Unplugged friend's wireless router to decrypt it. I can see a generic network, but cannot connect. Reinstall?

Question

When I couldn't access my friend's encrypted network with his 10 digit network key, he decided to unplug the router. We assumed that that would make the network accessible to anyone. At that point, the name of the network switch from his old network's name (e.g."Bob's") back to "Netgear".

Unfortunately, although I can see the network, I can't acess it. My computer can still log onto other wireless networks, so it's not the computer. Do I need to reinstall the router driver on my computer? And if so, do I need to clear out his settings (including email login) and put mine in?

I've also tried unplugging the modem, router and re-plugging them in in that order. Any help is appreciated. I am housesitting and I've got to have wireless access for work. Thanks!

Answer 1

Unplugging won't make much difference. Netgear routers have a reset button (typically on the back). You need to push and hold the reset buttion until the router resets to its defaults. This will make it unsecure, and you can then access it. With a computer attached to the router via ethernet cable, access the router's web interface by opening your web browser and typing http://192.168.1.1 (or 192.168.1.254... whatever the router's default IP address is). From there you can reset WEP encryption and resecure the network.

Answer 2

Go to the Netgear website and download the newest Firmware for the router - follow the instructions and install the firmware - this will dump all of the security settings and give you a fresh start.