How do get rid of this padlock?
I'm very embarrassed to say I forgot who here helped me set up my wireless network :o and now I guess I somehow screwed it up.
My Laptop is the only computer that uses the wireless and it did connect OK and could see all the other machines and they could see it.

Now it says it's connected to Deans wireless with good signal strength BUT it won't get online or onto the home network

I can disconnect from 'Deans" and log onto a neighbors wireless and get online but it's weak and I keep getting kicked off.

I have no idea how I got the padlock or what to do about it.

Look in your Windows firewall settings.

so everything was working fine until recently?

Is there anything that happened/you did to the computer or router shortly before the problem started?

Could be a driver update (from a microsoft update), but not likely since you said you can get on other, weaker, networks. Are these other networks wide open/unsecured, or do they have some sort of security enabled as well?

You're router may be in a brain freeze of sorts. Try unplugging it for a few minutes and rebooting it. That might fix the issue.

I don't think that computer has a firewall.

I don't remember doing anything that might have made it change but other people use that one too so who knows.

There are several wireless networks shown but only two show unsecured and only one of those connects.

I have tried unplugging the router a bunch of times.

Actually, I'm just guessing that the padlock icon has something to do with the problem.

My laptop does the same thing, I never noticed the padlock though. it says i'm connected with full strength but when i view wireless connections page it says no wireless networks in range. I have to reboot my laptop and back in buisness. I just looked at my work computer and it also has the padlock on it, hooked to a t-1 setup and works great.

If you are still online, go to the mfgr's website before resetting and download the instruction manual.

If you or someone added a security password to your wireless router and you don't know what it is, I believe you can re-set the specs to the factory settings. Look on your router for a pin sized hole with a tiny recessed button.

On all of the one's I've had you insert a paper clip in that hole, press in and hold for a few seconds. It will reset the router to the default.

Most factory settings are no security password or the word "password".

If you are still online, go to the mfgr's website before resetting and download the instruction manual.

If you or someone added a security password to your wireless router and you don't know what it is, I believe you can re-set the specs to the factory settings. Look on your router for a pin sized hole with a tiny recessed button.

On all of the one's I've had you insert a paper clip in that hole, press in and hold for a few seconds. It will reset the router to the default.

Most factory settings are no security password or the word "password".

Well, that sure was easy :thumbsup:

Pushed the reset button on the router and it works great again.

:hurray:

THANKS!

You might want to go back into it and see where your security settings are at.

You might want to go back into it and see where your security settings are at.

I don't know how to do that but I did download the Linksys instructions to study.

Cisco also has a tech help line.
I just bought a wireless router and had a rough time getting it going.
The online tech was just great getting me going.
He even helped as far as he could with getting my wireless card to work (laptop).
The card is a NetGear so he could only go so far----but a bit mor tinkering the next morning and it all came together.

THEN--I go on this trip (in baltimore now) and I had a hard time getting the card to work at the hotel.

Just can't win

Well, that sure was easy :thumbsup:

Pushed the reset button on the router and it works great again.

:thumbsup:

I just stopped in to say SECURE YOUR WIRELESS. It isn't likely that some wardriver is going to cruise by and start using your connection to download national secrets, but it is slightly more likely that some neighborhood kids who know a little about computers and networks will fool with your settings just to mess with your mind, or start torrenting like crazy (using the connection that you are paying for, and possibly getting you in trouble with your ISP and potentially, RIAA and MPAA.) Pain the butt, really, but to solve it, all you have to do is set up your wireless security settings. Then at least you can tell the MPAA that you tried to keep them from out, but they beat the security from the wireless manufacturer ;)

Or, like happens here, whenever the wireless settings on the computer in the garage go all funky, the thing connects to the internet through the dang neighbor's unsecured network. Stupid automatic connections.

K