Connecting to a second wireless network

I have two wireless networks using two different routers. I can connect easily to both networks from five of my other computers, some that use XP, one with Vista and one with Windows 7. I have another AIO computer using Windows 7 that will only connect to one of the networks although both the networks appear on the list of available networks and the signal strength indicates excellent on the network that won't connect. I disconnect the network that I can access, try to connect to the other but I get the advice that the computer cannot connect. I have typed in the correct codes, do everything as on other computers but it just won't connect on this one. After a few seconds the computer automatically connects to the previous network. Any ideas?

If you are using WEP on that second router you will most likely need to go with WPA2 security with AES encryption instead. You will need to change the wireless profile in Windows 7 as well.

There are many new Windows 7 approved drivers that will not work with the outdated and less secure WEP security.

Thanks, chev65, but I'm reluctant to change anything on either of the routers. Both routers work fine with five of my computers but not on this one particular computer that will accept and connect to only one of the networks. Both routers are set for WEP and my other computer that runs Win 7 presents no problem at all, it connects readily and easily to both networks as do all the other computers.

Ceras said:

Thanks, chev65, but I'm reluctant to change anything on either of the routers. Both routers work fine with five of my computers but not on this one particular computer that will accept and connect to only one of the networks. Both routers are set for WEP and my other computer that runs Win 7 presents no problem at all, it connects readily and easily to both networks as do all the other computers.

I figured it was a WEP problem, you should be aware that most Windows 7 approved drivers will not connect when using WEP security and that is no doubt the problem here.

It's simple, if you want to fix the problem change the security, most of your other machines should have no problem connecting to WPA2 security with AES encryption. :)

Thanks again, but I just don't understand. One of my computers uses Win 7 and it connects readily using WEP and it connects to the same network that this one computer will not. Why would WEP work fine on one computer using Win 7 but not on the other computer? Both computers use Win7 Home Basic.

Ceras said:

Thanks again, but I just don't understand. One of my computers uses Win 7 and it connects readily using WEP and it connects to the same network that this one computer will not. Why would WEP work fine on one computer using Win 7 but not on the other computer? Both computers use Win7 Home Basic.

Because the drivers they are using are both different. It's important to note that WEP security is easily hacked and is no longer safe to use.

Some older or mostly outdated drivers can work with WEP, most every Windows 7 approved and updated driver will not work with WEP security.

You have your answer but it's up to you how to proceed at this point. :)

Many thanks, chev65. I kept searching and finally came upon an option that had to do with administrator or certificates, I checked it and I no longer have any problem connecting using WEP authentication. I wish I could be more specific on just where the administrator option was but I had punched so many buttons I no longer know how I got there or how to get back to it. If anyone else knows something about admistrator options for internet connections maybe they could clear it up.

OK, I think that I went to Networks and Internet, then to Shared Networks and Rsources, then to Windows Firewall, then to Permit a Program or Characteristic. The list that comes up displays items that can be checked if you don't want them blocked. It seemed to work for me.

Ceras said:

OK, I think that I went to Networks and Internet, then to Shared Networks and Rsources, then to Windows Firewall, then to Permit a Program or Characteristic. The list that comes up displays items that can be checked if you don't want them blocked. It seemed to work for me.

I was unaware you could unblock the option to use WEP security, in fact looking through those options in Windows firewall I still can't figure out which option you checked to make WEP work, in fact there is no way of knowing which option to choose on my end, though you have to admit I did know exactly what the problem was.

WEP is outdated and not secure at all which is why the suggested that you use WPA2 security rather than turning down the security on Windows firewall.