Can't connect to wireless - need certificate? please help?

Question

OK. Here is my problem. I am not that techno savvy but I know a little.

I got a new laptop – using Vista. Gave my old laptop – using XP to my niece.

Then I got a new router/modem – Linksys WAG160N.

My new laptop connects fine – no problems there.

The older laptop – cannot connect at all. I get a bubble error message

saying "unable to find a certificate to log on to the network"

I did some googling and downloaded a WINKB917021v3 as that is what everyone

else seemed to do... and that didn't work either.

This is really annoying. I have checked all the settings and they match and

are fine. Have set and reset and done loads of troubleshooting.

I called Linksys and they said they couldn't help!

Does anyone know what to do?

Answer 1

There should have been a certificate in the box that your router came in. You'll need a scanner to scan it to an image and store it on your C: drive. The router will look there to make sure you have a copy of the certificate and then it will allow you to connect.

Answer 2

the route/modem is a combination device?  Not 2 separate units, right?

*****Make sure the XP laptop has SP2!*****

if you need it, I'll send a link.

Try plugging the old laptop directly into a port on the modem, see if it can connect that way.  You may have to access the firmware (192.168.2.1(or .11 or 10, or 12))

make sure the xp laptop has a unique ip address router.. .x.10, vista machine x.11, so xp machine would be x*x.x*x. x.12

Also check the encryption key.  Linksys should be able to help with this, if level 1 says no, ask to speak to level 2, if they refuse, ask to speak to a supervisor.  When you ask to speak to a supervisor, the MUST get one.  Explain that it is their product, and if they can not provide support then you will return the device for a refund and get a combo modem from your ISP.  

The most important thing is that the xp machine can connect to the internet (and firmware) when hard wired direct.  Once you have that done, you should be able to set up the connection making sure you have the correct key set up in your xp laptop.

If you got the modem/router from your isp, call them for tech support.  It will be an escalation to Level 2, so just explain to the level 1 tech the problem is connecting a laptop to your network wirelessly.  (have the xp machine hard wired before you call, to troubleshoot, at least one computer must be connected direct), Pass account security, explain the issue, and a Sr tech will walk you through the connection process.