On Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:01:19 -0700 (PDT), samadams_2006@yahoo.ca
wrote:

>I just found out that the actual router I have is a Netgear model #
>WGT624 v2

Check the firmware version. It should be 4.2.11. See:
<http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/wgt624v2.asp>

>I called up DELL, and my new PC is working properly, but said that the
>problem looks like I am using WEP, and Vista does not support this.

Baloney. Vista supports WEP. For example:
<http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/1424/vista_change_wep_key_settings>
However, there are problems using WEP. There are problems converting
from the ASCII WEP key to the Hex equivalent. Different clients do it
differently. To be sure that WEP works, always use the Hex key.

Another WEP problem is that it can be cracked quite easily and
rapidly. It offers little added security. Use WPA or WPA2.

>He said I might need new firmware for this router.

Might? Dig out the firmware version. If it's not 4.2.11, download
and install the updated firmware.

Also, check your settings:
<http://www.vistax64.com/vista-networking-sharing/7015-wifi-wep.html>


>Well, when I tried out with a friend's computer, which is also a DELL
>but running Windows NT, it would not connect wirelessly to my router
>either. So it appears this is not just a Vista issue.

If you're using WEP, and he also used the ASCII key, there's a good
chance that it also won't work.

>I wonder if there is a problem with the Dell Wireless1395 WLAN Mini-
>Card (my friend's is Dell Wireless 1390 WLAN Mini-Card) connecting to
>this router?

Actually, there are updates to most of the drivers for the various
Dell wireless devices. Go to the Dell support page for your new
laptop and check for the latest downloads for your hardware.

>WEP key - DELL said this would not work with VIsta.

Dell is wrong, or you misunderstood the answer. Go unto Google and
inscribe "Vista WEP" and see the rather large number of postings.



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Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
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