This wireless network is not secure ??

[MaMister]

Got a new notebook yesterday that comes with build in intel wireless nic. Using winxp.

The problem is i can't seem to click the connect button when i choose my home wireless ap.

The message :

This wireless network is not secure. Because a network key (WEP) is not used for authentication or for data encryption, data sent over this network might be subject to unauthorized access.
I have print screen and attached the message.

And i have to tick the : allow me to connect to the selected wireless network even though it is not secure in order to click the connect button.

But the next time when i turn on the notebook, i will have to do this again......

Please advice.

[BipolarBill]

You need to set WEP security for the wireless adapter. It's not hard. There is usually an icon in the system tray near the clock. Right-click it and select Properties/Settings. Set a password there.

[TJHighlndr]

OK, here's the short fast version

Need to set security for the Wireless router 1st!- connect to it using Winblows explorer (typically type in 192.168.x.x where x are numbers in your router manual).

After you get in find a selection for encryption (security, or the like) and create a 128-bit encryption key (number & Letter combos- remember to write them down).

Then double click on your adaptor (should look like the image you posted and click on "advanced".

Pending on your Wifi card, find where you would enter the network key (i.e. the letter/number combo you told the router u had earlier).

If sucessful, this should work

[MaMister]

Thanks for the helping hands,

If i set the wep to work with my ap at home and it works fine.

what happen if i bring the notebook back to office which is using another wep ??

[cdroman]

When you go to the office, highlight the office network in available wireless networks and configure it with the proper WEP key for your office.

[MaMister]

I don't have to key in the keys again after that, right ?

[cdroman]

Your home wep should be okay, but your office should change the key periodically for security reasons.

[rraehal]

Originally posted by cdroman
Your home wep should be okay, but your office should change the key periodically for security reasons.

We have some Cisco wireless AP's. They automatically change their KEY every few minuets. You have to use Cisco wireless cards running this specific Cisco protocol in order to access our network. Big pain.

[Midknyte]

you should also enable mac address filtering for extra security. ;)

[cdroman]

He could also switch to WPA-PSK instead of WEP which will switch keys automatically.
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/expertzone/columns/bowman/03july28.asp