J asked:
I have a Cat 5 in my computer and want to go wireless. I do have wireless, however I forget the WPA2 key. I changed it from the default. Is there anyway I can access the WPA2 key?
I have a Cat 5 in my computer and want to go wireless. I do have wireless, however I forget the WPA2 key. I changed it from the default. Is there anyway I can access the WPA2 key?
Tags: Netgear Router
Yes, log back into your router, and under the wireless setup, you should be able to get to the security section where you set the key. Read it there, or use a new key….
No,
your WPA2 key is masked, you won’t be able to see it. Create a new one from the routers configuration screen.
Set a new WPA2 key.
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You may have to reset the router to default and rebuild your network.
Step 1: First of all, you need to launch an internet browser. Press “Windows + R” keys to open the “Run” prompt and type “iexplore” without quotes to open Internet Explorer. You can also type “firefox” to open Mozilla Firefox. On the address bar at the top, type and press “Enter” key.
This address belongs to your wireless modem or wireless router to which you are connected.
Step 2: A window asking for username and password will appear. In the username field, type “admin” without quotes and in the password field, either type “password” without quotes or leave the password field blank. Press “Enter” key to continue.
If password is correct, you will be redirected to the modem/router’s “Settings” page, otherwise, you will have to reset the modem/router. Check beneath the modem/router or check the manual for correct password.
To reset the modem/router, locate a small hole at the back of the modem/router and insert a pin to press the switch inside it. Keep the switch pressed for about 20-30 seconds after which the modem/router will restore the settings to “factory defaults” and reboot itself.
Repeat the step 2, in order to gain access to “Settings” page.
Step 3: On the modem/router’s “Settings” page, find “Wireless” option. Click the “Wireless” link to populate the wireless settings. Now, locate and click the “Security” or “Advanced Security” option.
On the security page, you will find “Network Authentication”. Different options available under Network Authentication menu are open, shared, WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, etc. Select either WPA or WPA2, to find your computer’s WPA key and insert this key when asked for.
If in step 2, you had reset the modem/router, you will not find any WPA or WPA2 key, and you will have to manually assign one. Select any of the WPA-PSK or any other authentication and assign a key to it. A key can be 8-63 long. For minimal security, you can choose 8 characters key, like “iN\/5R92”. For maximum security, choose 63 characters key like, “sJ0esmoU2cBD\m+oMp$nrXj5XPVRTvVA5fpwGSGI\RVz4RdQ7V3y\l$P1NrT9Be”.
After you have assigned a key, save/apply the changes and reboot the modem/router.
Note: The procedure shown above is common to most of the modems/routers. If this doesn’t apply to you, check your modem/router’s manual to find the wireless security option.