Password not accepted in new router

[Anak]

Your welcome about getting the manual for you.

We were forecast for freezing rain this morning and a little tomorrow, and while I was setting up our portable generator over the weekend in case the power utility went down it hit me about:

it has to be something within Win7 that's not 'allowing' the password?

I just want to make sure, but did you check out the link that PooMan provided?? http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/287661-unable-establish-secure-wireless-network.html Its an expanded version of what chev65 provided in this thread.

I believe the bigger problem is that you assumed WPA2 with AES would be applied when you set up the wireless profile in "Manage Wireless Connections" but those settings need to match the ones used when you set up your router, otherwise they won't stick.

So you should go into your routers settings to ensure that you have it properly secured. This would typically be at 192.168.x.x etc. Then create a new wireless profile using the security settings which you enabled in your router.

Source, post #3

Now, back to me and what I was thinking:

On some laptops there is a switch that needs to be turned on before the wi-fi will work, but that's not the case here because you're using your desktop.

That lead me to that "Edimax wireless card" you installed and if it has any kind of switch, I tried looking on the ::: EDIMAX Technology ::: site, but it was kind of pointless since I didn't know the product/model number, but I was hoping for a generic reference to a switch.

• Could you provide the numbers or a link to it so I can check the specs on it??
• While you're at it check to make sure it is seated properly.
• It could be a dead card.

Then I started thinking about the windows firewall, do you use it or do you have another brand of firewall like Norton or Comodo??

You should check to see if any reference to your "Edimax wireless card" is listed and whether or not it is allowed to communicate through the firewall.

This is for Windows, if you have a third-party firewall you will need to learn its rules. It still wouldn't hurt to check how Windows handles edimax if it is listed: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/542-windows-firewall-add-remove-exception.html


Lastly; for now, have you checked Device Manager for any warnings or alerts on the edimax or if its even listed under Network Adapters??

 

[kwil]

Hi Anak...
Appreciate you trying to think your way through my problem and the time spent...Hope the generator didn't need a password!!

First of all, I've checked through everything suggested by Pooman and all others. No joy.

Secondly, via Ethernet, I already checked the router's encryption settings match - WPA2 + AES + TPK...all OK

Thirdly, I'm using a desktop, but I think the 'laptop switch' you mention is a 'WPS' (= Wifi Protected Setup) switch.

The 533 router AND the Edimax each have one (both as 'extras' in case of connection problems since the 533's designed to be in effect 'plug n play')

Nevertheless, I have also tried using the WPS button to connect both. What you do is hold the router's button down for a few seconds, then the Edimax button.
What should then happen is that they 'talk' to each other. All being well, the connection should be made. The Edimax will show a green light plus a yellow light when fully operational.
However, trying the above made no difference. I still met the infamous 'password' window from Win7.

The 'current' 523 router, also plug n play, connects immediately, the Edimax lights come on as above...no problem.

You mention the Edimax card: since it connects without hassle to the current router, I don't think it could be a 'dead card'. Nevertheless, I did check the connections...Solid as a rock.

By the way, the Edimax model is:EDIMAX W/L NIC 300MBS PC1-EW 7722...all drivers updated...

Finally, I did check - again! - Device Manager...no conflicts.

Way back at the beginning of this saga, I ran a Win7 System File Checker in case there was a corrupt file...Also checked in 'Services' in case any relevant one had been 'disabled'....All fine.

Again, since all other programs on my system are working flawlessly, I just can't understand why I can't solve this. I've done a Win 7 Repair Install, by the way...That didn't change anything...grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

Anyway, Anak, once more I'd like to thank you for at least mulling over my little snag and hope you're warm as toast, with or without the generator....

Regards

 

[Anak]

Your welcome, no, the genny doesn't need a password, but I wish it had 'lectric start; how's that for an oxymoron?? They do though, for times when the power isn't out.

Maybe my age has something to do with it but I find if I try to over-think a problem I have to walk away from it, its still there but while I'm working on something else I'll get a revelation.

You never mentioned anything about your firewall:

Then I started thinking about the windows firewall, do you use it or do you have another brand of firewall like Norton or Comodo??

You should check to see if any reference to your "Edimax wireless card" is listed and whether or not it is allowed to communicate through the firewall.

This is for Windows, if you have a third-party firewall you will need to learn its rules. It still wouldn't hurt to check how Windows handles edimax if it is listed: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/542-windows-firewall-add-remove-exception.html

also check for any references to the 523router.


There is one other place to check in Windows Firewall; The Advance Security Section:

To open the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security in Control Panel

1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, click System and Security (in Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2), or System and Maintenance (in Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008.
3. Click Administrative Tools at the bottom of the screen.
4. Double-click Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.

   Note

If you are running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, you can also open the Windows Firewall Control Panel program, and then click the Advanced settings link in the left-hand pane.

Source: Single Computer Management

Check both the inbound, and outbound rules for anything relating to edimax and the 523router.

While you're in either rule set, scroll to the bottom of the list, you should see listings for Wireless Portable Devices see how they're set. Mine are allowed but not enabled because I don't have a wireless card in my machine.

If you have a third-party firewall and don't know where to check, post back and we'll help you figure it out.


I found your NICcards page: Edimax EW-7722In - 300Mbps Wireless 802.11b/g/n 32-bit PCI Adapter
after you post back 'bout the firewall, there are some items I saw in the manual I'd like to go over with you, one is if you installed the edimax wireless utility, then we'll go from there...

Gotta go, errands an chores......

 

[chev65]

Every router I've ever seen allows you to create/change to what ever SSID and password that you want. Also should be using WPA2 personal with AES encryption "routers settings". Needs to use at least 8 characters and try a longer password different SSID etc.

Surely they don't expect anyone to use the default password which can't be very secure.

More information here about using WPA2 with AES encryption > http://cybercoyote.org/classes/wifi/wpa2.shtml

 

[kwil]

Hi again Anak/chev...thanks again for your time.

I should've mentioned: I don't use Windows Firewall...
Instead I've always used Zone Alarm with never a problem with current or previous routers. This is teamed up with Avast antivirus...never had a glitch with this either.
Can't see any way to influence router connection via Zone Alarm anyway...

 

[chev65]

Hi again Anak/chev...thanks again for your time.

I should've mentioned: I don't use Windows Firewall...
Instead I've always used Zone Alarm with never a problem with current or previous routers. This is teamed up with Avast antivirus...never had a glitch with this either.
Can't see any way to influence router connection via Zone Alarm anyway...

I asked have you tried to change the default passphrase or the SSID? Any router that you can't change these two settings on isn't worth using.

Uninstall both the A/V's using the special tool or else you will be fighting this problem forever, use Windows firewall. I say this for good reason. If changes aren't made then it's pointless to try and help.

If you don't make any changes then nothing will change.

 

[kwil]

Hi Chev...
1. I agree you should be able to change passwords in a router. However, I've already tried changing password via the 533 router's settings without success. More than once!...It just won't allow the change...maybe for security reasons?
2. Why would uninstalling the AV have anything to do with Windows Firewall?
Unless suddenly Windows Firewall now includes its own AV??
3. As for the router: you may be right, but all indications from other users of the same router would definitely disagree. Besides, as I've already said, I've tried other routers only to experience the same problem. Conclusion: the router is fine...

I think it's obvious I've already tried changing whatever I can (except the adapter) so other than wiping my system totally and re-installing Win7 + all my software with no guarantee of any improvement in the router situation, to say nothing of all that hassle...well...looks like I'm stuck at square one

 

[chev65]

Hi Chev...
1. I agree you should be able to change passwords in a router. However, I've already tried changing password via the 533 router's settings without success. More than once!...It just won't allow the change...maybe for security reasons?
2. Why would uninstalling the AV have anything to do with Windows Firewall?
Unless suddenly Windows Firewall now includes its own AV??
3. As for the router: you may be right, but all indications from other users of the same router would definitely disagree. Besides, as I've already said, I've tried other routers only to experience the same problem. Conclusion: the router is fine...

I think it's obvious I've already tried changing whatever I can (except the adapter) so other than wiping my system totally and re-installing Win7 + all my software with no guarantee of any improvement in the router situation, to say nothing of all that hassle...well...looks like I'm stuck at square one

Your logic is flawed. Good luck on fixing this problem on your own.

 

[Anak]

Hi again Anak/chev...thanks again for your time.

I should've mentioned: I don't use Windows Firewall...
Instead I've always used Zone Alarm with never a problem with current or previous routers. This is teamed up with Avast antivirus...never had a glitch with this either.
Can't see any way to influence router connection via Zone Alarm anyway...

What versions of Avast and ZA kwil?? You need to be specific, are they free, paid, pro, extreme, and the version numbers, what?? If they are both anti-virus and firewall, you do realize you can not run both at the same time from both programs, don't you?? Did you check to make sure Windows Firewall was turned off? It is on by default.

Even though this dispels the myth: Myth - Zone alarm and Avast are not compatible there are settings to change in ZA, see Conclusions about antivirus protection, and web filter, especially web filter, also make sure the Windows firewall is turned off/disabled.

See #3 for possible troubleshooting: Top 10 User Questions

Here is a different opinion from Avast Forums; some good, some bad: Avast! Compatiblity with ZoneAlarm Basic Firewall


I strongly suggest you should run a test of Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) to see if it improves your situation, if it does then you will have to re-think your desire to run third-party anti-malware programs.

If you do test with MSE, MSE will automatically turn off Windows Defender, but you will have to check to make sure Windows Firewall is turned on.

How to Install and Use Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials - Installation Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions - Experts Community Wiki - Site Root - Windows Experts Community