Netgear DG834G setup

Ted · Jun 10, 2009, 22:57:29

Quote from: alfredsvideo on Jun 10, 2009, 22:16:21
Thanks again, guys and gals, for all the wonderful help. I'm sure I'll get there in the end and I'll certainly visit the other sites mentioned. Yes Ted. Having trouble connecting to the Internet using wireless with a laptop in another room is exactly what's happening. Alf.

To start, make sure you are in the same room as the router, to rule out interference. Look in the router to make sure wireless is enabled, the ssid should be "Netgear". If security is enabled make sure you know the password/passphrase.

I'll assume you are using XP but Vista is similar. In the system tray you will see a wireless network symbol, right click on it and choose "view available wireless networks". Choose your router and click connect. If security is enabled it will ask you for the password, put that in and click connect.

With any luck the laptop should then connect to the router/internet.

If you are having trouble, make sure you turn off any firewall on the laptop.

Also, it might sound daft but, make sure the wireless is switched on, on the laptop itself. There will probably be a small switch or button somewhere.

Simon · Jun 10, 2009, 23:33:47

There should be a little icon lit up, like this, Alf, if wireless is enabled on the router...

Ted · Jun 10, 2009, 23:39:01

Looking at Alf's reply #11, looks like it is.

Simon · Jun 10, 2009, 23:53:49

Ah, OK. Just trying to cover all bases.

Ted · Jun 11, 2009, 00:00:22

As long as all the hardware is functioning correctly, there shouldn't be too much of a problem. (famous last words)

Rik · Jun 11, 2009, 09:43:55

How about if you're in the same room, Alf?

alfredsvideo · Jun 11, 2009, 13:03:28

Still trying. Still no success, even in the same room as modem/router. Yes Ted, The Wireless Network is security enabled and I am being asked for a Network Key, (also called a WEP Key). Where, or How, do I get this? Thanks.

Rik · Jun 11, 2009, 13:10:59

You enter the key into the router, then into each machine when it first connects to the router, Alf. There may be a default set, but pop into the wireless configuration and change it to something of your own choice. Ideally, keys should be long and random alpha-numeric. However, they can be a pain to remember and copy to other machines, so assess the risk of your being hacked. If you think it likely, go for the strongest possible key. If it's unlikely, use a combinations of letters and numbers which is more easily memorable. Unless your computers don't support it, move the encryption to WPA or WPA2, WEP is very weak.

Initially, however, turn off security and check that you can connect OK. If you can, then getting then setting the key in the router and entering it into any computer which needs to connect wirelessly should solve your problem.

Ted · Jun 11, 2009, 13:48:34

As Rik says, disable security to start with, just to get a connection. You can fiddle with security settings later

Here is a short and simple Guide to set up security, just use the same "key" on your laptop.

PuncH · Jun 11, 2009, 22:46:45

the default key is on the bottom of the router isn't it?

or am i thinking of the username and password to access the router in the first place? that could be it actually...it is getting late you know

Sebby · Jun 12, 2009, 00:28:29

Not on Netgears, as far as I can remember. There is not default key. The default username is admin and password is password to login to the router settings.

alfredsvideo · Jun 12, 2009, 03:08:30

I have tried disabling Wireless, but to no avail. On my Laptop, which is now positioned right next to the Desktop, I have typed the Modem Router address: http://192.168.0.1/setup.cgi?next_file=start.htm straight into the address bar, but still no luck. It is very frustrating, but at least this old brain is getting more stimulated as I go along. Thanks for being so patient. Alf.

Gary · Jun 12, 2009, 07:10:33

Quote from: alfredsvideo on Jun 12, 2009, 03:08:30
I have tried disabling Wireless, but to no avail. On my Laptop, which is now positioned right next to the Desktop, I have typed the Modem Router address: http://192.168.0.1/setup.cgi?next_file=start.htm straight into the address bar, but still no luck. It is very frustrating, but at least this old brain is getting more stimulated as I go along. Thanks for being so patient. Alf.

Try just going to http://192.168.0.1 then at the prompt that appears on the screen type in admin in the top box, then for the password type password, now you're in, go to the wireless settings its in the list on the right hand side. Now choose a name for your network where its says "netgear" for the name use alfredsvideo, now go down there are various ways to secure your router but leave these as they are and just press apply to make the name stick make sure broadcast SSID is selected as well. now go to the very bottom of the list on the right hand side and hit logout, do this from a computer attached via a cable to start. Now to your pc, follow the instructions here for xp http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx just right clcik that icon on the laptop you want to use or you can go to start and to your control panel and then select network and internet connections (I am using vista its almost the same but its hard to remember back) select set up a network setup wizard it will then (make sure wireless in turned on in the laptop) help you though, in vista just click the little computer screen icons in your task bar select network and sharing centre, then in the panel that comes up on the right hand side connect to a network alfredsvideo should appear in the list click on it and select connect to this network and follow the prompts. you should now have a connection.

Once you have done this you really need to set up security in the router. you need to make up a key to enter for safety, its best to use WPA2 PSK if that is an option. You can get random keys from here https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm select the 63 printable ASCII characters hashed down to 256 binary bits one, just copy the first 13 characters to keep it simple (copy and paste) or write them down. Now go back to your router, log in go to wireless settings and select WPA2 PSK, click on it and a box will appear to enter you new key, copy the key you have just got into that box (do this via a cable plugged in to the router) into that box and press apply, and logout. Now enter the same key into alfredsvideo wireless connection on the laptop, as you will not be able to log into it now, and it should ask you for a security key, enter that one we did earlier that you put into our router and now they should link again, if you have issues delete alfredsvideo network on the laptop and set it up again adding the network security key when prompted, you will need to select what security you have used, with WPA2 you will have used WPA2 Personnel. The same basic principles applies to WEP but it should be avoided as it can easily be hacked, WPA2 is the one to go for.

Rik · Jun 12, 2009, 08:47:18

Alf, you need to be connected to the router by a cable when you make changes.

Gary · Jun 12, 2009, 09:30:55

Quote from: Rik on Jun 12, 2009, 08:47:18
Alf, you need to be connected to the router by a cable when you make changes.

I did put that Rik, a friend got into a tis when trying without a cable and lost all connection, they did not think to put a cable back in, but then it said they could not log in as another session was already logged in, had to reboot the router by hand

easy mistake to make, I have done it myself.

Ted · Jun 12, 2009, 10:25:18

Alf, can you just confirm a few things for us.

From your desktop, you have disabled wireless in the router and clicked apply to save the changes?

On the laptop, you have gone to "view available wireless networks", chosen your router and clicked connect? (you have to do this even with security disabled)

What happens when you do this? do you get any error messages?