Though the original sollution works, I would recommend simply entering the config pages and using WPA only instead. The reason been a WEP key can be cracked in a matter of second by the correct software, a WPA key cannot and is much more secure.
Totally agree with this comment, WPA is more secure.
I posted the original solution after serveral days of frustration and a crash course in setting up a wireless network. Since posting it, I have switched from WEP to WPA after being advised it is the better of the 2 to use, as it is harder to crack.
I have added an update note at the bottom of the original post explaining this.
Big thanks to jw for the post on this as I was pulling my hair out trying to connect the laptop and getting the aquiring network address problem. Can someone tell me now I have changed the security setting to WPA only do I leave the WEP Key number the same. Thanks.
Joined: 02 Feb 2007Posts: 2Location: Littlehampton
Your solution worked a treat. I spent a lot of time on the phone to Orange to get just the basic setup up and running. At least in the case of your instruction it was straight forward and worked!!! Superb and many thanks.
Yeah the solution didnt work for me either.... I dont have a clue whats up with it but it simply wont let my wireless connect. Which is strange because it just randomly stopped connecting.
Hi there,
I'm new to all of this and after 30 days of waiting, plus about 50 calls to Orange, I've finally got 8mb unlimited up and running!!
What have I let myself in for..?
On the subject of wireless connectivity, the above guide works well on newer laptops but, my old Acer travelmate does not support the much improved WPA encryption. The simple solution was to set the livebox to WEP only.
Also if you try to put in your own key in and you use less than 26 characters it throws up a message giving the impression that it wont accept it but, it will. I have configured mine using a simple 10 digit 64 bit key as an experiment and all of my laptops now connect without any problems.
For security reasons I would still recommend WPA over WEP if you have that option.
Decided to post this onto this sticky in the hope that it may get to someone who knows more about what to do about the difference in the use of services.msc.
I know I am not lone in finding only Wireless Zero Config and not wireless connection as stated in the sticky problem solver.
If I can find out if there is a difference and then do the same to another as yet unknown entry in the list then I will get to use the livebox as it should be used. WITH SECURITY.
Also as a last resort can anybody tell me how dodgy it would be if I set the livebox with no security at all?
Seriously if I want to use credit cards numbers I may set up the laptop using dialup, or use the desktop that is wired in for the few times I need to do this. If the only harm I could do is set the nearest 30m up as a hot spot then that may be the best out of a bad job, or I would just switch the thing off while not using it.
Also as a last resort can anybody tell me how dodgy it would be if I set the livebox with no security at all?
Seriously if I want to use credit cards numbers I may set up the laptop using dialup, or use the desktop that is wired in for the few times I need to do this. If the only harm I could do is set the nearest 30m up as a hot spot then that may be the best out of a bad job, or I would just switch the thing off while not using it.
No security isn't a good idea but the pairing system means at least it trys to prevent new connections, except for the first 10 minutes when you turn it on or press the 1 button.
Usually credit card transactions are done through a secure connection so they have a degree of security. Problem is once someone's onto the same local network as you it's many times easier to compromise other machines connected. They'd be able to access any shared files no problem, use any shared printers, etc.
Thanks for the info Elhana but I have FLUKED it so its now fixed.
OK you guys out there who have had the same problem as me who have tried and failed so get a proper WIFI connection using new laptops following this sticky when trying to enable the WPA security.
This is what I did.
Followed all the sticky instructions but allways lost the steady connections when I tried putting on either WPA or WEP security. No problem connecting while security switched off.
First off I renamed the livebox WEP Security Key. Mainly because I got sick of typing in the vvvvveeeerrrrryyy long key.
Next I set the livebox as WPA security and when the limited connection came up I went into the wireless connection properties. Clicked on the Wireless Networks tab. From here I highlighted the Livebox connection that was there. Next I clicked the Properties box underneath.
Now. there on the Association tab there is a Network Authentication which on my Laptop said "Open" in the box next to it. I changed mine to WPA-PSK, the Data encryption box underneath changed to TKIP and I clicked OK at the bottom.
This sounded promising to me and I did keep my fingers crossed. But hey it works now.
I tried changing it again to just WPA but it lost its solid connection like when it was set as "Open" so I put it back and all was well again.
I am so over the moon I posted this to you all at 4:30AM so I will sleep well tonight.
Enjoy all of you who this helps. It was a fluke on my part but what the heck I was due some luck in this area.
The only question I have now is if I put full secuity on the livebox will I loose it again? Or am I pushing my luck too far.
Fingers, if you're running in WPA mode then you're in the highest security mode the livebox will run in. There is literally not much else wireless wise to make it more secure.
Joined: 02 Mar 2007Posts: 10Location: Holywell, Flintshire
Hi - does the fix above apply to me ?
I have Wireless using the Livebox and the Wireless adaptor suggested by Orange (Speedtouch 121g). When I boot up in the morning I go through a cycle of "limited / no connectivity", "System can't find IP address" then having to "Repair" the connection whererby the system diseables then enables the adapter, searches for the IP address and then (usually) connects.
Would the fix above work the same with my desktop ( a quite new DELL E520) ??
many thanks for any help you can give.
This fix works for PC's with a built in wireless device that does not allow you to connect when setting up your Livebox or connecting for the first time.
The installation stalls at "acquiring network address" stage.
If you are able to connect, but are having problems maintaing the connection, it will something else.
One solution could be to go into the Livebox setup and change the channel the Livebox uses, as it could be as simple as an interference problem. (see other threads on this site which will tell you how to do this if you do not know).
Joined: 02 Mar 2007Posts: 10Location: Holywell, Flintshire
Hi - just to clarify for my set up, I am using Wireless with the Speedtouch 121g external wirelesss adapter recommended by Orange for use with Livebox.
Once I finally get connected, I can stay on-line with no problem. The problem is getting on-line in the first place. I will start my computer, the taskbar will show I have good signal strength between livebox and adapter, and the monitor icon on the taskbar will indicate that the system is trying to establish a connection.
After about a minute, an error message will show next to the little monitor icon which says "Limited or no connectivity - network did not assign a network address for the computer".
I then DC the monitor icon and a box appears relating to the Wireless adaptor within which I press "Repair". A cycle starts where it first disables the Wireless adaptor (and sometimes hangs at that point), then enables the wirelesss adaptor and then starts "Renewing IP Address". After that I am usually on-line and I have a stable connection.
This procedure, which invariably takes several minutes to wade through, is extremely frustating particularly as I am encouraging my 11 year old to use the Internet so he is comfortable with computers and the error messages / difficulties are putting him off.
So, has anyone any ideas or could this be an interference issue as mentioned by the last poster ?
Thanks again for your invaluable help. For a person who has extremely basic computer skills, Forums such as this are lifesavers.
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