Going wireless/Vista

[loveumore]

Hi all!

I just purchased my very first laptop, so obviously I'm quite new at this. It's a Dell - Inspiron 1420 and if it matters, I do have Wifi. I've done a lot of searching on google and can't figure out how to go wireless, but can connect fine using the ethernet. I have a Westell modem (model 327W) which is wireless/router and have other computers running in the house. (If this matters, I haven't a clue. I just want to give all the info I can so it helps.)

When I go to manually connect to a wireless network, it asks for a security key or passphrase. I thought it was some password I would just make up, but I'm obviously wrong and getting nowhere. Any help would be appreciated. I need heavy details so I know exactly what I'm doing. This is sooo new to me! Thanks ahead of time.

 

[loveumore]

Nevermind. I got it. Hoot, hoot!

 

[greeneyed_Lady]

I'm by no means an expert, but I have a lappy and have used wireless for the last 4 yrs.

The router has a default password, in my case it's.. er.. no.. don't think I'll say it outloud. Needless to say it's something factory installed and it defaults back to it when you reset the router (which I had to do recently). If you go to the webpage for your particular router, it should have information on how to set it up. My laptop found the wireless easily, just couldn't connect due to it being encrypted/locked for security reasons. I have it encrypted because I live in suburbia hell and everyone around me has wireless. It keeps the less then honest from stealing and using your signal to download all manner of things from your ISP.

If *I* can get the wireless working, ANYONE can do it!!! Start with the router webpage.. directions should be there.. including a tech number to call for help.. they should be able to walk you thru it.


ETA.. Yay you!!

 

[loveumore]

Yeah, go me is right! I finally found it on a google search. I went to "run" and typed in CMD then inconfig, and it pulled up the gateway address, which was what I needed to type into the address bar. Other people online were telling me to type in my IP addy and they were obviously wrong. The gateway address led me to my router and then I found the security key needed.

RAWR! I'm online!!

 

[fgarvb1]

Interesting.

The lady wife had me run a Cat. 5 cable under our house from the router to her living room chair ( it can reach anywhere in the living room) for her laptop.

We always had a question or two with wireless security so we decided not to go wireless with our four computers.

 

[Ran4]

Interesting.

The lady wife had me run a Cat. 5 cable under our house from the router to her living room chair ( it can reach anywhere in the living room) for her laptop.

We always had a question or two with wireless security so we decided not to go wireless with our four computers.

Good choice. Wireless isn't very secure.
Make sure to turn the built-in wifi card off, then you'll get longer battery time (when not connected to an AC adapter).

 

[dave's thing]

If you use 128bit encryption with a new (less then a year old or better) there is absolutely nothing more secure.. well maybe a few things...... but it is the same security as used in browsers (hardline or otherwise)

 

[bisexualsmoker]

The wonders of wireless.In my tranquil backyard,with it's many trees,
and soft breeze coming off the lake,theres 30-40 hotspots always.
Most of them with no wep keys.Can't complain.

 

[kindashy]

Westell 327W are kinda mediocre, the early models A90 don't even support wireless encryption.

Here is forum you might find helpful in the future: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/westell