"Jeff Layman" <jmlayman@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:hn2vrt$jd6$1@news.albasani.net...
> "Mortimer" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
> news:hn2o5t$798$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>> "Jim" <nospam@nospam.co.uk> wrote in message
>> news:lo5ln.48376$Ym4.4361@text.news.virginmedia.com...
>>> I've just bought a toshiba laptop with windows 7 and wifi capability.
>>> I'm also working through "dummy's guide to windows 7". According to the
>>> book, when setting up a wireless router I must enter the security
>>> encryption method (WEP, WAP, WAP2) supported by my computer.
>>> Unfortunately, it omits to tell me where on my PC to find this
>>> information. Could someone help me on this?
>>
>> If the PC is running Windows 7, it's virtually a certainty that its
>> wireless adaptor will support WPA - and probably WPA2.
>>
>> I would suggest you connect the PC to the router by Ethernet (for the
>> initial setup) and configure WPA2 with a key, then remove the Ethernet
>> cable and try to connect to the router. If this fails, reconnect the
>> Ethernet, configure the router for WPA with a key and try to connect.
>>
>> Don't leave the PC connected both by Ethernet and wireless because you'll
>> confuse it by giving it two ways of sending traffic to the router.
>
> I'll second that with one or two minor amendments.
>
> Turn off laptop wireless and connect by cable (RJ45/ethernet) to the
> router. Check router manufacturer's website for any firmware upgrade. If
> there is one, download and upgrade the router software. (Why? I spent
> hours trying to get my laptop/router set up securely. No problem with
> unencrypted connection, but just would not work with WPA/WEP. Only a
> firmware upgrade allowed it to work with Windows7 security.)
>
> Disconnect cable and switch on wireless connection (keep laptop close to
> router for the initial setup). The laptop should find the router. If it
> doesn't for some reason, go to control Panel | Network and sharing center
> | Set up a new connection or network, and follow the instructions.
>
> When the laptop has found the router, click on "Manage network settings"
> at the top left of "Network and sharing center". Double click the router
> entry, and go to the "Security" tab. Now go to IE8 (or whatever browser
> you use) and go to your router's address. Set that up for WPA or WPA2,
> (or WEP if you have to!).
>
> When that security info has been saved in the router, you should find that
> your laptop can no longer talk to the router. Go back to the Network and
> sharing center "Security" tab and enter the same setup information you did
> for the router.
>
> You should now find that the laptop is talking to the router again.
>
> If there is a problem, remember that you can always turn off the wireless
> connection and reconnect the ethernet cable to try to sort things out.
>
> --
>
> Jeff
>
>
Thanks, I've copied all three replies to a folder.
Jim
