Cannot connect to secured home network with Vista how do I connect?

I am having so much trouble connecting to my home secured wireless network with my new laptop running Vista. I have even had a friend who is an IT help desk technician look at it and he connected to another network with no problems. I just cannot connect at home. If I unsecure the network I can connect with no problem, but I do not want my network to be unsecured.





I have been trying to connect two different ways. Directly through by network connections and through Linksys itself. When I try to connect through network connections it asks for my passphrase and it says it is invalid and eventually puts a big red X by my wireless connection on the list. I know the passphrase is correct, because I set it up myself. If I try to connect through Linksys it says connecting for a long time and then does nothing and then when I open a webpage it is not connected.





I am really at my wits end about it and just about ready to call for a pro to come to my house.





I have read several sites with help pertaining to this issue, but I do not understand the directions given to resolve it. I really need step by step instructions from the very beginning (i.e. press the start menu) to figure out what to do.





I would appreciate any help or any ideas that anyone has. I am willing to try anything. If I can't find anything here I'm calling the Geek Squad!





ThanksCannot connect to secured home network with Vista how do I connect?
Check your pass phrase.


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It must be character for character the same, including capital letters, numerals, punctuation, and spaces.Cannot connect to secured home network with Vista how do I connect?
you tried changing the passphrase and then typing the exact passphrase in the connection password?





also is your passphrase set to the right sercurity?





WPA-PSK is what you need your passphrase to be set under if you're running wirelessley (wireless protection encryption key)
You could always ';reset'; the router and enter a new security setting on it, that way you'd be secure and have the correct passphrase/code on you computer/s. Thats the fastest and cheapest (FREE) way to solve your problem.
You said something in your rant above that may be the cause of your issue...but you have to verify this before you check your hardware. You said your friend was able to connect to another (secured?) network...if so then it may be your browser configuration. Call your ISP and get the LAN configuration as some are very specific...you can check this yourself: Start%26gt;Settings%26gt;Control Panel%26gt;Internet Options%26gt;Connections%26gt;LAN Settings.





In this screen you will see Automatic Settings and Proxy Server. Proxy Server should have an IP address and a Port number. If this is checked...uncheck it and check the Automatically detect setting checkbox. Then try again to connect thru your wired modem (not wirelessly). If that works then your wireless should work later.


Bear in mind that I have XP professional...I detest Vista and don't know what those settings look like.





Add//If you can connect with a wired setting then it is the way you set up your network that is preventing you from accessing it. I've set up both netgear and D-Link and they both are set up basically the same way...google your Linksys router (type, serial number) and download the instructions or use the instruction manual that came with it. You have to begin by unplugging everything and reconnect according to the instructions. There are no short cuts when setting up a network...so follow the instructions implicitly and wait the specified time each time you plug something in. If you have two computers use the wired one to configure the router. If not connect via the wire and configure...when you get a message telling you the wireless is set-up you can unplug your comp from the router and test.





Oh the number Alice is talking about is the default IP address to log in to the router: http://192.168.1.1 (u have to type that in your browser when configuring your router). But this comes after you set up your physical network. Check this link: http://www.haxial.com/faq/routerconfig/l鈥?/a>
It's some time since I set up my wireless connection but from memory, their were two passwords %26amp; I wonder if this could be the problem. The first one was one you set up yourself %26amp; the second one you use to log on to the wireless connection is I think 16 or 20 characters long, case sensitive %26amp; normally found on the base of your router.





If you get no joy from the advice here, your broadband provider may be able to guide you through getting securely connected.