"Security Code" for LinkSys router?
 

When I installed my network last year, I used an old LinkSys wireless router I had on hand. It's 802.11b technology.

My main computer is wired in, and it works fine. I added a wireless card to my daughter's computer, and it works fine, too. Just detect the network and go. Both systems use XP SP3 and IE7/8.

So her friend comes over with a shiny new laptop. Windows 7 and Chrome. Spots the network right away, recognizes the SSID, and tries to connect automatically. A dialog box comes up and asks for the "security code" for the router. I have no clue what that is.

I logged onto the router and nothing anywhere said anything resembling a security code, and our other systems continue to work like before.

Questions:

1. What is the security code?
2. Is my router old enough so that it doesn't implement one?
3. Does Win7/Chrome require one even if there is none?

I googled for ways to reset the code, but when I follow the directions, the screens they mention don't appear. Is my firmware too old?

Any directions much appreciated.

Win7 most likely means the WEP (or possibly WPA) key. It's under Wireless Settings/Wireless Security or something to that effect.

Yeah, I kinda remember some of that stuff when I first installed it. I had assumed it was available when I access it directly, but apparently not.

Maybe I ought to go back and re-install it (if I can find the CD :)) and start over.

Or, just rip it out and put in my 802.11g router that's been just sitting there.

I'd put in the G.

You don't need a CD to install - just point your web browser to the router's IP. In Linksys world, it should be 192.168.0.1...I think. If not, it's 192.168.1.1. The CD's that router manufacturers provide are just for people who haven't a clue.

There's usually something you can do to reset the modem to factory settings, either hold the on off switch for five seconds, a hole to stick a paperclip, etc.

That should clear the code.

Going forward, I tell everybody that sets a code to write it on tape and stick it to the bottom of the router. I also put the IP address and the admin password for the router.

Since you seem to have access to the router, you can just disable security and everybody will be able to access it without a password.

Of course, that may or may not be a risk depending on your situation.

I know, Mike, but I set everything up that I needed and the security code issue never came up. I'm wondering if XP doesn't try it but Win7 does? Who knows?

While I could reset it, if there is no entry for setting the code (and I don't see one), what good would it do me?

You can google up lots of information of retrieving and resetting the code, but when I follow the steps the entries they describe just aren't there. I can't make something appear that doesn't exist.

Hi ho. Maybe it's time to upgrade the little fellow.

Once I've actually needed the CD. I don't know what the situation was but the router as shipped wouldn't respond to any of the common addresses. After using the CD it had a standard address.

If you've never changed the BSSID from the default of "linksys," my guess is that your daughter's friend's laptop actually attempted to connect to someone else's router. I had that happen to me just a couple of weeks ago at my brother's house.

Everywhere I go I find unsecured wireless routers advertising themselves as "linksys." Comes in handy sometimes. Your daughter's friend may have actually found a neighbor of yours smart enough to secure his router but dumb (or inconsiderate) enough to leave the BSSID at the default . . .

Um, please don't take that the wrong way ;)

PS. If you haven't changed your BSSID, do it.

Does the linksys router have WPS setup? Win7 really tries to connect using WPS thinking that wireless devices on the network will support it. But, and 802.11b router most likely doesn't

What model is the router? I can't imagine it's that old that it doesn't have the ability to have security on the wireless.

WPS
 

If you are referring to my comment above about WPS, that is independent of wireless security WEP/WPA/WPA2 or other - which I am certain this router has at least one of regardless of age.

Nope, I'm referring to the OP's comments that no matter what they do, they can't find a screen to enter, remove, or change the security code on the router.

If we knew which router and configuration screens they were looking at we may actually be able to help a bit better.

Is it even a router? I have an old Linksys wireless access point that might look like a router to some. To access the page to change its settings requires a different address than 192.168.1.1 of most routers.