Getting on wireless network

[ajgravis]

First, I don't know much, but I'm trying to learn and would really apprectiate the help.

I am running Windows XP and have the basic wireless capabilities that came with my Compaq notebook. I was able to access our wireless network (hot spot) at my apartments up until approx a month ago when my brother in law was in town. Apparently something was changed and now I can not gain access. After reading a couple of posts on the website and tinkering with everything I could (w/out jacking anything up for good), I believe it has to do with my IP add. or something regarding the 'encryption'.

I can view available networks yet when I try to connect it says "Acquiring address" but never gets passed that. I do not have my lap top here at work, but I noticed my IP add. reads "000...."

I possible pls. let me know some steps or processes I can go through to reagain access or at least troubleshoot to be more of a help to you guys.

Thanks a lot for anything,
Aaron

[Murray S.]

Howdy:

Is it YOUR wireless network or just one you happened to connect to??

Murray

[ajgravis]

No, not my wireless network. It is an unsecured network open to all residents, and it's pretty much just to keep my wife interested during the day.

[Murray S.]

Contact the Resident Manager (or whomever is running the wireless) and have them give you the WEP key..

Sounds like one was placed on it to prevent unauthorized access..

Murray

[ajgravis]

great, thanks.

[Murray S.]

No problem!!

Murray

[cramer]

First, I don't know much, but I'm trying to learn and would really apprectiate the help.

I am running Windows XP and have the basic wireless capabilities that came with my Compaq notebook. I was able to access our wireless network (hot spot) at my apartments up until approx a month ago when my brother in law was in town. Apparently something was changed and now I can not gain access. After reading a couple of posts on the website and tinkering with everything I could (w/out jacking anything up for good), I believe it has to do with my IP add. or something regarding the 'encryption'.

I can view available networks yet when I try to connect it says "Acquiring address" but never gets passed that. I do not have my lap top here at work, but I noticed my IP add. reads "000...."

I possible pls. let me know some steps or processes I can go through to reagain access or at least troubleshoot to be more of a help to you guys.

Thanks a lot for anything,
Aaron


if they change the access point from a hotspot to a secured network, you will need to enter the network pw, also known as WEP or WPA, depends on the encryption strenght.

by default, winxp will automatically check the encryption level on your connection. but if your connection is already been established for the first time using hotspot and now the network added security, you have to remove the entire connection settings and start a new network connection from scratch.

remove all networks on preferred network list, and click view available networks, once the ssid has been detected, try to connect. assuming you know the network key, enter the network key once it ask you too. this will allow your computer to negoatiate an IP address and you'll get the routers private IP address.

hope this helps..

cramer