Bought new laptop w/W7; can't connect to router

I'm not a tech guru, but managed to set up my router which is working fine on my current laptop. Both desktop, router and old laptop all run XP.

Now I bought a shiny new laptop with Windows 7, and I can't connect. I've tried auto connect, manual connect...entering the Key each time...and it won'd go. I called the store and they said maybe my router won't work with Windows 7. Can this be?

When I set up router, I secured it (don't ask me how...followed some instructions I got from the Internet which I've since discarded), but here's the specs:

Key Provided Automatically: (802.1x): 0
Network Authentication Type: open
Data Encryption Type: WEP
Connection Type: ESS

Can someone help?

Hi there, only a few can be called true tech gurus.

With your issue, have you tried switching to WPA ?

confused30 said:

I'm not a tech guru, but managed to set up my router which is working fine on my current laptop. Both desktop, router and old laptop all run XP.

Now I bought a shiny new laptop with Windows 7, and I can't connect. I've tried auto connect, manual connect...entering the Key each time...and it won'd go. I called the store and they said maybe my router won't work with Windows 7. Can this be?

When I set up router, I secured it (don't ask me how...followed some instructions I got from the Internet which I've since discarded), but here's the specs:

Key Provided Automatically: (802.1x): 0
Network Authentication Type: open
Data Encryption Type: WEP
Connection Type: ESS

Can someone help?

Click to expand...

aem said:

Hi there, only a few can be called true tech gurus.

With your issue, have you tried switching to WPA ?

Click to expand...

aem is correct (in many ways!), Windows 7 is not compatible with the old WEP. Use WPA or better WPA2. If your router doesn't support WPA, perhaps there is a firmware update available?



Cheers!
Robert

Two possibilities:

1. Your wireless settings don't match between the router and your laptop

You look to be using WEP. Is there a way to look at the settings on the router? There are two different key lengths for wep: 40/64 and 128. If the key doesn't match *exactly* you won't connect. Make sure the key is the correct length. Normally you shouldn't be able to enter a wrong length.

Does the wireless card "connect" but no internet access?

2. It's possible the wireless portion of the router isn't compatible with your new laptop. Respond back with the make and model of the router and we can take a look.


aem: We meet again! Just while I'm typing!

BTW: Actually W7 *is* compatible with WEP. If you look at the drop down you'll see "Shared". That's actually one type of WEP. There are two kinds of WEP: Shared and Open (Not the Open No Auth type). Some older gear only supports one type instead of both. If they don't match, no connect. The thing about WEP is it's not OS dependent. WEP is down in hardware on the adapter. Not in on the driver.

If his router is too old it may only support Open WEP. If his new laptop's wireless card only supports Shared WEP, then it won't work.

But you and iseeuu suggesting to use WPA or WPA2is spot on. WPA is easier to configure and more secure anyway. WPA2 is even better.

Thanks all

Ok, off to try all suggestions...will report back.

Confused30

also, is both the router and the computer N devices or not?
I was having problems with my computer connecting and after switching to g-only the problem was fixed.

I'm far from being a true networking guru...lol it feels good saying that.

There is a saying, nothing ventured nothing gained. I've ventured alot and gain alot as well from doing things at home.

Usually the authentication method usage is somewhat a device driven property rather than software, and OS. If your adapter doesn't support WPA/WPA (as an example) and you have set your router security with WPA2, then there is no way you can use it for wireless connection. My eeepc's atheros card proved me this. Tried changing from WEP to WPA on my wireless network setup, and changed w7's setting as well but the adapter just won't work. It even come up with a message saying not applicable with WPA.

As for the routers, most will support all types of secuity. You setup your wireless network in your router, it broadcasts it, and the machines will pick it up assuming the adapter is functioning properly. It will see the network but whether you are able to log in or not is dictated by the adapter (excluding passphase/key issue).

Tried it all...

Changed my settings to WPA and got a gigantic new KEY

But still no connection.

Iappreciate everyone's help...but aem...I don't get even half of what you are saying?? (But thanks anyway).

Here's the deal:

I have a Netgear 54 Mbps router.

My desktop runs XP...my old laptop runs XP. My new laptop runs Windows 7.

When I go in to set up or change wireless settings, I can only basically change from WEP to WPa....choose to either do it manually or put it on a flash drive...and then bingo I'm done. Is there somewhere else I should go to get more advanced settings??

Current config:

SSID: xxxx

Network Key: xxxx

Key Provided Automatically (802.1x): 0

Network Authentication Type: WPASK

Data Encryption Type: TKIP

Connection Type: ESS

Key Index:

After I changed from WEP to WPA, I shut down computer, unplugged router, and then fired them all back up. Then got HUGE new WPA Key.

Also tried saving new settings to a flash drive...plugged that into new laptop, but the 'connection' stuff on new laptop didn't have the option of reading flash drive to get the key.

Anyway, if you guys can help, that would be great. Thanks

Tammy

Not sure how you changed your wireless network from being WEP to WPA, but you do this on a setting on the router. The router is the device that broadcasts your wireless network.

Then on your machines, change the wireless adapter's setting to use WPA, same for W7's built-in wireless utility.

Not sure what you mean with the flash driver bit?

Thanks for all help. I'll keep trying. Thanks aem.

confused30 said:

Changed my settings to WPA and got a gigantic new KEY

But still no connection.

Iappreciate everyone's help...but aem...I don't get even half of what you are saying?? (But thanks anyway).

Here's the deal:

I have a Netgear 54 Mbps router.

My desktop runs XP...my old laptop runs XP. My new laptop runs Windows 7.

When I go in to set up or change wireless settings, I can only basically change from WEP to WPa....choose to either do it manually or put it on a flash drive...and then bingo I'm done. Is there somewhere else I should go to get more advanced settings??

Current config:

SSID: xxxx

Network Key: xxxx

Key Provided Automatically (802.1x): 0

Network Authentication Type: WPASK

Data Encryption Type: TKIP

Connection Type: ESS

Key Index:

After I changed from WEP to WPA, I shut down computer, unplugged router, and then fired them all back up. Then got HUGE new WPA Key.

Also tried saving new settings to a flash drive...plugged that into new laptop, but the 'connection' stuff on new laptop didn't have the option of reading flash drive to get the key.

Anyway, if you guys can help, that would be great. Thanks

Tammy

Click to expand...

Tammy;

Without the exact model of router you are using we can't direct you how to set it up. However, generally, you should be able to create your own key (or phrase), WAP2 password, and then type that into your Windows 7 to enable the secure connection. That would suggest not using: "Key Provided Automatically (802.1x): 0" but supplying your own password to make the key.

Here are some screen shots of areas you should become familiar with in order to configure your wireless connection. Did you go here and create a new network connection?



Do you have a wireless strength bar icon bottom right of the task bar? Right click it to open your network settings and / or do some troubleshooting.







You will need Windows 7 to setup a new network (Home, not Work or Public) and type in your key phrase or password.



Cheers!
Robert