Recovering lost wep key help needed!!!

Hi,
I just reinstalled the OS on my laptop cos XP kept on BSODing, I however can't remember the WEP key for my wireless network. Is there any way to recover it considering I have access to the router. I have never had any other computers connected to it so I can't recover it from them. I suppose i could just run the setup again... but i just wondered.
btw i have a belkin wireless g router if that helps,
thanks all!!!
also the default IP address of a belkin router is 192.168.2.1 rite? i think i can change the settings in there if i connect via an ethernet cable first..

 

Hi.

There should be a reset button on the back, it you hold it in for 10-15 seconds the router should clear all the settings.

But you will have to re-enter all your details, so find them before you do it.
Regards

John.

 

TalkTalk broadband was a nightmare to setup with my router for some reason.... which is why i didn't want to have to run the complete setup again... any other suggestions??

 

Okay, got a wired computer on the router?
On that, open cmd, type ipconfig /all
Take note of "default gateway" for the local area connection.
Type the address of the default gateway into your web browser, then log in to the router.
Once in the router (it will vary depending on what router you have, if you post a model I can probably get more specific) you should have either a wireless tab or a security tab. In one of these places, you will be able to change the WEP key to whatever you want. This time, write it down in a safe place (like a sticker on the bottom of the router)

 

Use a cable to plug the laptop / PC into the router and then go into it and change the WEP / WPA password.

You will then need to go around and change it on all wireless devices.

Some routers don't encrypt the password on the screen so you may just be able to read the current WEP password from the screen, my old router used to do this but my current one just puts dots.

Of course, if you dont know the password for the router then you will need to restart from scratch.

 

Just a warning you might run into a problem logging into your router. It is probably password protected and if you don't have that password, then you're back at square one.

 

just what i was looking for- cheers!
i'll post back results soon

I think the default is Admin for both... anyhow if it isn't i think i'll b fine since i use the same password for everything

 

ok done.. worked cheers Hep

 

Since you're changing your WEP key, have you considered using WPA or WPA2 instead? WEP is really flawed and useless, anyone can hack it with tools off google.

For WPA/WP2, use a WPA key generator, never use a passphrase that makes sense.

http://www.yellowpipe.com/yis/tools/WPA_key/generator.php

If your router/adapter don't supprt WPA, then you can also use a WEP key generator.

http://www.yellowpipe.com/yis/tools/WEP_key/generator.php

 

not changing my WEP key since it was displayed @ 192.168.2.1 .... security is not that much of an issue for me... overrated in my opinion

 

Glad that worked out for you. I agree, people are overly paranoid these days.