How do I fix my home network? Laptop no longer connecting to internet?

Question

Since about a week ago, my laptop has stopped connecting to my home network, as has my brother's. The network has suddenly started asking for a network key, which it didn't before, making me think that someone else has jumped on our network and set up a password.
I tried reinstalling the router, but I couldn't find an uninstall programme. Tried copying the IP addresses etc between computers, but although it now connects to the home network, internet still doesn't work.
I am at a loss!!!

Answer 1

Is it a wireless network?. If so, reset the wireless router (usually by pressing a reset button). This will put the router back to the default values (ie SSID and no security.) Connect to the router via an ethernet cable and type in the IP address (probably 192.168.1.1). This should put you into the setup screen. Change SSID name to something personal (ie from say Linksys to "my town") and set up the security to WEP or WPA. On the laptop, search for wireless connections and you should see your router. Click connect to the link and type in the correct security encryption key. You should then connect automatically. Don't leave the network unsecured.

Answer 2

I am assuming that you mean a wireless network... Normally you would have to have a Network Key to access the network (however this is usually put in once and then remembered by the Operating System denoted by a line of stars in the password box). If your router etc was not protected and you hadn't changed the default login and password to it then you may have been hacked and someone outside your network who has changed the password.
It would be best to start from scratch and reset the network by doing a hard reset on the router (normally a button you have to press) this resets it to the out of the box state... and then follow the instructions for setup in the manual. Afetrwards I would suggest changing the default login and password and using the WEP or WPA security whioch is on most mnodern routers and maybe even setting the router to only accept access from certain computers by using their MAC addresses again it should explain how to do this in the manual.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Are you sure YOU are connecting to the right network? See the link below:
http://www.shandyking.com/2007/02/18/hijack-hacked-linksys-wireless-router/

OK, now don't panic, even if someone did hack YOUR router, then all you have to do is, unplug the router from your modem, and hold in the reset button that's somewhere on the outside of your router. That will reset it back to it's factory defaults. Next, open your web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer or Firefox or what ever you use). Type the IP address of your router into the URL address bar. If you don't know it check your router's user guide/manual.

For linksys the default IP address is: 192.168.1.1
For netgear (and d-link I believe) it's: 192.169.0.1

It should prompt you for a username and password.

Default for linksys: username: (leave blank) password: admin
Default for netgear: username: admin password: password

Once inside you better change your username/password to something more secure-->THAT'S how your router can get hacked (and your PC too).

Also, set up a network key (WEP or WPA) so other people CAN'T attach to your network. It should be under wireless security or something in the router's web interface.

You won't have to type in your network key each time your laptop connects wirelessly. You can set it up to automatically connect after the first time.

Answer 4

If your being asked for a Network Key, that mean you probably setup security encryption on your router. Do you remember what password did you enter when setting it up. Its also possible if you never setup a secure network, someone hacked in and messed with it. To reset the router, they should be a tiny reset button on it, which will set it back to factory settings. good luck

Answer 5

Sounds like you may have to do a hard reset of the router. This will set it back to the factory defaults and you'll have to set it up again. There's often a little pin hole in the back or bottom for doing this. Read the manual or call the maker.

Once done, make sure you put a password on your admin page and enable security for it.

Answer 6

Oh.. Sorry for your condition. I could suggest you a site where there are networking experts who could solve your problem for free..

Try this www.allexperts.com