3COM Internet wireless router

Oh dear,

My 3COM wireless router decided to reset itself 2 days ago, so I have'nt been able to get onto the internet (That's probably a good thing, keeping me away from normal people......cos I'm quite a disaster really....)

I have it up and running now but I am locked out of my own wireless connection and I'm "piggy-backing" on someone elses at the moment (Signal strength "low"). I can see it on my settings but it's not secure.

How on earth do I get back my secure wireless network?????.....(My computer has been kicking up "Window Zero Configuration" threats and all sorts and I'm totally lost!)

I have all my password numbers and my passphrase....but where do I put 'em!

Can you help?

Kind regards
ONNHA

 

OK I'll try and do this.

Routers have reset button, usually on the back. You are lucky in that 3COM ones are pretty obvious, some makes require you to poke about with a pencil.
Just hold it, with the power on, and count to. Then let go. The router will be reset to factory default.

Having done this if you can access the router with the ethernet cable, (second best is the usb cable and last best is directly over the wireless) that came with it, things will be much easier. Connect the cable and open your browser (e.g. internet explorer).
Type into the address bar
http://196.168.0.1

Notes
There is NO www in this.
I think the numbers are correct, different manufacturers use different numbers for the last two digits and I can't remember 3Com. However they are all of the form 192.168.x.y where x and y are 0 or 1 or 2 so you only have 9 combinations to check. Sorry bout dat. So if 192.168.0.1 doesn't work try 192.168.0.2....192.168.1.1 etc

When you get the the correct one note it down. The router's home (control) page will open in you browser. You will have to type in the router's own passwords (NOT your broadband ones they come later) these are usually admin or default and blank or password.

Once in control of your router you can choose setup and and enter your provider details and your own user and password and away you go.

If you still have the providers setup cd you can use it instead of the above once you have reset the router.

Good luck

Studio T

 

I have done all that! So at least I have worked out how to do one thing correctly! I must not have entered Tiscali's details correctly!!! I can see the 3COM wireless unsecured network, I just can't get on it....I am using someone elses at the moment!!!!! (I have actually rung a number in the paper and someone's coming out to sort it at 3pm today........It's either that or I'll throw this computer down the stairs)

Thanks for your help!!

Kind regards
Onnha

 

Start >connect to>showallconections

right click wireless connection icon
choose view available networks.


Click change advanced settings at the bottom of the left hand pane
Choose the wireless networks tab in the box that opens

tick use windows to configure my wireless network settings
in the preferred networks bos select your network
choose properties (I think may be advanced)

In the new box that opens
In network authentication choose open if your wireless router is insecure
otherwise choose shared
in the encryption box choose wep, wpa or disabled as appropriate
enter the key which is printed on the bottom of your router if appropriate
Untick this key is provided automatically
tick this is an ad hoc network etc

It will not work if one of these settings is wrong

Good luck

Studio T