How do I discover the network encryption key?

A

AlastairSC

Registered User
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Hi,

I want to add a wireless laptop to a protected network. Setup stopped at the 10-digit encryption key. I don't have this key - what's worse is that no-one else seems to know it either (staff changes etc). I tried a few guesses. How can I discover or reset this, please?

Thanks
 
Reconfigure the router to use a known key (and then store this safely) or reset the router to factory defaults and reconfigure the security settings. This will mean that you'll also need to reconfigure any other wireless client computers.
 
Thanks Clubman and Towger - I didn't expect such a fast response. I know little about networks:eek:, as you can see.

Just googling "router name" and reconfigure might do it (no manual for the router), then, Clubman (before I spend fruitless hours online)?

Towger - this sounds easier but I don't understand what's involved.

TIA
 
AlastairSC said:
Just googling "router name" and reconfigure might do it (no manual for the router), then, Clubman (before I spend fruitless hours online)?
Click to expand...
Google the router make and model and you should find the manual and other information online.
 
This might work!!! if not call someone who knows what they are doing!!

using a network cable connect the laptop network port to any port on the switch/router. Click Start, run, type in command, in new window that appears type in "ipconfig" press Enter. Information appears on screen make a note of "Default Gateway".

Then type those "Default Gateway" numbers (good chance it is 192.168.1.254) into address bar of Internet Explorer. You will see config pages for network.

PS I'm assuming above that you actually know where the actual physical wireless device is!
 
davidoco said:
Then type those "Default Gateway" numbers (good chance it is 192.168.1.254) into address bar of Internet Explorer. You will see config pages for network.
Click to expand...
Just to clarify - that is another way to try to get into the web based configuration interface but almost certainly it will not display the existing security key whatever about allowing you to configure a new one.
 
ClubMan said:
Just to clarify - that is another way to try to get into the web based configuration interface but almost certainly it will not display the existing security key whatever about allowing you to configure a new one.
Click to expand...
My router (IP is 192.168.1.1 BTW) does show the encryption key. However you need to know the admin user & password, which is another problem! Most machines I think are admin/admin by default, but again a google of the manual should tell.
 
netgear is admin password

connect to wired port you can then get in using the ip address in the adress bar of your web browser wnd use the config tool to check current settings.

I know in my home one you can copy and paste out the the WEP

Same on the netopia eircom routers.
 
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