Wireless Problem

[harveymt]

Anyone know why my Ralink Wireless Card in my desktop would show up as being disconnected but I can still connect to Internet?

I can set up the wireless network ok. Once I add security the problems start. Everything works ok for a week or so then my card will just disconnect and thats it. I have to reset it. It usually comes up saying my network security key is incorrect. If I enter it correctly it still says it wrong. Interestingly when it does pop up again the key is only 8 characters not the 9 I entered. I tried this on my PS3 and the same thing happened. Only 8 characters pop up.

Other things I've noticed are that under Administrative Tools - Services the Ralink Registry Writer is stopped. If I try to start it a message pops up "Windows could not start the Ralink Registry Writer service on local computer. Error 2, The system cannot find the file specified".

I also noticed under Device Manager - Network Adaptors that 6TO4 Adaptor has this message "This device cannot start. (Code 10)"

Any ideas? Truth be told, Im gettting to the point where I'd rather just forget about the security and unplug my router when not in use.

 

[Anonymous]

I've seen issues like this in windows with loads of types of adaptors.

What security are you using, is it WEP or WPA?

If its WEP, its not worth the trouble as its very easy to crack. You're better off leaving it open and then using 'MAC filtering' on your router. Granted, someone could easily spoof your MAC address, if they knew how to find out what it is, but WEP is just as insecure, if not worse.

Switch to WPA if you aren't already using it, it might solve the problem. If you are already using it, a bit of googling might come up with a solution.

 

[harveymt]

I was using WPA. I think it may be something to do with my router. It's about 4 or 5 years old now. It worked fine on my old XP computer with security. I've had the new one running Vista for over a year now but only realised it was open a couple of months ago. I dont know if it's possible but maybe it's a problem with Vista and the router. I've tried seeing if I can update the firmware but cant find the option to do so.

Anyway, if I just forgot about security and used MAC filtering in the meantime? They could only access the network then if they were physically in my house and noted the MAC address?

 

[Anonymous]

harveymt:
Anyway, if I just forgot about security and used MAC filtering in the meantime? They could only access the network then if they were physically in my house and noted the MAC address?

Its possible to find out a MAC address that is using a network, and then spoof it. I.e. their computer can pretend to have the same MAC, and therefore the router thinks its your computer, and subsequently can access your network. Its pretty tough to do though, so chances of there being someone in range, and someone who can be bothered to do it is quite slim! Just do it that way until you can figure out the WPA problem.

If you like using windows, and are using vista, you should upgrade to windows 7 if you can. Or maybe give linux a try! (Sorry i had to throw that in so I could maintain my cool amongst the nerd community!)