Windows 7: 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...

WPA2-PSK AES is the best option there. You just need enter the same passphrase on all devices.

My best advice is use a Business type network setup not the Windows 7 homegroup as it only works with other Windows 7 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 Windows 7 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.

Hey Static

While less secure and not desirable you could leave the wifi in the clear and require a username and password to log on to ALL the computers. In XP you may only be able to run wep and it is annoying.

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.

Ill be checking back in

Ken

Unfortunately, if you cannot find updated drivers, you might be stuck with using the older WEP standard. It works, but it is very poor security because it has been cracked.

Windows XP does indeed support WPA2. It depends on your hardware and drivers.

The only requirement for WPA passphrase is that it needs to be at least 8 characters. If your devices are telling you to put in hexadecimal characters, those are 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

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??????

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

Here is what I would do

change encryption to wep and enter passkey
save passkey and exit routers page
reboot pc and attempt to connect. When negotiation fisinsh it will ask you for password. enter it. If ok goto next computer. repeat.

If not successful check passkey on router and try again.
Hopefully that should do it.

If not Im leaving a browser window open
Ken