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Posted on Jan 14, 2009
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Network key I am a laptop virgin and not much smarter with desktops either. Just got used laptop for daughter. Setting up internet. What is a network key.

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Your laptop has a wireless network card internally.

This is used to connect to a wireless, usually broadband, network so you can access the internet, use email etc.

In order to connect to the wireless network you require the key/password usually, this prevents other computer users in the area of the network from connecting to your network and in effect stealing your broadband usage allowance, which is illegal, well at least it is in the UK.

You need a broadband wireless router or modem/router to use this method of connection.

If you have a standard ethernet or usb broadband modem you can still connect the laptop using an ethernet or usb cable,

hope this helps

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  • Posted on Jan 14, 2009
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Hi it sounds like you are trying to connect to a wireless network with your daughter's laptop. A network key is essentially a password you need to access the wireless network. The adminstrator of the network would have set one up when they set up the network.

If this is your wireless network then you probably wrote it down somewhere. It is also possible you are trying to connect to somebody elses network by accident. If this is the case you must select the correct network (assuming you have wireless). If you are using Windows XP you should see an icon in the system tray (bottom right corner of the screen with the clock) that yo can right click on to view networks.

  • Anonymous Jan 14, 2009

    I should note that if you have a wired connection you only need to plug it into the laptop like you would with any tower computer.

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Its like a password thats needed to connect to a wireless connection, this is only needed if you have a wireless connection

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Here are some troubleshooting steps that I suggest you try:

1. Check physical connections.

a. Connect the modem to the Internet port of the router. The Internet “i” LED on the front of the router should light up.
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a. Click on Basic Settings under Setup tab.
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If your Internet Service Provider is using a DSL connection, please follow the steps below:

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d. Enter your ISP's username (username@ISPdomain) and password. Then, click on Apply.

4. Configure the wireless settings.

a. Click on the Wireless Settings under Setup.
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c. Scroll down, look for the Security Options settings and select WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).
d. Set the Authentication type to "Automatic" and the Encryption Strength to "64bit".
e. Leave the Passphrase field blank, select Key 1 and enter a 10-digit number.

Note: The 10-digit number you typed in the key 1 will be the password or network key for the wireless connection.

f. Click Apply button to save the changes.
g. Go to Router Status under Maintenance tab and check if there is an IP address under Internet port. If it's 0.0.0.0, do a power cycle.

5. Power cycle.

a. Power off the modem, router and computers.
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c. Power back the router and the computers. Check if it will be able to get online.

If you have wireless computers, you can connect them wireless to the router. Kindly follow the instructions below:

6. Connect wireless computer to the router.

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g. Make sure not to enable IEEE and then click on Connect.

If you are using Windows XP with Service Pack 2, please follow the steps below:

a. Please right click on the Wireless icon on the right lower end portion of your computer.
b. Then click on View Available Wireless Networks.
c. Click on the Change Advanced Settings.
d. Click on the Wireless Networks tab remove all the preferred networks then click on OK.
e. Right click on the Wireless icon then click on View Available Wireless Networks.
f. Select your network and click on Connect.
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a. Click Start then select Connect To.
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c. Select your wireless network and click Connect.
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From the above configuration, please check if you can now access the Internet.

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