I can't seem to set a WEP key :confused:

[Gin Slinger]

Dear IT aces,

For some reason when I try to set a WEP key on my wireless broadband the connection, changing the SSID network name at the same time, the connection drops out, then when I re-scan for a new connection, the original network name comes up, without a WEP key.

Am I missing something obvious? :confused:

I'm operating with Windows 2000 and using Intel Pro Set wireless adapter.

[BLUE SKY THINKER]

Gin Slinger . . . . .

Is it worth trying in two stages?

If you change the SSID (+'apply changes'/'logout', or similar) forgetting the key for the moment, does the new name show on rescan?

[rotorcraig]

Agree; get the SSID where you want it and stable, then apply the WEP key.

RC

[jetcollie]

If you have the option I'd set a WPA-PSK key in preference to a WEP key. It's easier and more secure.

[BLUE SKY THINKER]

Agree. ...Thought about raising the issue, but didn't want to over complicate things at this stage. ...But now we are (!), think also about disabling SSID broadcast once you have got the new name established.

Good site for WPA-PSK random key generation (http://www.kurtm.net/wpa-pskgen/)

[Gin Slinger]

I've just tried as you suggested, but when I set it to use a WEP key, it drops the connection and when I re-scan it connects it only comes up with a generic connection called NETGEAR (the manufacturer of my wireless router). When I add a WEP key to the generic connection, the cycle starts again.

[terrain safe]

Have you got a DG834g?

Had a similar prob with mine.

Sent it back. Had it for 11 months and PC World gave me a full refund so I got a DG834GT for only £30 more.

[BLUE SKY THINKER]

I guess you've looked at THIS (http://kbserver.netgear.com/inquira/default.asp?ui_mode=answer&prior_transaction_id=201048&action_code=5&highlight_info=16777333,87,109&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fkbserver.netgear.com%2Fkb_web_files%2FN101 548.asp&answer_id=24284378#__highlight)?

[rotorcraig]

Hmmm ... I'm using a DG834G and all seems fine.

Which model is yours? Mine is v2 (see the DG834G family support page (http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/DG834G.asp) for details)

Have you tried flashing the firmware to the latest version? I flashed mine to Version 3.01.29 earlier in the year, but the highest version on the above site now seems to be back to Version 3.01.25. Googling suggests that it did not working properly with static routes?

My config consists of a custom SSID, WPA-PSK encryption and Wireless Station Access Control enabled. The one thing that I've not been able to do is hide the SSID, as many laptops (including our work Dells, it turns out) get upset when SSID is hidden.

Again, a quick Google suggests that a hidden SSID is a minor inconvenience but no barrier whatsoever to a hacker that wants to get into your network.

RC