Need help with a Home Network

Hey all. This is not just a windows 7 problem, it's more of a home networking thing, but since IT guys I call all suck, Im hoping some of you all can help.

I have the modem and router both in my room. It's a netgear wireless router. I am hotwired with ethernet and so I do not use wireless internet. My family and other computers however all use wireless. I am the only computer running windows 7, and my internet is 100% perfect.

The problem I have is mostly with my father's desktop running XP. I have just barely started to google and learn and what not how to set up passkeys and WEPs etc for a wireless network.

here is what I want. I want to set up the network so that ANYONE can join IF they have the password. Just one single password. not a ton of keys generated from a passphrase. Just one password that my father's desktop (with wireless card), my sisters laptop, and my girlfriend's laptop can all use and get internet long as they apply the password to the network thru their wireless card.

How do I set this up? is this possible? How do I do it? I can access my router (on my computer) and these are my options...

My best advice is use a Business type network setup not the Win7 homegroup as it only works with other win7 computers. I am sure other members can help you with the password setup.

" Doc "

McBlzr said:

My best advice is use a Business type network setup not the Win7 homegroup as it only works with other win7 computers. I am sure other members can help you with the password setup.

" Doc "

Thanks Doc. but unless it somehow updated itself when I installed win7 by default, it's the same XP/Vista network we've been using for a few years now. Just a virus ruined my dad's computer and since we've re installed everything and messed with so many settings, his wireless card and the router hate eachother specifically.

and thanks supersport. Going to give that one a try.

Ok, so my father's PC is running XP, and for whatever reason, his wireless driver or something is only allowing him to use a WEP. and it's annoying.

Where can I change this? or what info do I need to supply to help me troubleshoot this.

I tried the WPA2-PSK AES and when I put in the password it said the password needs to be some hexidecimal something or 8-15 ascii yadda yadda. I'll have to find a camera or my usb drive and ill supply some screenshots.

God I love these forums. Even if we don't end up fixing anything. The speedy responses, the self-less attempts to just help someone in need. Very Appreciated fellas and ladies.

I'll try a few of these examples and see if I can troubleshoot it.

and to clarify some other stuff. What is the standard order of operations? It should go something like...

Web Browser of Router changes Passkey
Save and Close web browser on computer 2.
Unplug router and turn off computer 1.
Plug in router.
Turn on computer 1.
Enter passkey
Profit??????

zigzag3143 said:

Hey Static


I am assuming you dont want to install win 7 on your dad (and other comps). If they were all on win 7 you could run homegroup and password the group logon.


Ken

My dad's such a little girl. Trust me. Ive been trying to convince him to let me install windows7. He's too old school for that? I might just do it anyways and if it works tell em to shut it lol