WPA-PSK help & Finding the MAC address

I have a D-Link 802.11g router.

Few seconds, and my Mac is !BOOM! connected using WPA-PSK.

My mom's Dell though has some problems. It uses a Linksys 802.11g adapter. First all the Windows popup said was enter the WEP key, though it uses WPA. I tried typing the key for WPA and it said it must be some 11 letters or whatever. So now I'm just trying to use MAC filter only.

Problem is that I just have to click System Preferences and Network and under Airport it says my MAC address. I've searched for an hour but have yet to find the MAC address on the Dell.

Windows is horrible. Help

#319338

On the windows box, open the command prompt (Run-->cmd.exe) and type

ipconfig /all

Scroll up, and under Physical Address is what you want .

Good luck,

-NC

P.S: What SP does your Mom's Dell have? What about the drivers on the wireless card?

#319345

Also, you can right-click on the Wireless Connection in the taskbar, click Status, go to the Support tab, and click the Details... button.

#319352

@nc: that works!

@adam: obviously if it's not connected there isn't a status since it's not connection. the item is greyed out

#319361

Hmm, on mine it will show the status, but as "Not Connected." And I can still get to the MAC address.

#319366

Alternatively, turn all the security off on the access point, connect to it, then hit the copy button on the connected mac addresses list, which should copy it into the field so you can add it. Add the ones you need, then turn the mac filtering on.

At least, that works on my d-link 2000AP.

But!

MAC filtering is not secure at all. Anyone can get in range of your wireless network, scan for mac addresses and spoof it.

I don't know why, but Dell seem to like not putting in wireless cards that support WPA, which is why you were having problems.

I'd recommend setting up WEP on the access point, as both the machines you are trying to connect support it, and it's much more secure than MAC filtering.

#321010

viper what are you talking about :mad: ....mac addresses are derived from the system hardware so they cannot simply be interfered with....if you set your router to only allow certain mac addresses you don't have to worry about someone listening in on your connection....as they will not have the right mac address (also mac addresses cannot be faked!) also they wouldn't be able to use your internet connection without your permission either!

nightcrawler has the right method of finding your mac address....follow his instructions to find your mac address

#321029

Mine has it on the bottom of my computer (laptop) so its easy for me to find mine

#321047

MAC addresses can be spoofed, but it's not nearly as easy as breaking WEP encryption.

At least, I recall reading something to that effect somewhere around...perhaps PCWorld.

But, yeah, Viper, I'd say MAC Address Filtering > WEP.

-NC

#321070