[valkyrie_lisa]

Hi all. I think this is probably a pretty simple question to answer, but I haven't been able to find the answer anywhere. If I've missed a previous thread where you answered the same question, feel free to just link me.

Ok, here's the deal. I have a Netgear wireless router from Comcast. I just bought a new laptop, but I don't know the WEP key for the router. From what I've found, I'm supposed to reset the router by poking a paperclip in a little hole in the back of it. Comcast's website says that will reset the router's IP address to www.routerlogin.net, the username to "admin," and the password to "password".

However, it doesn't tell me what will happen to the WEP. So my question is this: if I reset, go to that address, and login, will my WEP definitely be waiting there for me? Is it as simple as all that? Or will I end up having to call Comcast and wait for them to come out?

[dustyjay]

You will have to re-enter you WEP Key, good thing is that you will be able to set it to a key of your choosing. When you do a reset by using the reset button it iwll reset the router to factory settings and you will have to go through the entire setup for both wired and wireless. What model Netgear Wireless router do you have?

[peck1234]

also you might want to set your security scheme to WPA or WPA-2.

WEP is not as secure...

[dustyjay]

And no you shouldn't have to worry about a housecall from comcast. If you need help from herre you can ask for it in the networking forum.

[dustyjay]

Agreee with peck1234. WEP is better than nothing but WPA/WPA2 is much more secure.

[valkyrie_lisa]

Thanks for the responses. Is this the router model: Netgear Wireless Cable Modem Gateway CG814WG v2? That's what it says on the bottom of the router.

So, let me make sure I understand. If I reset the router, the www.routerlogin.net website will take me through the whole setup, including setting up either a WEP or WPA code? So I will choose the code? And then I can just enter that code in both laptops that are connected to the router?

My main concern is that I want to do this all in one fell swoop so we're not without access at home for any length of time.

Thanks again!

[dustyjay]

When initially setting up the router, you want to do so with a computer that is connect to the router via an Ethernet cable. Yes the www.routerlogin.net will walk you through the entire setup. Does this look like your router? http://www.netgear.com/Products/Rout...Specifications

[dustyjay]

After you do the reset on the router it should automatically take you to the setup page the first time you connect your computer to it afterward.

[valkyrie_lisa]

Yes, that looks like my router.

Digging further into the Comcast website, they really stress that they want customers to have one of their techs come out to set up additional computers. Also, I found a page at their site that gives different reset username and password info than what I wrote in my initial post. Is there any chance they have safeguards in place that will prevent me from doing this all on my own?

[dustyjay]

Let me guess, if Comcast sends a tech out to set up the network they will charge you for the service, right? Is the wireless router, branded Comcast? In otherwords other than a sticker they put on it is the case permenantly marked Comcast?

[valkyrie_lisa]

I'm pretty sure there's no service fee for the visit. I just don't like the hassle of having to make sure someone's home for it. And yes, the router is branded Comcast. Where the word "Netgear" appears on the router in the picture you linked me to, my router says "Comcast," and not with a sticker, but actually on the router.

I talked to my husband and told him that, while I'm pretty sure I can do this, I'm not 100%, and we've decided to go ahead and have Comcast come out. I really do appreciate all the time you've spent with me, though. Thanks a bunch! I'm going to mark this thread solved.