I don't have a password and I am trying to secure
This is going to be a pain, but not impossible. FIRST and FOREMOST you MUST have at LEAST ONE COMPUTER HARD-WIRED TO THE WIRELESS ROUTER. I Cannot stress that enough. If you only one computer in the house, then, you have to wire the computer to the router before you do this.
These instructions assume you have only 1 computer in the home. We will wire it to the router for router setup, then, we will un-wire it after the wifi setup is done.
First, lets make your router start over. Press and hold the RESET button on the wireless router to restore it to default settings.
Next, shut down the router and the computer, and hook the computer to the router in PORT 1 with an ethernet cable.
Start the COMPUTER and turn OFF the wireless functions (because we want wired. then turn the computer back off.
Start the ROUTER and wait 60 seconds for network synch, then start the computer again.
you should NOW have WIRED (not wireless) access to the internet and router. (we will do wireless later, but for now we need wired). If you cannot get online, check the connection to the router, and make sure your wired (Local area connection) is ENABLED. Keep repeating the steps until you get online with a wired connection. You can also contact the router manufacturer or the ISP for connection settings in your area.
The following assumes you have a working wired link to the internet.
Log-In to the router with the routers login IP address. (that is provided by the manufacturer, call the rtr mfr for details).
Set the wireless broadcast to ON.
Set the SSID to your last name, (or your kids name or dogs name or favorite car, etc.) In this case, we will name is SCOOBY.
Set the WIFI security to 128 bit WEP security for Wireless G, or wep 64 bit for Wireless B/G. (WEP is usually easier to maintain. a 128 bit security code will create a 26 character hexidecimal key, comprised of numbers 0-9 and letters a-f. a 64 bit is 13 characters, 0-9, a-f.)
The router will ask for a "passphrase" or "keyword". Let's use "kaymorgan" as an example. Once you type kaymorgan, a 13 or 26 digit code will be generated. YOU MUST WRITE THIS DOWN ACCURATELY AND KEEP IT IN A SAFE LOCATION. EVERY COMPUTER THAT YOU WANT TO USE ON THAT ROUTER WILL NEED THAT KEY.
The easiest way to do it, is select the text, and copy it. (to select text, you put your pointer on the left side of the text and click and hold the mouse button, then drag the mouse over until all the text is highlighted in blue, then, release the mouse button, and right-click the selected blue area, and choose COPY). Now, hit the START button, accessories, Notepad. open notepad, choose EDIT, PASTE, to paste the selected key into a text file, then save that text file as "wifi key"
Save these settings, and the router will restart.
Once it restarts, unplug the ethernet line and turn on your computer's wireless adapter. You should see a pop up that says "Networks found, for a list, click here". Click that and you SHOULD see SCOOBY (the SSID thing we made earlier) as one of the options. Doubleclick SCOOBY and it will ask for a WEP key. Input the 13 or 26 digit key we made, and you should be online wireless secured.
If you need more detailed help (because each router is different) I suggest you call the router mfr for detailed step-by-step assistance. Also, Dont worry about messing it up: you can ALWAYS press and hold the RESET button on the router to un-do it all.
