Fix for internet not working on 3 out of 4 computers on 1 wireless router?

Question

We have a Netgear wireless router that is in use by 2 desktop computers and 2 laptops. Last night all the computers could get on the internet but my laptop. Now I can only access the internet on the desktop computer that is connected to the router. When I try to connect my laptop to our network, it tells me that the wireless network security key is not correct, while I know that I am putting in the right password.

Answer 1

Follow these steps:

1. Check that all computers can connect to wireless
   • if not, you may have a driver issue or you don't have a wireless adapter installed.
2. Does router have a password set?
   • If so, check that it's entered correctly on all the computers that can't connect
3. Check that there's an antenna connected to the PC's network cards
   • Usually only desktops have an external antenna. Laptops will have it internal and USB wireless adapters may have it internally as well.
4. Try restarting the computers that can't connect
5. Try restarting the router - unplug power for 30 seconds, then plug back in.

Answer 2

With the computer that won't connect, try converting it to hex. I know some adapters (namely Belkin ones) need you to do this. Otherwise disable any 3rd party wireless management software and type the key as normal. If its a laptop though there normally wouldn't be a need to convert it to hex...

For your original problem, your best bet is to see if you can access the modem configuration page which should be http://192.168.0.1 for Netgears. That way you know there's no problem with the computer.