How Can I Find or Change My WEP Key?

A WEP key helps to restrict the use of a network to only certain people.

Some wireless networks, such as those at businesses where security might be a concern, may change their Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) keys on a regular basis to avoid unauthorized use of the network. If this happens, you may have difficulty connecting to the network. Although deleting the wireless connection on your computer and recreating it with the new WEP key is possible, you can save time by simply changing your saved WEP key instead.

Things You'll Need

• Windows 7 or Vista

Instructions

1. Click "Start," then click "Control Panel."

2. Click the "Classic View" link on the left side of the screen in Windows Vista. In Windows 7, click the "View by:" drop-down menu in the upper-right corner of the screen; select "Small icons."

3. Double click "Network and Sharing Center."

4. Click the "Manage Wireless Networks" link on the left side of the screen. This displays a list of all the wireless connections saved on your computer.

5. Right click the connection that you need to change the WEP key for, and click "Properties."

6. Click the "Security" tab.

7. Click in the box labeled "Network security key." Highlight the contents of the box; replace the contents with the new WEP key.

8. Click "OK," then close the windows that are open. The new WEP key is saved.

References

• My Digital Life: Retrieve, View or Display WEP Key in Windows 7