NEW Macbook (Core 2) can't connect wirelessly with 2Wire--Wrong Password?!

arashikitty · 11-22-2006, 03:34 PM

Hello! I got my Macbook (I switched from PC!) today and I have been trying to connect wirelessly (through AirPort) to out household DSL network since I received it. We have the SBC/AT&T DSL service using a 2Wire Router. I have tried entering the password (the WEP key I found at the bottom of the router - and yes, it's the one in the brackets) but my Macbook says that the password is invalid and I can't connect! What do you think I'm doing wrong or what else should I try? HELP!

[By the way, I have also tried using a "$" before the WEP key but still not connecting]

yellow · 11-22-2006, 03:37 PM

Did you try the hexidecimal verison of the password?

Is the password 5 or 13 characters?

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108058

arashikitty · 11-22-2006, 04:59 PM

It's a 10 digit paskey (all numbers).

gsahli · 11-22-2006, 05:51 PM

A 128 bit WEP hexadecimal key is 26 hex characters. That's what I would try. The link yellow gives tries to differentiate between passwords and ASCII keys and hex keys - I think.....
See the bottom of this help page, too:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106424
HTH

arashikitty · 11-22-2006, 06:53 PM

I got the WEP key from the bottom of the router. How do I get the 26 HEX characters? I tried adding a "$" or the "OX" before the 10-digit WEP ket but still not working. I even removed the password from the router and my Macbook still won't connect.

Fastmac · 11-23-2006, 12:43 PM

Are you sure it's a wep key, I'm sure a 2 wire I worked on recently said the number between the brackets was a WPA key.

arashikitty · 11-23-2006, 07:46 PM

Yes I'm sure it's a WEP key -- I have been able to use effectively the whole set-up I'm trying to do now when I was on my old PC connecting wirelessly. I have been tweaking the setup of the router (or whatever you call it) from having WEP key to switching to WPA-PSK to removing the password/authentication key entirely but my AirPort still can't connect. I am currently using my MacBook connected to an Ethernet cable (which connects perfectly). I have tried the following:

1. Using the WEP key (10 digit) and inputting it with either a preceding "$" or "OX"
2. Using "apple" as a password and inputting both "apple" or the Hex value.

Still no signal! Is there a way out of this or is it time to get a new router? If so, what brand do you recommend? -- Of course I still want my old router (we got it on 2005 by the way) because I spent an easy $1400 on my new MacBook and I feel dizzy just thinking of buying anything else. Thanks.

hayne · 11-23-2006, 09:32 PM

First make sure that the problem isn't on your MacBook by going to some other location (friend's, Starbucks, Apple store, etc) and see if you cann connect there.

And the first thing you should do when having trouble with a wireless network is turn off the encryption to make sure you can connect that way.

yellow · 11-27-2006, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arashikitty


	It's a 10 digit paskey (all numbers).

Or try changing the WEP key to 13 alphanumeric characters.
I betcha it'll work fine after that.

Einzeln · 11-27-2006, 01:56 PM

try to put $ in front of your password. i don't know what it is but it works

POsborn · 11-29-2006, 02:55 AM

Hello Arashkitty,
Had same issue and just now resolved by switching 2WIRE Wireless Settings to different wireless channel [7 (2.442MHz)] and using '$' before WEP key.
Wife is very happy now

Good Luck...

framal · 11-29-2006, 05:34 AM

I just bought a new Macbook Pro and have the same problem with the 2wire router. I also have a Powerbook G4 and it still works flawlessly. My Macbook Pro isn't the problem, cause I can join my neighbors wifi (it's a linksys). The WEP password is at the bottom of the 2wire unit in brackets. It's the same WEP password that I use on my Powerbook G4 and it works. I try the exact same WEP password on my MBP and it says 'error joining...'.

framal · 11-29-2006, 07:34 AM

How do you configure the 2wire router?
I suppose you connect the ethernet cable to my MBP. Could you please give me the steps to change to channel 7?

framal · 11-30-2006, 02:06 PM

I just opened my Wireless connection, made it public, problem solved.
Haven't tried to protect it again. Let my neighbors enjoy free internet!

tlarkin · 11-30-2006, 02:43 PM

I set up a 2wire wireless router for a client of mine about a 9 months ago, so bear with me because I am trying real hard to remember exactly how they are set up. Typically they come with some sort of interactive set up CD which you install, but I didn't use that. Instead I reset the 2wire router, which has a wep key "hardwired" into it by default. That key is printed on the actual router on a sticker. Then, you had to use a $ in front of the wep key when setting up your network. This is due to some compatabiltiy issue with non apple hardware I was told, by apple.

TIVO · 12-08-2006, 12:00 AM

I found two solutions, that have been written here already. One is to open the wireless to everybody.. or.. better is to change the channel to 7 (2.442MHz). And how do you do that?
From any computer that can connect to the network or you computer connected by a wire to the network. Open any explorer you have (Safari, IEE, Firefox..) and put "home" on the adress, you will acces to the network configuration. Go to "home network" (i dot know how exactly is called 'cause i have it on spanish: red domestica). then go to modify configuration or advanced configuration. There you can open the wireless network or can change the channel to #7.
NOw the big problem I have.. jaja is.. how do I share files to my 2wire network from my macbook. tell me!!!

nix_hed · 12-10-2006, 03:21 PM

heh...it sounds like you guys made it harder than it needed it to be.

in os x, when you go to connect to a wireless network, you're given three options with wep network passkeys - password (for airport routers), hex (the 10-26 digit key itself), and ascii (the 5 or 13 letter thing).

every time i connect a mac, i just use hex. it's easier, and i've yet to not see it work.

nix_hed · 12-10-2006, 03:26 PM

sharing files is pretty simple...system preferences>sharing.

the mac will do everything else. if, however, you need something more than just sharing your home folder, try out a package called DAVE. it puts a full windows networking stack on your Mac.

TIVO · 12-10-2006, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nix_hed


	sharing files is pretty simple...system preferences>sharing. the mac will do everything else. if, however, you need something more than just sharing your home folder, try out a package called DAVE. it puts a full windows networking stack on your Mac.

I wanted to know how to share the files in 2wire red... trough 2wire, not trough other kind of network. (I've tried your solution)
With powerbook's or even the core duo macbook. I had no problem with wep password, but with core 2 duo macbook.. I don't know why it was kind of hard to get in the wireless network (2wire). That's why the solution is not as simple as using "$" or choose hex to put the password. Even though some friends have used their laptops (apple) in my network, I just shifted from pc to mac.. and I don't understand some things on MAC. If I find out how to share files trough 2wire, then I will put the post in here, but it seems that 2wire doesn't work with apple computers 'cause I can see all shared files from other PC's but not in my macbook

tlarkin · 12-10-2006, 08:35 PM

I don't quite understand what you are saying. 2wire is a networking device, a router. With out it, you can not network your computers together unless you use a direct connection with a cross over cable.

What do you mean by share the 2wire? The connection?

11-22-2006, 03:34 PM	#1
arashikitty Prospect Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4	NEW Macbook (Core 2) can't connect wirelessly with 2Wire--Wrong Password?! Hello! I got my Macbook (I switched from PC!) today and I have been trying to connect wirelessly (through AirPort) to out household DSL network since I received it. We have the SBC/AT&T DSL service using a 2Wire Router. I have tried entering the password (the WEP key I found at the bottom of the router - and yes, it's the one in the brackets) but my Macbook says that the password is invalid and I can't connect! What do you think I'm doing wrong or what else should I try? HELP! [By the way, I have also tried using a "$" before the WEP key but still not connecting]

11-23-2006, 12:43 PM	#6
Fastmac Major Leaguer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: East Sussex, UK Posts: 366	Are you sure it's a wep key, I'm sure a 2 wire I worked on recently said the number between the brackets was a WPA key. __________________ iPhone4, iPad, iMac 2.16 C2Duo SL 10.6.4, PowerMac G4 MDD 1.25 Dual Leopard and AppleTV Tiger.

11-23-2006, 09:32 PM	#8
hayne Site Admin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Montreal Posts: 32,473	First make sure that the problem isn't on your MacBook by going to some other location (friend's, Starbucks, Apple store, etc) and see if you cann connect there. And the first thing you should do when having trouble with a wireless network is turn off the encryption to make sure you can connect that way. __________________ hayne.net/macosx.html

11-29-2006, 05:34 AM	#12
framal Prospect Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4	Exactly the same problem I just bought a new Macbook Pro and have the same problem with the 2wire router. I also have a Powerbook G4 and it still works flawlessly. My Macbook Pro isn't the problem, cause I can join my neighbors wifi (it's a linksys). The WEP password is at the bottom of the 2wire unit in brackets. It's the same WEP password that I use on my Powerbook G4 and it works. I try the exact same WEP password on my MBP and it says 'error joining...'.

11-29-2006, 07:34 AM	#13
framal Prospect Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4	How did you change channels How do you configure the 2wire router? I suppose you connect the ethernet cable to my MBP. Could you please give me the steps to change to channel 7?

11-22-2006, 03:37 PM	#2
yellow Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 10,677	Did you try the hexidecimal verison of the password? Is the password 5 or 13 characters? http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108058

11-22-2006, 04:59 PM	#3
arashikitty Prospect Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4	It's a 10 digit paskey (all numbers).

11-22-2006, 05:51 PM	#4
gsahli MVP Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,264	A 128 bit WEP hexadecimal key is 26 hex characters. That's what I would try. The link yellow gives tries to differentiate between passwords and ASCII keys and hex keys - I think..... See the bottom of this help page, too: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106424 HTH

11-22-2006, 06:53 PM	#5
arashikitty Prospect Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4	I got the WEP key from the bottom of the router. How do I get the 26 HEX characters? I tried adding a "$" or the "OX" before the 10-digit WEP ket but still not working. I even removed the password from the router and my Macbook still won't connect.

11-23-2006, 07:46 PM	#7
arashikitty Prospect Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4	Yes I'm sure it's a WEP key -- I have been able to use effectively the whole set-up I'm trying to do now when I was on my old PC connecting wirelessly. I have been tweaking the setup of the router (or whatever you call it) from having WEP key to switching to WPA-PSK to removing the password/authentication key entirely but my AirPort still can't connect. I am currently using my MacBook connected to an Ethernet cable (which connects perfectly). I have tried the following: 1. Using the WEP key (10 digit) and inputting it with either a preceding "$" or "OX" 2. Using "apple" as a password and inputting both "apple" or the Hex value. Still no signal! Is there a way out of this or is it time to get a new router? If so, what brand do you recommend? -- Of course I still want my old router (we got it on 2005 by the way) because I spent an easy $1400 on my new MacBook and I feel dizzy just thinking of buying anything else. Thanks.

11-27-2006, 01:56 PM	#10
Einzeln Prospect Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 8	try to put $ in front of your password. i don't know what it is but it works

11-29-2006, 02:55 AM	#11
POsborn Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1	Hello Arashkitty, Had same issue and just now resolved by switching 2WIRE Wireless Settings to different wireless channel [7 (2.442MHz)] and using '$' before WEP key. Wife is very happy now Good Luck...

11-30-2006, 02:06 PM	#14
framal Prospect Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4	Solution: Free Internet I just opened my Wireless connection, made it public, problem solved. Haven't tried to protect it again. Let my neighbors enjoy free internet!

11-30-2006, 02:43 PM	#15
tlarkin League Commissioner Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 11,352	I set up a 2wire wireless router for a client of mine about a 9 months ago, so bear with me because I am trying real hard to remember exactly how they are set up. Typically they come with some sort of interactive set up CD which you install, but I didn't use that. Instead I reset the 2wire router, which has a wep key "hardwired" into it by default. That key is printed on the actual router on a sticker. Then, you had to use a $ in front of the wep key when setting up your network. This is due to some compatabiltiy issue with non apple hardware I was told, by apple.

12-08-2006, 12:00 AM	#16
TIVO Prospect Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10	I found two solutions, that have been written here already. One is to open the wireless to everybody.. or.. better is to change the channel to 7 (2.442MHz). And how do you do that? From any computer that can connect to the network or you computer connected by a wire to the network. Open any explorer you have (Safari, IEE, Firefox..) and put "home" on the adress, you will acces to the network configuration. Go to "home network" (i dot know how exactly is called 'cause i have it on spanish: red domestica). then go to modify configuration or advanced configuration. There you can open the wireless network or can change the channel to #7. NOw the big problem I have.. jaja is.. how do I share files to my 2wire network from my macbook. tell me!!!

12-10-2006, 03:21 PM	#17
nix_hed Prospect Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5	heh...it sounds like you guys made it harder than it needed it to be. in os x, when you go to connect to a wireless network, you're given three options with wep network passkeys - password (for airport routers), hex (the 10-26 digit key itself), and ascii (the 5 or 13 letter thing). every time i connect a mac, i just use hex. it's easier, and i've yet to not see it work.

12-10-2006, 03:26 PM	#18
nix_hed Prospect Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5	sharing files is pretty simple...system preferences>sharing. the mac will do everything else. if, however, you need something more than just sharing your home folder, try out a package called DAVE. it puts a full windows networking stack on your Mac.

12-10-2006, 08:35 PM	#20
tlarkin League Commissioner Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 11,352	I don't quite understand what you are saying. 2wire is a networking device, a router. With out it, you can not network your computers together unless you use a direct connection with a cross over cable. What do you mean by share the 2wire? The connection?