On Mon, 7 Aug 2006 17:54:27 +0100, Jeff Liebermann wrote
(in article <e4red2d1mtqpkr6f0j406cc6l8db0eqhir@4ax.com>):

> Sally Thompson <me2@privacy.net> hath wroth:
>
>> 2. Set the encryption on the router to WEP rather than WPA when I want to
>> use
>> the notebook, and then switch back. I believe from my reading that Win98SE
>> would work with WEP?
>
> Windoze 98SE didn't have any native wireless support.
> Encryption support comes with the wireless device.
> What model and hardware version Belkin do you have?

It's a Belkin 802.11b/11 Mbps Wireless Notebook Network Card, Model F5D6020
ver.2

>> I can set up WEP on the router OK, but I'm not sure what
>> I would have to set up on the Belkin settings.
>
> Not much to setup on the Belkin. Just setup a profile in the wireless
> client manager (or whatever it's called) and tell it to use WEP.
> However, methinks the switching back and forth between WEP and WPA is
> going to get old very quickly. I would do whatever it takes to make
> everything use WPA encryption.

I think you are right but I thought it might be worth a shot!
>
>> 3. I have found some downloadable *WPA software* from McAfee:
>> <http://www.wirelesssecuritycorp.com/wsc/public/WPAAssistant.do>
>> which apparently enables a Win98 computer to use WPA. Is this a good idea,
>> and does anyone know if it would work, or is there a better way?
>
> WSC works. After the trial period ends, the remaining software allows
> the use of WPA. I used it for WPA on one of my antique WinME laptops
> until recently (when the hard disk blew).
>
> The other wireless client manager that adds WPA (and 802.1x
> authentication) is Funk Software (now part of Juniper):
> http://www.juniper.net/customers/sup...oducts/oac.jsp
> However, this costs about $50 after the 30 day trial.

Thanks. Good to know it works - and I've also looked at the Funk Software
link.

>> The notebook doesn't have to connect wirelessly, but with no Ethernet slot
>> in
>> the notebook I believe there is no other choice, unless someone can advise
>> otherwise.
>
> What maker and model laptop do you have?

Sorry, it was in my OP but has got snipped. It is a Compaq Armada M300.

> Duz the notebook have a PCMCIA slot? If so, you can plug in either a
> wired ethernet adapter or a wireless PCMCIA card. Verify that the
> slot is either 16 bit PCMCIA or 32 bit CardBus. A 16 bit card will
> fit in either slot, but a 32 bit CardBus card requires a CardBus slot
> in the laptop.

Yes, it has a PCMCIA slot but the wireless PCMCIA card I have been trying
(Belkin 802.11b/11 Mbps Wireless Notebook Network Card, Model F5D6020 ver.2)
is not suitable since the Win98SE OS is not compatible with WPA. However, I
assume that if I plug in a wired ethernet adaptor then that problem will go
away. I'll look at the manual but I rather assume it is a 16 bit PCMCIA.

> Same with a USB port. However, be advised that if it's only USB 1.1
> instead of 2.0, you'll be limited to about 11Mbits/sec connection
> speed.
>
<snip>
>
> Hint: You'll get less general answer if you kindly supply the makers
> and model numbers of your hardware.

Yes, I'm sorry about that but I didn't realise it would be relevant to the
question. Thanks so much for your explanation.



--
Sally in Shropshire, UK
bed and breakfast near Ludlow: http://www.stonybrook-ludlow.co.uk
Burne-Jones/William Morris window in Shropshire church:
http://www.whitton-stmarys.org.uk