I recently set up a wireless network at home (DSL connection), and initially made it open to all devices so I could make sure everything works correctly. Now I want to make it password protected, but can't get it to work. I'm running XP on my desktop and Vista on my laptop.

I just need basic protection... nothing fancy. I'm a total beginner when it comes to networks. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

Hi Sarah... need some basic questions before we can continue with this I think... Make & Model of your wireless router... setup for each is different.

I'm actually just upgrading to Networking Myself
And On the Instruction leaflet it says Quote: the Network can be named anything to ID it from any neigbors WI FI
So Sarah51Link Is a good example

Now Passwords They are Very strict on this For security
This quote will explain

quote:

...You select WEP Security ...your WEP Password should be Exactly 13 characters in Length (with No Spaces) for Best compatiblity between your Modem Router and Wireless adapters (e.g. 1234sarah5156)

You may have to write that down?
DO NOT use all letters Hackers can break this easy and some really Stupid people have their systems running on the Default password which is "Password"
I actually use a subsitute letter method Can still make out the Word/S To A human reader they might crack it? but to a remote computer It will be unreadable

For instance this is very weak ABCDEF
NOW add a number ABCDEF2

Now that is rated weak can read it and have a 1 in 35 guess of it being right at the end

Now lets make it VERY strong

4BCD3F2

But Cutting the Vowels out of aname (AEIOU) is effective and adding anumber you Know well SHH1234567890 (SARAH1234567890)

But It is 13 Characters long (and Complies with the Rule)

NOTE Is Not Case sensitive and B) YOU Cannot use any other character such as #$%@ Have to be Alphabetical

I suggest you don't bother with any setup until you get the instructions for your router make/model. Each is different. By the eay, the support page for the routers do have step-by-step instructions that you can follow.
Dwight