[uselesswithcomputers]

Hi!

I have a TP-LINK TLWR340G VER2.2 router and run on Windows Vista.

The router would only allow one computer to access the internet connection. Whenever we tried to connect using our new computer, it would ask for a Network Security Key. We had a look around the old computer to see if we could find the key anywhere and we eventually found it. The problem was, it was just a sequence of black dots. My sister clicked on the dots and they vanished. Now the router won't work with the old computer too now. It's doing the same as the new one - asking for a Network Security Key.

The internet works fine on the computer if we plug the cable (the one that goes into the router) directly into the computer. It doesn't ask for the Network Security Key then. Only when we're trying to use the router.

The router wasn't installed by us - we're completely useless when it comes to computers (as you can probably tell!) and as far as either of us know, no passwords or anything were changed.

We've tried typing in every number written on the router and we've tried every password we can think of but no luck.

Is there any way we can find out the network key? As I said, we have the router and all the information marked on it. We don't have the box anymore but we have a little CD with a rather cryptic instruction manual on it.

If not, then how about resetting it? Will that help any?

Any and all information you can give us would be much appreciated. A step-by-step if at all possible? As I mentioned before, we're really bad with computers so we honestly don't have a clue what we're doing! We've tried looking for help elsewhere on the internet but most of the answers on IT websites are a bit technical and we don't want to push the wrong button and mess it up further!


Thanks in advance for your help!

[Carbon]

Nearly every router ever made has one of those push-the-button-with-a-pencil reset buttons somewhere.

[uselesswithcomputers]

Yeah, but what'll the reset button do? Won't I still need the network key?

[Carbon]

No, it will reset it to the point where you set all that stuff up.

[lenznet1234]

Ok, here's the deal...its asking for a security key when you try to access it wirelessly because most people don't want strangers accessing their networks and using up all the bandwidth and/or maliciously entering their local network. When you plug a wire directly into your router you won't get the option to enter a network key because it assumes if you have direct access to the router then you probably have permission to be routing around in it (you can set up a password and user name for this as well if you want). So, plug your computer directly into your router via a network cable, and access its config page, for your router it will be 192.168.1.1 by default (type this into your browser address bar). It could have been changed for some reason by the person who set up your router, if so you will have to find the default gateway for your connection by using "ipconfig /all" in vista at the command prompt, i'm not sure which operating system you are using though. Once in the configuration go into the security settings option. It may ask for a login ID and password at this point, just click ok without entering anything by default, unless this has been changed too, hopefully it hasn't, or you will need to reset your router. in the security panel, i suggest disabling security of any sort for a short time, just to test your wireless connection on your new computer. Leaving your wireless security open will make it much easier for your to connect and you won't have to worry about a network key for now but it does allow anyone within range to use your router as an access point. If it works ok, then go back into the configuration and set up some kind of security, either wep or wpa/wpa2, you will have to set up a network key of your own, make sure you write it down, it will make it much easier in the future. Hope this helps.

[Carbon]

And the reason that's unlikely is that if the network key is lost the key to get into router configuration is probably too.

[lenznet1234]

Generally router configuration passwords aren't used unless you're running IT in a business or if you fear someone would intentionally enter your router settings to make changes you don't want (malicious roommates anyone?).The main problem with resetting your router is that there will be no security. You can choose to run it with no security if you want, if you feel none is needed, such as if you are in a rural area or you're not worried about your neighbors using your internet. Router set up is fairly easy once you learn a little about networking computers, however most people only have to access their router configuration once (for wireless security purposes) when they initially set it up and then never have to go through it again. And, except for the occasional power cycle (unplugging your router for 20 to 30 seconds, then plugging it back in when it quits working for no reason) most people forget about the router all together, but it is always good to know your gateway IP (in this case probably 192.168.1.1) in case you ever need to make changes or set up your security again.

[Carbon]

Most routers I've set up require you to set a password on initial setup for configuration. The OP could try using the default password/username (admin/admin or whatever it is for the specific model) but I can't imagine anything more being any easier than just resetting the router - and what does that have to do with security, when even basic streamlined setup routines ask the end-user whether they want to encrypt their wireless traffic?