linksys wrt54g with windows 8 tablet

[Bnyc]

I've just purchased a Dell Venue Pro with Windows 8. I cannot connect it to my Linksys wrt54g using the WPA Shared Key that works with my Windows Vista laptop. Is the router compatible & if so, what can I do? If not, what do you recommend? I was able to connect it to my friend's Verizon portable wireless, so I know it at least can connect to some network.
Thanks for the help!

 

[jeff-j]

I would try to change the security on the router to WPA2 I know I have run into android and iPhones not connecting to wrt54g because of the security it offered.

 

[Bnyc]

Thanks for your response, Jeff. I'm stretching my knowledge to even know that I have a WPA key! So, I don't know about WPA2. Can you help me out? And, if I do manage to change to WPA2, will that impact my Windows Vista laptop's access?

 

[jeff-j]

You will first need to access the web interface it should be 192.168.1.1 type that into your browser. Once there you will need to login the default is admin, if you changed the login then use once. Once you are logged in you will click on the wireless tab, from there click on wireless security, on there page you will see your current wireless configuration. Where it says security mode it should be set to WAP, select WAP2 from the list. Then to AES from the other list, set a new password for your wifi it will need to be 8 characters long. Click save setting and that should do it. You will have to reset up the wireless connection on your laptop. If you are planing on doing this from your laptop I would recommend plugging your laptop into the router with a network cable.

 

[Bnyc]

Hi, Jeff.
Thanks for your good info. Before doing what you said, I contacted my ISP to see if it was a modem problem.
They had me change the AES to TKIP+AES, and change WPA Pre-Shared Key to WPA2 Pre-Shared Key Mixed (There is also a WPA2 Pre-Shared Key Only option which I didn't try.) I kept the same WPA security key value tho' - not an 8 character password, as you suggested. I'm worried about changing the key that my laptop uses, since that's the only Internet connection I have until I get this tablet fixed.
I still got the 651 error when trying to connect my laptop. So the ISP tech said to update my ISDN router driver.
I downloaded a firmware driver for Windows 8 to my Vista laptop. But it is a .bin file that can't be opened. Arggh!
Can you help me out further? How do I open & run it? Can I even do it from my laptop even tho' it isn't Windows 8, or does it need to be from the tablet I can't connect on my own network? Double arggh!
Please help. And thanks!

 

[jeff-j]

I think they were talking about updating the firmware on the Linksys router, here is the web site to download the firmware http://support.linksys.com/en-us/support/routers/WRT54G You will have to find your specif hardware version using the model number, and there should be a PDF at how to install the firmware. If that still does not work I would try using the WPA2 Pre-Sharded key only option. Usually a .bin file is a firmware upgrade file.

 

[Bnyc]

You have been so helpful. I lost the wireless to my laptop when I changed the router settings, so I had to cable them together & set it back up. I also found how to get the firmware upgrade installed through the router web page. Laptop is working fine again. Tablet still gets 651 error!
I found a thread online that seems to indicate lots of problems with the WiFi for this 64gb Tablet in particular, and for Windows 8 in general. So, after all of the time you spent, and the many hours I spent learning more than I ever wanted to know about connectivity, I am going to return the Tablet to Costco and wait to see if Dell or Microsoft come up with some solution. It's too bad, because it's a nice little device.
Thanks so much for your help!

 

[jeff-j]

Another option would be just to purchase a new wireless router and replace the Linksys one.

 

[Bnyc]

The Linksys router is still listed in the top 10 routers, and now it has updated firmware, so I don't see what replacing it would do except cost me more money.

 

[jeff-j]

I have a laptop with 8.1 on it, the only wireless security that will work are WPA2 or WEP, when you are setting up the wireless connection did you switch the router to use WPA2 Pre-Shared Key Only, the mixed mode will not work with 8. When you setup the wireless connection on the table if it asked you for a security type use WPA2 personal. You can also try to use WEB instead I would try that out.

The whole 64bit thing has nothing to do with connecting to wireless. I connect my laptop to a lot of networks with no problem.

Very last resort would be to look int dd-wrt, it is a different operating system for the router that gives you ton more features, but might be a bit tricky getting it installed.

 

[Bnyc]

You're so nice to keep offering options - thanks! I didn't try WPA2 Pre-Shared Key Only, so I will try that.
I'm in a weird place with a mix of old technology that still functions well - fingers crossed - and yet wanting the portability and new features of the newer technology. So, re: changing WiFi options, I know a Smart WiFi will work with the tablet - I did try my friend's - but then I still want to keep using for now my Vista laptop wirelessly. I suspect the new WiFis will not support such old technology, will they? In addition, I think I need to trash my printers & buy a new wireless one. My old one is supposed to be wireless, but it doesn't support Vista either.
I'll let you know if the WPA PSK Only works.

 

[Bnyc]

OK, this is weird. The entries for WPA2-PSK Mixed & Only are gone - just set to WPA2-PSK! So, that's not the problem.
However, I read something about the MAC Filter possibly being an issue. My Wireless MAC Filter is Enabled & setting is for Permit only. There are 3 clients listed on the MAC List. Could this be the problem? How do I identify what these MAC clients represent - I may no longer even have them?

 

[jeff-j]

Yes the MAC filtering is a problem. You can either disable the MAC filtering or you can add the tablet MAC address in. The easiest thing to do is disable the MAC filtering, as long as you are using WPA2-PSK which will work with windows 8 and a good wireless password. There is no need for MAC filtering. But if you would like to keep the MAC filter enabled I can tell you how to get it from your tablet.

 

[Bnyc]

OMG! While waiting for your answer, I was going to add the tablet to the list, but I only found the ST model number & the EX number. So I just disabled MAC Filter & it connected instantly! As long as you think it's safe, I'll leave it disabled.
As I read over the helpful answers you gave me along this journey, I am so impressed with the way you explained eveythin and thought of what I, a non-hardware, non-connectivity knowledgeable person, would run into. If I hadn't been so freaked out, I might have saved even more time. It has been comforting to have you there along the way!
Thanks so much! You're the best.

 

[jeff-j]

I am glad to hear that disabling the MAC filtering worked, now go have some fun play with your tablet