Ask A Geek

Q: I am trying to set up a wireless router to work on my desktop PC so that I can also use my laptop. My problem is with my desktop PC. I am running Windows XP and trying to use a Linksys wireless router with model number WRT54GS. My broadband is through BrightHouse Networks (roadrunner).

Ok so here’s the problem. I first tried to run the CD installation disk that came with the router. I got through all the steps until I plugged the router into the wall (power). Well it sat there and sat there and then says the router is not connected. Well yes it was. So I tried resetting bother cable modem and router, tried accessing the router IP address to avail.

I found one interesting fact though. When I disconnect the Ethernet cord from the back of my computer my network card disappears. I can’t find it in the device manager or anything. If I reconnect the Ethernet cord to the computer I have to restore my computer to an earlier date in order for my network card to be there and am able to connect to the internet. Any suggestions?

Q: How can I secure my wireless network using a Linksys router that I have already installed and configured with a computer that is running Windows XP?

A: Hello there. Internet security is of the highest concern to anyone on the Internet today. Internet security is particularly important if you are running a wireless network from your home or office. The risks are many including the ability for hackers to access your network or computer while your Internet connection is open. One of the best security measures is to disable your wireless network while you aren’t using it. Sounds simple, but many of us neglect this step. In addition to only having your wireless network up when you are using it, securing it with a password is another great security measure.

According to your question, you are using a Linksys wireless router controlled by a PC using Windows XP as the operating system. This is a pretty common setup. Since you have already installed the router and configured your network, it should be pretty easy to set a password for your wireless network.

To change your wireless network password, you will need to access your router’s configuration page. To do this, open Internet Explorer and enter the IP address that came with your router; it should be included in your router’s instruction manual. The address should look something like this: http://192.168.1.1. A prompt will probably appear asking for your User name and Password. If you did not change them when you originally configured your router, they should be User name, admin, Password, Admin.

Once the setup page opens, select Wireless, and then Wireless Security. Here, there are a few fields for you to fill in, most importantly, Passphrase; this is where you will set your network’s password. You will want to set the fields on this page as follows:

• Security Mode: WPA-Personal
• Encryption: TKIP
• Passphrase: (Something easy for you to remember, but hard for others to guess. It is best to use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.)
• Key Renewal: 3600 seconds

Once you have set the fields as desired, write down your password and put it somewhere safe, and click Save Settings. Your network will now be protected with your new password.

Remember to turn off your router when you aren’t using your computer; it is the only 100% certain way of securing your network. Also, configuring a password for your wireless network will certainly deter those who will ill-use your network. I hope this information helps! Good luck!

Q: I have Windows XP Home Edition on my desktop and my network is setup using a Linksys router with WiFi, but when I set it up I did not configure it to be secured. How can I correct this?

A: Having a secure WiFi network is a must! But without the exact model number of your Linksys hardware, it is impossible for me to give you a specific answer. See below for some general tips:

1. Visit Linksys.com. You should notice some tabs at the top of the webpage. Go Support -> Technical Support. You can the try: Ask Linksys (get an automated answer to your question based on the model number of your Linksys hardware), Live Chat (chat online with a Linksys representative), or download one of the EasyLink Home Networking Tools (programs that can help you to configure your Linksys hardware).
2. Is there a Linksys icon in the system tray (lower right where the clock is)? If so, right-click on it and see what options the Linksys software gives you. You also might want to go Start Menu -> All Programs and look for an icon having to do with your Linksys hardware.
3. Have you tried using any of the disks that came with your Linksys hardware?
4. Some Linksys hardware will allow you to configure the connection from within Internet Explorer (or other internet browser). Consult the documentation that came with your Linksys hardware for more information.

There are two popular types of wireless security, WEP and WPA.

1. The older and less secure of the two methods is WEP. Despite what the names suggest, WEP Shared is less secure than WEP Open. Variations of WEP include: WEP2, WEPplus, and Dynamic WEP.
2. The newer and more secure method of securing a WiFi network is WPA. Most hardware now supports WPA and/or WPA2, but some older hardware/software does not. I believe that WPA2 is currently the most secure option.

Good luck!