MSBBN: Cannot Successfully Enter WEP Key During Wireless Network Adapter Setup (827705)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Notebook Adapter MN520
  • Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Notebook Adapter MN-720
  • Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless PCI Adapter MN-730
  • Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless USB Adapter MN510

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install your Microsoft wireless broadband network adapter, you cannot successfully enter the wireless security (WEP) key. You may not be able to complete the installation process and join your wireless network.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Reset the base station back to the factory default settings. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Start the Base Station Management Tool, and then click Management.
    2. On the Management menu, click Reset.
    3. On the Reset Base Station page, click Reset.

      While the reset is in progress, the power light on the base station blinks and then turns orange. When the light is solid green, the reset is complete.
  2. Re-install the Microsoft Broadband Networking software on the computer with the Microsoft wireless adapter.
  3. Join to the default Wireless Network "MSHOME".

    By default, there is no WEP key configured.
  4. After you are connected, log into the base station and enable Wireless Security. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Start the Base Station Management Tool, and then click Security.
    2. On the Security menu, click Wireless Security.
    3. Click Enable wireless security.
    4. In the Encryption strength drop-down list, click 128-bit or leave the default setting of 64-bit.
      • If you selected 128-bit encryption, in the first Key box, type a wireless security (WEP) key.
      • If you selected 64-bit encryption, you can type up to four WEP keys in the Key boxes.
    5. If you selected 64-bit encryption, in the Key index drop-down list, click a key index.

      The key index number indicates the WEP key that will be activated on the network.
    6. To save the wireless encryption, click Apply
  5. On the computer with the Microsoft wireless network adapter, apply the WEP settings that you configured in step 4. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Start the Broadband Network Utility.
    2. On the Tools menu, click Computer Settings.
    3. Click the Wireless tab, and make sure that the network that you want to enable wireless security (WEP) for is selected.
    4. Click the Encryption tab, and then click to select the Data encryption (WEP enabled) check box.
    5. In the Encryption strength drop-down list, select the encryption strength that you configured in step 4d.
    6. In the Key format drop-down list, select the appropriate key format.
    7. Type the WEP key or keys.
    8. To save the wireless security (WEP) settings, click OK.
  6. Test your wireless network.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about wireless security, see the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) topic in Microsoft Broadband Network Utility Help. To open Broadband Network Utility Help, start the Broadband Network Utility, and then click Microsoft Broadband Network Utility Help on the Help menu.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/13/2003
Keywords:kbHardware kbprb KB827705 kbAudEndUser