Netgear WG121 Loses WEP Key

I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network as
I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software that comes
with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC is restarted.
As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and applied, the PC
reconnects first time.

I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100% and
the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is actually
disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.

I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've also
exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems completely
useless thus far.

Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond here
rather than email as this email account is unchecked.

TIA,

Tom

Tom,
I am having a similar problem with a WAG511 PC Card, which came, by the way,
with card warning XP users that the drivers have not passed the Windows Logo
process.

I am wondering if Netgear is having significant problems with their driver
software. I have attempted to get encryption to work to no avail.

Currently, I cannot even receive data even though my gateway is set to no
encryption and my PC card is set to no encryption. Another PC with a
different manufacturer's card is working just fine.

Tech support is unavailable, and they don't seem to be responding to e-mail
either. At lest mine's under warranty. They owe me about $65 if they can't
iron this out.

I got the card in a bargain from NewEgg. I wouldn't recommend Netgear based
on my experience.

Good luck to all us Netgear users!

"Tom Wynne" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:400c3fa3$0$61065$(E-Mail Removed) ...
> I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network as
> I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software that comes
> with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC is restarted.
> As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and applied, the PC
> reconnects first time.
>
> I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100% and
> the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is actually
> disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.
>
> I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've also
> exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems completely
> useless thus far.
>
> Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond here
> rather than email as this email account is unchecked.
>
> TIA,
>
> Tom

It's strange as I got a WG834G router for Christmas which I've had not a
single problem with! Must admit I was a bit concerned that the drivers
with this sort of device were unsigned, but I generally put that more
down to MS than to the manufacturers.

As it all seemed to work before I added the encryption, I'm considering
going back - just don't relish the thought of leaving my network wide
open (especially in a block of flats!)

I'm actually wondering if there's another wireless client utility
available that works with the chipset in the WG121 (apparently
Intersil??) Anyone??

Herm wrote:

> Tom,
> I am having a similar problem with a WAG511 PC Card, which came, by the way,
> with card warning XP users that the drivers have not passed the Windows Logo
> process.
>
> I am wondering if Netgear is having significant problems with their driver
> software. I have attempted to get encryption to work to no avail.
>
> Currently, I cannot even receive data even though my gateway is set to no
> encryption and my PC card is set to no encryption. Another PC with a
> different manufacturer's card is working just fine.
>
> Tech support is unavailable, and they don't seem to be responding to e-mail
> either. At lest mine's under warranty. They owe me about $65 if they can't
> iron this out.
>
> I got the card in a bargain from NewEgg. I wouldn't recommend Netgear based
> on my experience.
>
> Good luck to all us Netgear users!
>
> "Tom Wynne" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:400c3fa3$0$61065$(E-Mail Removed) ...
>
>>I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network as
>>I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software that comes
>>with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC is restarted.
>>As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and applied, the PC
>>reconnects first time.
>>
>>I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100% and
>>the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is actually
>>disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.
>>
>>I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've also
>>exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems completely
>>useless thus far.
>>
>>Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond here
>>rather than email as this email account is unchecked.
>>
>>TIA,
>>
>>Tom
>
>
>

Mine works fine using 64 bits. If you're worried about the drivers go to the
MS XP updates and download the netgear drivers from the driver section.

"Herm" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:EqXOb.15549$(E-Mail Removed) link.net...
> Tom,
> I am having a similar problem with a WAG511 PC Card, which came, by the
way,
> with card warning XP users that the drivers have not passed the Windows
Logo
> process.
>
> I am wondering if Netgear is having significant problems with their driver
> software. I have attempted to get encryption to work to no avail.
>
> Currently, I cannot even receive data even though my gateway is set to no
> encryption and my PC card is set to no encryption. Another PC with a
> different manufacturer's card is working just fine.
>
> Tech support is unavailable, and they don't seem to be responding to
e-mail
> either. At lest mine's under warranty. They owe me about $65 if they
can't
> iron this out.
>
> I got the card in a bargain from NewEgg. I wouldn't recommend Netgear
based
> on my experience.
>
> Good luck to all us Netgear users!
>
> "Tom Wynne" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:400c3fa3$0$61065$(E-Mail Removed) ...
> > I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network as
> > I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software that comes
> > with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC is restarted.
> > As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and applied, the PC
> > reconnects first time.
> >
> > I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100% and
> > the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is actually
> > disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.
> >
> > I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've also
> > exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems completely
> > useless thus far.
> >
> > Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond here

> > rather than email as this email account is unchecked.
> >
> > TIA,
> >
> > Tom
>
>

Are you sure you're talking about the Netgear WG121 USB2.0 Wireless
Adapter? Windows Update finds nothing for this device, and it doesn't
appear the Windows catalog as far as I can tell - there are only 4
Netgear devices listed, none of which are 802.11g.

Can you forward a link if you know of one?

Thanks,

Tom

Tim Leonhardt wrote:

> Mine works fine using 64 bits. If you're worried about the drivers go to the
> MS XP updates and download the netgear drivers from the driver section.
>
> "Herm" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:EqXOb.15549$(E-Mail Removed) link.net...
>
>>Tom,
>>I am having a similar problem with a WAG511 PC Card, which came, by the
>
> way,
>
>>with card warning XP users that the drivers have not passed the Windows
>
> Logo
>
>>process.
>>
>>I am wondering if Netgear is having significant problems with their driver
>>software. I have attempted to get encryption to work to no avail.
>>
>>Currently, I cannot even receive data even though my gateway is set to no
>>encryption and my PC card is set to no encryption. Another PC with a
>>different manufacturer's card is working just fine.
>>
>>Tech support is unavailable, and they don't seem to be responding to
>
> e-mail
>
>>either. At lest mine's under warranty. They owe me about $65 if they
>
> can't
>
>>iron this out.
>>
>>I got the card in a bargain from NewEgg. I wouldn't recommend Netgear
>
> based
>
>>on my experience.
>>
>>Good luck to all us Netgear users!
>>
>>"Tom Wynne" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>news:400c3fa3$0$61065$(E-Mail Removed) et...
>>
>>>I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network as
>>>I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software that comes
>>>with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC is restarted.
>>>As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and applied, the PC
>>>reconnects first time.
>>>
>>>I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100% and
>>>the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is actually
>>>disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.
>>>
>>>I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've also
>>>exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems completely
>>>useless thus far.
>>>
>>>Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond here
>
>
>>>rather than email as this email account is unchecked.
>>>
>>>TIA,
>>>
>>>Tom
>>
>>
>
>

Tom Wynne wrote:
> I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network
> as I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software that
> comes with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC is
> restarted. As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and applied,
> the PC reconnects first time.
>
> I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100%
> and the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is
> actually disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.
>
> I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've
> also exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems
> completely useless thus far.
>
> Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond
> here rather than email as this email account is unchecked.
>
> TIA,
>
> Tom

I suggest that you set the card properties manually and disable Wireless
Zero Configuration to test the reception. I have one Linksys card that
will not connect with WZC unless the parameters are entered in the card
properties. If a connection can be made reliably this way, there is no
need to invoke WZC.

Q

Alot of software supplied with the WiFi card for configuring them recommend
you disable the windows wireless configuration service, use one or the
other. Not both.


"Quaoar" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Tom Wynne wrote:
> > I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network
> > as I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software that
> > comes with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC is
> > restarted. As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and applied,
> > the PC reconnects first time.
> >
> > I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100%
> > and the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is
> > actually disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.
> >
> > I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've
> > also exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems
> > completely useless thus far.
> >
> > Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond
> > here rather than email as this email account is unchecked.
> >
> > TIA,
> >
> > Tom
>
> I suggest that you set the card properties manually and disable Wireless
> Zero Configuration to test the reception. I have one Linksys card that
> will not connect with WZC unless the parameters are entered in the card
> properties. If a connection can be made reliably this way, there is no
> need to invoke WZC.
>
> Q
>
>

We've been experiencing the same problems with the WG112's forgetting
WEP keys, but have gone a step further. If you power down the
machine, it completely loses the profile settings that contain the
SSID. So to get back on you have to open the Netgear Wizard and type
it in again.

I went so far as to examine the registry and it looks like they're
storing the SSID & WEP keys (in plain text mind you) in HKCU and HKLM.
The HKCU will remember the correct settings, but it looks like when
you shut down, they're not getting written out to HKLM. I tried
entering them into the HKLM copy manually, but those get overwritten
too!

Has anyone else experienced this and come up with a work around? I
called Netgear's supposed help line today and all the guy would tell
me was that it's an issue they're aware of and are working on it.

Mike Biracree, MCSE MCSA
Network Administrator / IT Consultant
Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP

"Tim Leonhardt" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:<5pZOb.86143$sv6.206820@attbi_s52>...
> Mine works fine using 64 bits. If you're worried about the drivers go to the
> MS XP updates and download the netgear drivers from the driver section.
>
> "Herm" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:EqXOb.15549$(E-Mail Removed) link.net...
> > Tom,
> > I am having a similar problem with a WAG511 PC Card, which came, by the
> way,
> > with card warning XP users that the drivers have not passed the Windows
> Logo
> > process.
> >
> > I am wondering if Netgear is having significant problems with their driver
> > software. I have attempted to get encryption to work to no avail.
> >
> > Currently, I cannot even receive data even though my gateway is set to no
> > encryption and my PC card is set to no encryption. Another PC with a
> > different manufacturer's card is working just fine.
> >
> > Tech support is unavailable, and they don't seem to be responding to
> e-mail
> > either. At lest mine's under warranty. They owe me about $65 if they
> can't
> > iron this out.
> >
> > I got the card in a bargain from NewEgg. I wouldn't recommend Netgear
> based
> > on my experience.
> >
> > Good luck to all us Netgear users!
> >
> > "Tom Wynne" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> > news:400c3fa3$0$61065$(E-Mail Removed) ...
> > > I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network as
> > > I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software that comes
> > > with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC is restarted.
> > > As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and applied, the PC
> > > reconnects first time.
> > >
> > > I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100% and
> > > the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is actually
> > > disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.
> > >
> > > I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've also
> > > exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems completely
> > > useless thus far.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond here
>
> > > rather than email as this email account is unchecked.
> > >
> > > TIA,
> > >
> > > Tom
> >
> >

Well this might help... I happened back to the Netgear support page
today as I was going to look at how to switch back to using Wireless
Zero Config permanently rather than the Netgear utility. As it happens
they've just posted v2 of the utility (up from v1.1, which suggests some
major changes) and it also includes a firmware upgrade.

Initial results are good, but I'll post back after I've worked with it
for a few days.

Good luck,

Tom

MikeB wrote:

> We've been experiencing the same problems with the WG112's forgetting
> WEP keys, but have gone a step further. If you power down the
> machine, it completely loses the profile settings that contain the
> SSID. So to get back on you have to open the Netgear Wizard and type
> it in again.
>
> I went so far as to examine the registry and it looks like they're
> storing the SSID & WEP keys (in plain text mind you) in HKCU and HKLM.
> The HKCU will remember the correct settings, but it looks like when
> you shut down, they're not getting written out to HKLM. I tried
> entering them into the HKLM copy manually, but those get overwritten
> too!
>
> Has anyone else experienced this and come up with a work around? I
> called Netgear's supposed help line today and all the guy would tell
> me was that it's an issue they're aware of and are working on it.
>
> Mike Biracree, MCSE MCSA
> Network Administrator / IT Consultant
> Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP
>
> "Tim Leonhardt" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:<5pZOb.86143$sv6.206820@attbi_s52>...
>
>>Mine works fine using 64 bits. If you're worried about the drivers go to the
>>MS XP updates and download the netgear drivers from the driver section.
>>
>>"Herm" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>news:EqXOb.15549$(E-Mail Removed) thlink.net...
>>
>>>Tom,
>>>I am having a similar problem with a WAG511 PC Card, which came, by the
>>
>> way,
>>
>>>with card warning XP users that the drivers have not passed the Windows
>>
>> Logo
>>
>>>process.
>>>
>>>I am wondering if Netgear is having significant problems with their driver
>>>software. I have attempted to get encryption to work to no avail.
>>>
>>>Currently, I cannot even receive data even though my gateway is set to no
>>>encryption and my PC card is set to no encryption. Another PC with a
>>>different manufacturer's card is working just fine.
>>>
>>>Tech support is unavailable, and they don't seem to be responding to
>>
>> e-mail
>>
>>>either. At lest mine's under warranty. They owe me about $65 if they
>>
>> can't
>>
>>>iron this out.
>>>
>>>I got the card in a bargain from NewEgg. I wouldn't recommend Netgear
>>
>> based
>>
>>>on my experience.
>>>
>>>Good luck to all us Netgear users!
>>>
>>>"Tom Wynne" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>>news:400c3fa3$0$61065$(E-Mail Removed). net...
>>>
>>>>I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network as
>>>>I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software that comes
>>>>with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC is restarted.
>>>>As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and applied, the PC
>>>>reconnects first time.
>>>>
>>>>I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100% and
>>>>the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is actually
>>>>disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.
>>>>
>>>>I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've also
>>>>exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems completely
>>>>useless thus far.
>>>>
>>>>Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond here
>>
>>
>>
>>>>rather than email as this email account is unchecked.
>>>>
>>>>TIA,
>>>>
>>>>Tom
>>>
>>>

.. wrote:
> Alot of software supplied with the WiFi card for configuring them
> recommend you disable the windows wireless configuration service, use
> one or the other. Not both.
>
>
> "Quaoar" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Tom Wynne wrote:
>>> I've recently added a Netgear WG121 USB2.0 'G' Adapter to my network
>>> as I upgrade all devices to 802.11g. Unfortunately the software
>>> that comes with the WG121 seems to lose my WEP key each time the PC
>>> is restarted. As soon as the key is entered, profile saved and
>>> applied, the PC reconnects first time.
>>>
>>> I know this has nothing to do with the network - the signal is 100%
>>> and the PC isn't far from the router. You can see that WEP is
>>> actually disabled and the key deleted when the utility loads.
>>>
>>> I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything to no avail. I've
>>> also exchanged messages with Netgear but their tech support seems
>>> completely useless thus far.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions? Anybody have similar experiences? Please respond
>>> here rather than email as this email account is unchecked.
>>>
>>> TIA,
>>>
>>> Tom
>>
>> I suggest that you set the card properties manually and disable
>> Wireless Zero Configuration to test the reception. I have one
>> Linksys card that will not connect with WZC unless the parameters
>> are entered in the card properties. If a connection can be made
>> reliably this way, there is no need to invoke WZC.
>>
>> Q

Well, this is setting the card properties manually, not using the config
application. If WZC requires blank fields in the card properties, then
non of my three wireless cards would function. The card properties are
set manually by selecting the card properties button in the network
setup.

Q