Wireless Router Issues - No Connection

[prizice24]

There is probably an easy solution to my problem (I'm not a tech wiz), but I can't seem to figure out what to do.

I just set up my Linksys wireless router to my cable internet connection and whenever my computer gets turned off, is restarted, goes into hibernate mode, goes into standby mode, or goes to a screen saver I get the following message when my computer attempts to reconnect: “Authentication process to connect to the network has been started.” Unfortunately, this “process” never finishes and I unable to connect unless I unplug and replug my router.

The signal strength is “excellent”, but the status reads “limited or no connectivity.” I think all of this may have something to do with my security settings because when I removed the password needed for computers to use my network this allowed my computer to immediately reconnect after being restarted, shut down, etc. The only problem is that I would like to have my network password protected.

Please help!

 

[SiriusBlackOp]

Sounds like the WEP or WAP key is incorrect on your computer. Have you tried deleting the wireless network in question, and then search, reconnect, and re-enter all of the settings for the the wireless network.

Senior Software Developer

http://www.scoutsft.com

 

[prizice24]

Thanks SiriusBlackOp for your fast reply. How exactly do i delete the wireless network in question, search, reconnect, etc? I apologize for my ignorance - but I think we're on the right track.

 

[SiriusBlackOp]

-Open Control Panel
-Open Network Connections
-View Properties of the Wireless Network Connection
-Change to the Wireless Networks tab.
-Highlight the Network in question, and click Remove.
-Click "View Wireless Networks" button and Connect to the network in question.
-You should now be prompted for any required settings such as the key. Enter the data, and try to connect to it.

I winged these steps, but I think I got everything.

Senior Software Developer

http://www.scoutsft.com

 

[prizice24]

Everything was looking good until i got to the "Change to Wireless Networks tab." I didn't see that tab anywhere. I messed around with different tabs, etc and I was able to view all the wireless networks in my range, but there was no remove button. What should I do? I appreciate your helping me out with this.

Open Control Panel
-Open Network Connections
-View Properties of the Wireless Network Connection
-Change to the Wireless Networks tab.
-Highlight the Network in question, and click Remove.
-Click "View Wireless Networks" button and Connect to the network in question.
-You should now be prompted for any required settings such as the key. Enter the data, and try to connect to it.

I winged these steps, but I think I got everything.

 

[SiriusBlackOp]

What OS? XP-Pro, Vista, Win2000?


Senior Software Developer

http://www.scoutsft.com

 

[prizice24]

Windows XP Media Center Edition Version 2002 Service Pack 2.

 

[SiriusBlackOp]

Hmmm... I thought it would look like this:

I'm on a pc without wireless right now, so I can't look at any of those setting screens.

Senior Software Developer

http://www.scoutsft.com

 

[prizice24]

Ok. I was able to find that screen. I followed all of your steps, but I am still having the same problem. I am still not able to connect to my network. I am still receiving the same messsage Authentication process to connect to the network has been started.”

 

[SiriusBlackOp]

I'm pretty sure that means you are not authenticating. The AP just doesn't respond when failed and the pc has to timeout.

Are you using WEP or WAP-PSK?

Are you certain the key is correct and that you are using the correct key. I know in WEP you can have an option of like 4 keys and you have to put the key into the correct key field.

So if the AP's key 2 is set to "XYZ", you have to set the pc's key 2 to "XYZ". Putting "XYZ" into key 1 will fail to authenticate.

Senior Software Developer

http://www.scoutsft.com

 

[prizice24]

Here is what everything says. I do not know what any of it means, but maybe this is where the problem lies:

Security Mode: WPA Pre-Shared Key
WPA Algorithms: TKIP
WPA Shared Key: (my password)
Group Key Renewal: 3600 Seconds

You asked if I am certain the key is correct... I made up my own key - was I supposed to have entered some other key? You also asked if I am using the correct key...I have no idea.

Is this helping to clear anything up?

Thanks again for all of your help - you have been fantastic so far and I feel like we're getting close.

 

[SiriusBlackOp]

ok... I just wanted to make sure that the key you entered into the pc is an exact match to the key that is set on the wireless router.

I helped someone else not to long ago to setup WAP-PSK on this thread:

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=1408903&page=1

Senior Software Developer

http://www.scoutsft.com

 

[prizice24]

I just read through your other post, but unfortunately it didn't help because I couldnt find most of the settings you referred to. I am at a loss here...what could the problem be? Is it possible that I just need to go out and get a new router?

Thanks again.

 

[SiriusBlackOp]

You shouldn't need to do that.

There should at least be settings on the router for:
• Channel = 11
• SSID = “anything but the default”
• Hidden SSID = disable
• Authentication Type = WPA Pre-shared key
• WPA PSK Passphrase (key) = “1ABCDEF2” [ok for testing, but change later (more characters the better and you can have up to 64)]


Senior Software Developer

http://www.scoutsft.com