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How do I find my "network security key" ?

Anonymous
2010-04-25T14:37:00+00:00

Hi everyone..

I've just got myself a netbook that's pre-loaded with windows 7 starter. My PC is 64 bit windows vista ultimate. I've got an ADSL router thats connected to the PC with a network cable (yellow) - internet works fine.

I'm trying to connect my netbook to the router wirelessly, and the netbook's asking for a "network security key"

Where exactly does one find this? I can't find anything named network security key in my router settings..

Thanks a lot!!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-04-25T16:24:58+00:00

    The wireless security key isin your router settings. See below for how to set up a wireless network securely. It will also cover where you find these settings.

    Have a computer connected to the router with an ethernet cable. Examples given are for a Linksys router. Refer to your router manual or the router mftr.'s website for default settings if you don't have a Linksys. Open a browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox and in the addressbar type:

    http://192.168.1.1 [enter] (this is the router's default IP address, which varies from router to router so check your manual)

    This will bring you to router's login screen. The default username is left blank and the Linksys default password is "admin" without the quotes. Enter that information. You are now in the router's configuration utility. Your configuration utility may differ slightly from mine. The first thing to do is change the default password because *everyone* knows the default passwords for various routers.

    Click on the Administration link at the top of the page. Enter your new password. WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE YOU WILL NOT LOSE IT . Re-enter the password to confirm it and click the Save Settings button at the bottom of the page. The router will restart and present you with the login box again. Leave the username blank and put in your new password to get back into the configuration utility.

    Now click on the Wireless link at the top of the page. Change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) from the default to something you will recognize. I suggest that my clients not use their family name as the SSID. For example, you might wish to name your wireless network "CastleAnthrax" or the like. ;-)

    Click the Save Settings and when you get the prompt that your changes were successful, click on the Wireless Security link which is right next to the Basic Wireless Settings link (where you changed your SSID). Most computers purchased within the last 4 years have wireless hardware that will support WPA2-Personal (also called WPA2-PSK). This is the encryption level you want. If your wireless hardware is older, use WPA. Do not use WEP as that is easily cracked within minutes. So go ahead and set the Security Mode to WPA2-Personal. Do that and enter a passphrase. For example, you might use the passphrase, "Here be dragons, beware you scurvy dogs!". The passphrase is what you will enter on any computers that are allowed to connect to the wireless network. WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE YOU WILL NOT LOSE IT .

    At this point, your router is configured and if the computer you were using to configure the router is normally going to connect wirelessly, disconnect the ethernet cable and the computer's wireless feature should see your new network. Enter the passphrase you created (exactly as you wrote it with all capitalization and punctuation) to join the network and start surfing.

    Excellent guide to setting up a wireless network, with pictures - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/wireless.mspx

    MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-08-16T22:01:31+00:00

    This is probably way too late of a response. But, since it is still high on search results, I thought I would offer a much simpler solution that has been offered already.

    1. Using the old computer, the one you are able to connect with, right click the little wireless signal icon at the bottom of the screen.
    2. Select Properties
    3. Check the "show characters box" and Wha Lah . .there is your security key.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-09-03T14:10:52+00:00

    where do I find my network security key

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2010-04-29T22:15:10+00:00

    I've been getting the same message, except that I've never had a router on my three year old laptop running Vista Home Premium. What causes this?

     I've also been getting deluged over the past 2-3 weeks several times with messages stating that I need to connect to a wireless network, even though I've always used a power cord when connecting.

    Are these Windows-based problems or ISP-based (AT&T in my case) problems, and how do I solve them?

    Thanks!

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-04-29T23:33:10+00:00

    The same message as what? Always quote error messages in their entirety, without paraphrasing. I've never seen a native Windows message from the wireless manager OR a third-party wireless manager saying you need to connect. Disable the wireless network adapter and you won't get any messages about wireless networks being available. Most laptops have a switch or button to turn wireless off/on. If a third-party wireless manager is in your Startup, remove it. Then if you are still getting messages, please post back.

    MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

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