys. This would be the reason that you are not able to enter a 26 hexidecimal digit key.
You may find the following Apple Support article helpful: AirPort: Joining an encrypted WEP or WPA Wi-Fi Network

WRT610N (no wireless connection when using security key)

My router hooked up hard wired fine. my wireless does not work when I set a security key of any type. It all seems to work fine with the system unlocked and no security set at all. I do have networkmagic 4.9 on my machines and have had for several years. My old wrt54G seem to work fine with a security key. It just got to where I had to reset the router a lot after a couple of years. How do I get this WRT610N ver:2 to work with a security key? I use Windows XP on all 3 computers,,,, 1 hard wired 2 wireless. I have had a WRT54G for a few years ,,,so I know how this stuff works,,,but I can't figure this one out. help please I want it to work right. Thanks,,,,I have a brand new WRT610N Ver:2

First of all, in the WRT610N, give your network a new unique SSID. Do not use "linksys". Do not use your old SSID. If you are using "linksys" you may be trying to connect to your neighbor's router. Also set "SSID Broadcast" to "enabled". This will help your computer find and lock on to your router's signal.
Next, in the computer, go to your wireless software, and go to "Preferred Networks" (sometimes called "Profiles" ). There are probably a few networks listed. Delete any network named "linksys". Delete any network with your old SSID. Also delete any network that you do not recognize, or that you no longer use. Enter your new network info (SSID, encryption (if any), and key (if any) ). Then select your current network and make it your default network, and set it to automatic login. You may need to go to "settings" to do this, or you may need to right click on your network and select "Properties" or "settings". Reboot computer. Your computer should connect automatically to the router (it can take up to two minutes). If you still have problems, temporarily turn off your compute software firewall, and try again to connect.
If the above does not fix your problem, download and install the latest driver for your wireless adapter.
Some users have reported improved wireless performance by switching to WPA encryption.
Note:
For WEP, enter WEP "key 1" (found in the router) into your computer, not the WEP password or passphrase.
For WPA or WPA2, enter the key (sometimes called password or passphrase) into your computer.
Win XP requires a patch to run WPA2 (= WPA with AES) . The patch is in SP3, so you will need SP3 to run WPA2.
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 01-02-2010 12:14 AM

Wi-Fi WEP Hex Keys?

I can connect with the WiFi using a WEP password, but my linksys is configured to use 4 hex keys, as are all my mobiles. Any hope of a patch or hidden option that will support adding WEP Keys?
Selecting WEP Security prompts me for a password, actually a pass-phrase, but not for the keys.
TY, DH

Thanks for the suggestions, but the problem isn't really one of hex-to-ascii but of one ipod passcode for four AP WEP keys.
I use the latest Linksys 802.n, which provides for generating 4 keys from a passphrase, or for entering the four 10-hex character keys directly. I tried a simple passphrase on both the AP and the ipod Touch, but got no connection.
The AP wants four keys, the ipod Touch as an entry for a single string.
WEP Screen: http://www.tekstenuitleg.net/img/linksys_WEP.gif
Is it possible that a passphrase of all 40hex chars simple strung together and converted to ascii as a passphrase would authenticate? I doubt that.
Seems my only other option is to lose the WEP entirely and leave my home net open, which I would rather not do (despite WEP having recently been cracked).

WEP Index Keys

The WEP connection I use has rotating index keys (1,2,3, or 4). It seems that my iPhone will only connect when the index key is set at 1. I have not way to connect when the index key is set at either 2,3, or 4. Am I missing something on the iPhone setup, or is this an iPhone bug? Thanks.

you can actually check for your wep/wpa key on the rtr's UI.if you have a pc that is online hardwire to the rtr,open IE and on the URL type there just the numbers--192.168.1.1 and it will ask you for Username & password for the rtr.
by default rtr's password is "admin".on the rtr's UI click "wireless tab" and on w/less subtab click on "wless security".
if security mode is set to wep whatever you have on KEY 1 it's your wep key but if it's set to WPA whatever you have on WPA shared key box or PASSPHRASE box that is your WPA key.

Can't set WEP security, why?

I have a Belkin 54mb Airport Card (seen in Profiler as Airport Extreme) in my Mac running OSX 10.4.8. The card works fine with my Netgear DG834G modem/router but I can't set the security option.
I set the password in the 'Wireless Settings' page re-start after but when I key in the password Airport can't find the network. I then have to reset the modem to factory settings.
Anyone out there using this modem/router who can offer any help?
G4 466 DA Mac OS X (10.4.8) www.ardswe.com

Thanks to those helped, thanks. The problem was this:
When setting up WEP security with this modem, you use the standard 10 digit 'Hex' password, ex 1234567890 but when you assign this password to the Network and Airport on your mac you must prefix it with a dolar sign, (so the pasword becomes $1234567890), apparently the dollar sign forces the Netwotk Prefs and Airport to read the numbers as 'Hex' code, as opposed to just numbers.
Hope this may help others who have this problem.

"@" not allow in WEP security

Hi,
I have a WRT54N series wireless router, there have a problem when I key in "@" or "-" in the passphase, it will prompt an error message said that invalid. Try in different Linksys model, it works.
Has been tried upgrade the firmware, but still cannot work?
Any idea on it

1. As WEP is highly insecure you should not use it at all. Use WPA2 with AES instead.
2. You should not use passphrases for WEP encryption. Passphrases have not been standardized for WEP and thus won't work with all devices. The passphrase in the router is only used to derive the four actual encryption keys. You should always and only enter those encryption keys and never the passphrase. You can also use a random WEP key generator to generate four random keys and you won't even know the passphrase.

Printer does not retain network security key , after I log off and log back on .

I have a HP Photosmart , eprint wireless printer. For some unknown reason, everytime I shut down my laptop and then restart it. My printer does not remember my Network Security Key, and I have to put it back in on the printer keypad. This is not only slow, but a real pain ! How can I get the printer to store my security settings permanently ? Thanks !

What operating system does the computer use?
What model is the printer?
What brand/model is the router?
Is WEP or WPA being used?
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Passphrase or WEP security key

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