wep/wpa key

WinXP Pro sp2 = I have an Linksys wireless router with security enabled wireless network and am trying to find the wep or wpa key to use when attempting to use a friends laptop on my network. I cannot seem to find the key any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Which is it, WEP or WPA? Who set it up in the first place?

I'd say the solution is to change the key. You would need to change it in both the router and in the computers. A WEP/WPA key is like other passwords, you need to remember it or make note of it. Since WPA can, and should, be very long key codes for tight security, memorizing them is not practical.

 

That is how it asks when trying to use anothers comp on my wireless network. So I don't know which. Since I am 70 years old I did not try to remember the number. I did write it down which was about 3-4 years ago and now can't find it. I'll keep looking but I was hoping I could possibly find it in the registery but no luck. Thanks

 

Exactly what model is your router? What versions of Windows are used on all the computers involved in this scenario?

 

I just had someone with the same problem and using a free program from Majorgeeks called WirelessKeyView, I was able to retrieve the WEP key (a 10digit string of numbers&letters), which let the rest of the family log in to the wireless network. You have to download the program, then unzip it and run wirelesskeyview.exe. If Windows wireless management has saved the key, it should show up.

 

usafveteran.-Model of router is WRT54GS Wireless - G broadband router with speedbooster. All pcs have win xp pro sp2.

peterpan8. - That sounds like exactly what I was hoping to for. I will certainly check that out. But it seems I remember a lot more than 10 numbers but then of course my memory isn't what it once was. I will try it and see. = Well I tried it and it definitely gives wep numbers it did give me a long string of numbers about 25. Though I thought i had WPA2. There's that memory again. I will try it tommorow. Pc is not here now I will let you know for sure. Thanks

 

I may be mixing up WPA/WEP, since I don't use either with my usb wireless broadband modem. If I recall WirelessKeyView found several keys for the same connection, one being the 10 digit key that worked, the other being the much longer string (that I didn't try using because I was able to log on). Hope it works for you.

 

I suggest you download the manual for your router from http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/support/WRT54GS/download. Study it until you understand how to set up WPA in it and create a change a password/passphrase for the WPA encryption. You need to do this via a wired connection to your router. Once you understand how to do this and also understand where to look in Windows to set a WPA passphrase in it, then you can change the passphrase in both and you'll know the passphrase to use on any other computer you want to connect to your network.

 

Just thought I should let you know. The other pc hasn't made a visit yet since I started this post. I have not forgotten and I will get back to this post as soon as I get visit from the other pc.