Wep/wpa network key?

Question

How do i create a custom wep/wpa key ?

my router (Linksys WRT54g) generates a random 13 digit key that i will never remember and want to create a key using my zipcode combined with my fathers last name or something that i can easily remember

Answer 1

you could use a key generator - take a look at this one

http://www.speedguide.net/wlan_key.php

EDIT: not sure why I got a thumbs down for that - quoted from the instructions on the site:

"To generate a key based on a custom passphrase, enter your phrase into either the Custom Key text fields, and its HEX or ASCII equivalent will be generated for you automatically in the other custom text field."

... which was what the asker was basically asking for.

It's what I use and for the simple, memorable phrase I use I have a very strong key.

Evan's way would work great until you need to connect another computer to the wifi - you wouldn't just be able to enter the key into the new computer and connect.

EDIT-2: "Additional Details - I'm aware the router saves the key but when i'm on my vista laptop i have to enter this key everytime i access the network to be able to have access to internet"

--- ohhh... you need to create a profile for your home connection K2000 - some wifi cards (or computer brands) have seperate utilities to manage network profiles - use it or the Vista networking utility

check out your computer's manual (I'm going to get another thumbs down for that) - or look for a tutorial with variations of this search:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=vis...

_

Answer 2

Well you wont need to remember your wep key because your router will always remember it.  There should be a setting in the program that came with the router to change your connection which will then let you change the wep key.  I have the same router and i just use the key it generated...Hope i Helped cuz i know it can be done and it doesnt even have to be 13 digits.