How do I find my Wireless WEP key?

How to Find a WEP Key for Wireless Internet

• Answer:

  A Wired Equivalent Protection (WEP) key is an encryption code that allows users to protect access to wireless Internet routers. If someone doesn't have the 10- to 13-digit alphanumeric key, she can't access the router, the Internet via this router or any of the computers connected to this router. While such protection is good for the router's owner, it's definitely an issue if the owner loses his key. However, with some time and the right equipment, the router's owner can easily recover his WEP key and be back to surfing the information superhighway. Difficulty: Moderate Things You'll Need Ethernet cable Instructions Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the computer and the other end into the wireless router, connecting the computer and router to one another. Click on the "Start" button on the lower-left corner of your computer screen and click "Run," or press the "Windows" and "R" keys together. A small Run window will open. Type "cmd" into the Run window. Hit the "Enter" key. The elevated command prompt window will open. Type "ipconfig" into the elevated command prompt window. The router's IP address will appear below the "ipconfig" command. Open a browser. Type the IP address into the browser's address bar. Type the router's associated username and password into the provided windows. If you do not have a specific username and password for the router, the default username is usually "admin" and the default password is "password." Choose "Wireless settings." Find "Security Encryption (WEP) Key" under the wireless settings. Underneath this term will be a radio icon and a 10- to 13-digit alphanumeric code. This code is your WEP key. Tips & Warnings Warning: Use caution when sharing your WEP key--it can provide access to sensitive information on any computers sharing the associated router.