Router security

[talos2]

I have a belkin wireless router, a computer running XP and a laptop running vista,  I've managed to set it all up OK but I am very confused about the security set up. Tried WEP 64bit enc generated from a passphrase.this gave me 4 rows of 5 boxes marked key1 key2 etc each box contained a letter and a number, when I tried to enter these into the computer it wouldn't accept them, in the laptop it cave me access to the network but not the net. since I could not access the net I could not get to the setup page of the router, with panic rapidly setting in I power cycled the router, pressed the reset button and somehow managed to get internet back and into router setup  page. I confess I am scared to try again in case this time I can't get it all back, I am assuming pressing the reset on the router got me back in last time, am I right?  If so I'll have another go, if not I'll leave well alone.

[Rik]

I've never used a Belkin, so I'm not sure how entry is done, but I would have expected a single field of up to 63 characters. TBH, I wouldn't bother using WEP, it can be cracked in seconds, so want WPA or WPA2 if it's available.

If you can do a screen grab of the setup page and post it, we might be able to help a bit more. You are doing the set up via a wired connection, aren't you?

[talos2]

Sorry Rik
having trouble doing a screenshot ( never done one). But no not a wired connection, over the wireless link.

[Rik]

Don't try and set wireless security up on a wireless link, the link gets broken when you do, so you don't know what state the security is in. Connect one of the machine's with a cable, temporarily.

To grab a screen shot, hit Alt-PrtScr, then paste into an image editing program and save that as a JPEG.

[talos2]

Done that , but how do I include it in my post?

[Rik]

When you post, you'll see 'additional options' at the bottom of the screen (see screen shot). Click on that, and it will expand to allow you to enter, or browse to, a file name.

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[talos2]

Sorry Rick.
  feeling a bit dense, I was using the quick reply option.

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[Rik]

NP. I have to keep reminding myself it doesn't work in QR.

In the first shot, select WPA/WPA2-PSK.

Does that change the input for the second screen - it should only have a single field.

[talos2]

Yes this is the screen

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[Rik]

That's more like it, but you don't want Radius, you want PSK.

[talos2]

Having trouble with Vista, gone back on other Mc now
I think this is what you mean.

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[Rik]

That's it. Now type in a passkey (and keep a careful note of it). I recommend a minimum of 20 characters, alpha-numeric and of mixed case. Once you've set that on, you can log in wirelessly, and you will be asked to enter the key on each machine the first time. After that, you can forget about it, but keep a note of they key somewhere...

[talos2]

Ok thanks for your patience, I'll give it a try   please have one on me.
Bob

[Rik]

My pleasure, Bob. Thanks.