Ask Dave Taylor
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • YouTube Videos
  • Top Categories
  • Subscribe via Email
  • Ask A Question
  • Meet Dave
  • Home
  • iPod & MP3 Player Help
  • What is a WEP key?

What is a WEP key?

April 22, 2006 / Dave Taylor / iPod & MP3 Player Help, Linux Help / 67 Comments

Hi I’m having a problem with my Sony PSP and connecting it to the internet see I can get through everything but the WEP code. Is there a common WEP key? Are they all different? How would I be able to get mine? I searched everywhere but I still can’t find it! HELP ME PLEASE!

This is an amazingly common question I get from readers of Ask Dave Taylor and I can only assume that it’s related to my being so well ranked for the phrase Sony PSP Help on the search engines.
Here’s the scoop: just like a housekey is keyed, literally designed to only open one lock, so is a wireless network security password intended to just open up one door, one access point to the Internet. If you don’t have my house key, you can’t unlock my front door, and similarly, if you don’t have my WEP key, you cannot use my wireless network access point.
Let me say that a different way too: if you are trying to use someone’s wireless Internet (or “wifi”) access point and don’t have their password key, whether they’re using WEP or WPA security, you will not be able to connect successfully and go online.
The only way around this is to figure out whose access point it is and ask them for their password, if they’ll give it to you. If they won’t, or if it’s that mean guy from across the hall or down the street, you’re out of luck and will need to set up your own access point if you want to get your Sony PSP online in your home.
Here’s a good article to read: Set up a wireless access point for your Sony PSP.
Again, I can’t say this strongly enough: WEP and WPA are passwords intended specifically to keep unregistered, unknown users out of the network. You cannot trick them, guess the password or circumvent the security and utilize their access point, whether you’re using a pokey little Nintendo DS unit, a Sony PSP, or even a high-powered Mac or PC laptop.
With that in mind, I can now answer your questions: there is not a common WEP key because that’d be like having a keyed doorlock on your front door, but having it use the same key code as every other door on the street. It’d be useless.
If you have your own wireless base station, check my earlier referenced article too, as I talk about how you can typically find your WEP or WPA password and enter it into your wifi device (PSP, etc).
Hope that helps clear things up a bit.
Once you are online, don’t forget to check out the many articles I have discussing various aspects of Sony PSP Internet Connectivity too!

Let’s Stay In Touch!

Never miss a single article, review or tutorial here on AskDaveTaylor, sign up for my fun weekly newsletter!
Name: 
Your email address:*
Please enter all required fields
Correct invalid entries
No spam, ever. Promise. Powered by FeedBlitz
Please choose a color:
Starbucks coffee cup I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!
psp help, psp internet, sony psp

67 comments on “What is a WEP key?”

  1. madmax40 says:
    January 16, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    For all you out there that are concerned about connecting your PS2’s, PS’3’s and PSP’s and anything else….here is a short course:
    The Router allows you access to a specific network. That network may be your own. Each Router has different security. Every ‘Wireless’ Router allows you to set security. Some people accept the defaults, sometimes after a power failure, the Router reverts to the defaults.
    The correct way to obtain any kind of security key is to go to the administrator of the Router and ask them which security measures they implemented for the Router you are trying to access. It may be WEP, WPA, Password protected or a combination of all the above.
    You cannot GUESS what this security is nor can you buy a program or watch UTUBE to reveal that to you. You have to go to the Router Administrator and ask questions. If YOU are the Administrator, then YOU will have to answer the question. There are manuals for every Router. There are people on Router Chat lines to talk to.
    But YOU are responsible for figuring this all out.
    Now if you are into a Playstation and it asks you a question that you don’t understand, then go to the Router Administrator, Consult the Router Manuals, Consult the PS Manuals but DO NOT go to any website and ask insane things like “what’s a WEP Key?”,,,, you should have enough sense to have looked up what a WEP key is and what it does.
    Having discovered that it is a security key that can be expressed in a series of either decimal or hexidecimal digits, you will then have to figure out what Playstation wants you to type in. Consult the Manual or go to the PS website.
    Enter the SAME WEP Key as the Router assigned to ALL Users of the Wireless Network you are on.
    If you want to do this very simply, just DO NOT secure the Wireless Network on your Router. If the Router hasn’t ‘assumed’ any defaults caused by power glitches, then you should be able to connect up without having to provide any sort of KEY or PASSWORD. This will, of course allow anyone within a block of your house to then freely use your Internet Access.

    Reply
  2. shakil says:
    January 12, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    can i have spicific answers to how to find my wep key

    Reply
  3. Yohlunda says:
    November 22, 2008 at 4:41 pm

    I want to thank Glen for his May 16th posting. I was unable to locate my WEP and found it immediately using his instructions! Yeah!!!!

    Reply
  4. ian meadows says:
    October 26, 2008 at 1:02 pm

    how do you get a new wep code it doest say on my wireless router

    Reply
  5. T says:
    October 21, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    Where is the wep key located? And what is a SSID?

    Reply
  6. Nelson says:
    September 16, 2008 at 2:16 am

    If you REALLY need to ask “HOW DOES I GET WPA WEP PASSWORD FROM MY ROUTER”, you should not be trying to do it yourself. If you don’t know how to access the security page in your router’s/modem’s configuration console then you probably either:
    A: Paid someone else to set up your wireless for you in the first place and you should proceed to do the same thing now or
    B:
    Used one of those slightly terrible “One touch setup” things in which case you should go ahead and hire someone to do it for you if you actually can’t read the plentiful instructions for this that have been posted here already.

    Reply
  7. john says:
    September 9, 2008 at 9:16 am

    Hi im having a lil problemm in my psp, it wont connect me to my wireless at home.. It keep saying (A coonection error has occurred. The connection to the accesss point timed out) wat does this mean… p.s i have my own wireless at home n i know da pass n name for my wirelessss…pls pls pls pls help me im not gd at dis kind of stuffffffffffffffff
    TY:john

    Reply
  8. JJ says:
    August 11, 2008 at 11:16 pm

    What if there is no password for the WEP in the Sony PSP, what do we put?

    Reply
  9. mike says:
    July 20, 2008 at 1:08 am

    i type in the gateway address which is 192.168.1.1 but it says “Warning: This server is requesting that your username and password be sent in an insecure manner (basic authentication without a secure connection).” an i have no idea how to make it insecure or send it in that manner can someone help me cause once im in there im ready to go its just i never ran into that problem…..EVER
    thanks guys
    Mike

    Reply
  10. Glen says:
    May 16, 2008 at 5:06 pm

    The WEP key should be marked somewhere on the router that is serving your wireless network (either a 10-character or 26-character code)
    If not, then:
    Go to Start –> All Programs –> Accessories –> Command Prompt
    Type ipconfig, then press [ENTER] key
    Jot down the displayed Default Gateway address (or the Connection-specific DNS Suffix address)
    Close the “Command Prompt��? window
    Open Internet Explorer (or whatever web browser you prefer to use)
    Enter the Default Gateway (or Connection-specific DNS Suffix) address, then press [ENTER] key
    You should now be viewing the router’s information webpage. The layout/content of this webpage will vary, depending on your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or manufacturer of the router.
    The WEP key should be contained somewhere on this webpage, or the webpage should indicate where the WEP key is marked on the router. If not, the webpage should allow you to create a new WEP key.
    (IMPORTANT NOTE: If a new WEP key is created, each computer/device that had been connected to the wireless network will now be disconnected until the new WEP key is entered at that computer/device.)
    Once the WEP key has been either positively identified or changed, it is highly recommended that the key be marked somewhere on the router for future reference.

    Reply
  11. sissy says:
    May 4, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    i have dsl internet and am trying to get my laptop working from my desktop computer. i set it all up and its asking me for my wep key. how do i go about finding my wep key. thanks, sissy

    Reply
  12. dean mcdonald says:
    March 9, 2008 at 10:30 am

    bro, how on earth do i get my wep key

    Reply
  13. MANNY says:
    February 19, 2008 at 3:09 pm

    I STILL DON’T KNOW HOW TO MAKE A WEP KEY. WHAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF ONE

    Reply
  14. scott carr says:
    January 3, 2008 at 7:36 am

    i have a netgear wireless router, i am trying to retrieve my wep key password, how do i do that

    Reply
  15. Linda says:
    December 31, 2007 at 2:44 pm

    I have my pc connected to the internet via cable connection. Where can i find my WEP key so I can get online w/ my psp?

    Reply
  16. alf says:
    December 7, 2007 at 3:54 pm

    i have a netgear wireless router, i am trying to retrieve my wep key password, how do i do that.

    Reply
  17. anoymous says:
    November 25, 2007 at 11:41 pm

    ok..there are many guides that say about how to get wep key and some other junk that keep explaining about the key and never go to the main point……it is so irrtitating!!!

    Reply
  18. Kevin says:
    November 9, 2007 at 8:25 pm

    do you even need a wireless connection or can you use it on regular computer? and how do you figure your wep key out and figure why DNS keeps popping up?

    Reply
  19. kamikaze says:
    October 29, 2007 at 2:15 pm

    yo i have a router and all that but anytime i change the password i have no connection the signal dies….. umm i think the wep key has something to do with tthe numbers on the router can u help me figure it out?

    Reply
  20. BRENDA says:
    October 12, 2007 at 10:42 pm

    BUT HOW DO YOU GET THE WEP WPA PASWORD??

    Reply
  21. icky says:
    September 8, 2007 at 1:35 pm

    i forgot my wep key,its stored on my psp but it comes up in little stars.how can i retrieve it.i am using a bthomehub-eefb.

    Reply
  22. Steph says:
    August 23, 2007 at 4:50 am

    Yeh I’ve got a PSP and I pick up other people’s routers but i need WEP keys for them =P
    I have my Own NETGEAR Router, MR sumut but anyways, I can get a signal on it 100% with my PSP but the SSID comes up as blank and I need a WEP key for it
    The Router’s SSID is TW34609107 but it comes up as blank and I still don’t know what the WEP is, and don’t give me the http://192.168.0.1 shit, ’cause that doesn’t load =]

    Reply
  23. jane says:
    August 19, 2007 at 5:00 pm

    Why does no one listen to what he says?! Its clearly on your router/hub etc

    Reply
  24. Anthony says:
    July 13, 2007 at 12:41 pm

    i have everything for my psp to get on the internet but i cant find the default router information. Dave, how can i find it

    Reply
  25. roberto says:
    July 6, 2007 at 4:21 pm

    i need help!!!!!!!!!!!
    where do i find my WEP key where is it suppose to be at? is it on the modem on my internet?

    Reply
  26. Someone says:
    June 30, 2007 at 7:13 am

    Linksys doesn’t work…

    Reply
  27. ify says:
    June 28, 2007 at 10:03 am

    i am still having problems with getting my psp to connect to the internet when i scan i get something but when i test the connection it comes up as an error. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  28. Lisa says:
    May 25, 2007 at 8:55 am

    We are trying to use our PSP but we can’t remember what our WEP key is on our router. How do I find it?
    Thanks!

    Reply
  29. Dom says:
    May 7, 2007 at 6:48 am

    Okay, new question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i’v found my WEP password, however, it is in little stars (because it is a password). How do i figure out what letters these little stars are representing?

    Reply
  30. dom says:
    May 7, 2007 at 6:30 am

    I have an xbox 360 and am trying to connect it to a wireless network. I think the problem im having is not knowing my own WEP/WAP key. How do i find it on my computer?

    Reply
  31. angrah says:
    April 14, 2007 at 3:10 am

    i know what my freaking password is, but my ps3 wont take it. it works fine for my computers, but when i enter it. it tells me that the characters are invalid! im getting really pissed off.

    Reply
  32. Juan says:
    April 12, 2007 at 7:28 pm

    You can get in the internet with your PSP if you go places like Carl’s Jr. or Starbucks

    Reply
  33. Anthony says:
    April 11, 2007 at 11:42 am

    Where is the wep key on the router?

    Reply
  34. Josh says:
    April 10, 2007 at 10:40 pm

    any brand of router will do. note: if you get a linksys router and configure it like i did, the address for the router control panel may be http://192.168.2.1/ and not http://192.168.1.1/. i have them configured that way so i can access both my modem settings and router settings. chances are if you run the automatic setup, it might do the same for you.
    also, i know this will come up eventually, when installing your wireless router you have to set your modem to bridge mode. this can be done under VC settings in your modem control panel (http://192.168.1.1/). enable one of the bridges or set PPPoE to bridge. if you don’t do that, your modem will fail to recognize that you’re using a router and the whole setup won’t work.
    and when you enter your WEP key on your PSP/PS3, you need to enter the ENCRYPTED VERSION which it should show you under your router settings. so if your key is “apple”, you would enter one of the encrypted keys into your PSP/PS3 that would look something like “EII99238TTSYD8990AS”.

    Reply
  35. margz says:
    April 8, 2007 at 4:21 pm

    can i use any brand of wireless router or does it have to be specific brand?

    Reply
  36. Dave Taylor says:
    April 6, 2007 at 12:36 pm

    Emma, if you’re seeing “connection timed out” then you probably did *not* guess their password, sorry to say.
    Margz, the WEP password is something that you “hit” or encounter when you’re trying to connect to a secured wireless Internet connection. Without some sort of base unit, either your own or a neighbors, you won’t need a WEP password because you won’t be able to get online. It’s like having an electrical cord but no plug. So yes, if you want to have control over your own destiny [at least electronically!] you’ll need to buy a wireless router and use that with your existing Internet connection to get online.

    Reply
  37. margz says:
    April 6, 2007 at 9:50 am

    i have a question.. if i want my wep key password do i have to buy a linksys wireless router or somekind of wireless router?

    Reply
  38. emma says:
    April 2, 2007 at 1:12 am

    hi i think ive guessed the wpa code for sky and i click test connection but when it starts it keeps saying timed out but it doesnt work

    Reply
  39. Anonymous Techie says:
    March 17, 2007 at 7:06 pm

    Your WEP key, if enabled, is usually saved/configured on the router it’s self. These are commonly configured using your web browser by going to the following address: http://192.168.1.1/ for Linksys routers and http://192.168.0.1 for Netgear routers. The WEP Key info should be changeable through that interface. Consult your (or your nice neighbor’s) router manual if you have trouble with this.

    Reply
  40. stefani says:
    March 7, 2007 at 7:21 pm

    How do I retrieve my WEP password. I have wireless on my desktop and recently bought a laptop and I want to use the wireless internet…I need a password to connect to my own internet!!! How do I retrieve it!?

    Reply
  41. Jack Cawley says:
    January 24, 2007 at 3:58 pm

    Ok Dave. My friend has road runner high speed online, and can’t find the WEP key. I called the road runner tech support line, and they have no idea what i am talking about! How would I get The WEP Key for my friend? I think it would be stupid if he can’t go online for his PSP.

    Reply
  42. Sky says:
    January 5, 2007 at 3:21 pm

    I know I have my own WEP password but how do I find it!!!!! I have my own access point I just need to find out what my WEP password is.

    Reply
  43. Wayne says:
    December 20, 2006 at 9:56 am

    I’m trying to get rid of my WEP code, can you help? I know my system will have no security but i’m not bothered about that at the moment.

    Reply
  44. Vic says:
    November 24, 2006 at 11:44 am

    I have read all you have but I still cant figure out how to find my WEP #. Please help

    Reply
  45. mike says:
    October 6, 2006 at 5:43 pm

    I recently purchased a membership to allpspgames.com to download videos and games to my psp…but I don’t have a pc…is there a site that sells videos and movies/games that are already converted and psp friendly

    Reply
  46. Mcihael says:
    September 21, 2006 at 6:40 pm

    Um how do i find my own WEP password

    Reply
  47. Raindancer says:
    September 19, 2006 at 1:13 pm

    @Juan
    Your PSP does NOT have a WEP password. The wifi has the WEP key. you need to speak to the person who has the wifi router and ask them for the WEP.

    Reply
  48. juan servin says:
    September 16, 2006 at 11:04 am

    dude where in hell do i find the wep key password for my damn psp???? i am freaking mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  49. Carol says:
    September 9, 2006 at 7:50 pm

    OK. I read your section about WEP codes. HOWEVER, when I AM given a “password”, I put it in the WEP key request and I get a message that says it can only be ASCI or hexidex something characters. HOW does one find out WHAT WEP code they have on their system when someone ELSE set it up for them?
    Thanks.

    Reply
  50. monsieur says:
    May 17, 2006 at 8:34 am

    WEP keys are cracked in minutes nowadays, use WPA !

    Reply

Comment navigation

Newer Comments →

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Recent Posts

  • How Can I Check for Firmware Updates on my Vizio TV?
  • How Can I Identify Where A Photo Was Taken on a Mac?
  • Easiest Way to Delete/Unpair My Phone in an INFINITI Vehicle?
  • How Can I Change Desktop Wallpaper on my PC Every Day?
  • Possible to Hide Irrelevant or Repetitive Ads on Facebook?

On Our YouTube Channel

IFI Audio GO Bar USB-C Headphone Amp -- REVIEW

Andobil Windshield Sun Shade Umbrella -- DEMO & REVIEW

Categories

  • AdSense, AdWords, and PPC Help (106)
  • Amazon, eBay, and Online Shopping Help, (161)
  • Android Help (196)
  • Apple iPad Help (144)
  • Apple Watch Help (52)
  • Articles, Tutorials, and Reviews (344)
  • Auto Tech Help (11)
  • Business Advice (199)
  • Chrome OS Help (23)
  • Computer & Internet Basics (760)
  • d) None of the Above (165)
  • Facebook Help (383)
  • Google, Chrome & Gmail Help (177)
  • HTML & Web Page Design (245)
  • Instagram Help (47)
  • iPhone & iOS Help (604)
  • iPod & MP3 Player Help (173)
  • Kindle & Nook Help (92)
  • LinkedIn Help (85)
  • Linux Help (163)
  • Linux Shell Script Programming (86)
  • Mac & MacOS Help (889)
  • Most Popular (16)
  • Outlook & Office 365 Help (24)
  • PayPal Help (69)
  • Pinterest Help (53)
  • Reddit Help (17)
  • SEO & Marketing (81)
  • Spam, Scams & Security (92)
  • Trade Show News & Updates (23)
  • Twitter Help (217)
  • Video Game Tips (66)
  • Web Site Traffic Tips (62)
  • Windows PC Help (914)
  • Wordpress Help (204)
  • Writing and Publishing (72)
  • YouTube Help (46)
  • YouTube Video Reviews (159)
  • Zoom, Skype & Video Chat Help (56)

Archives

Social Connections:

Ask Dave Taylor


Follow Me on Pinterest
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on LinkedIn
Follow me on Instagram


AskDaveTaylor on Facebook



microsoft insider mvp


This web site is for the purpose of disseminating information for educational purposes, free of charge, for the benefit of all visitors. We take great care to provide quality information. However, we do not guarantee, and accept no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained on this site or on any linked site. Further, please note that by submitting a question or comment you're agreeing to our terms of service, which are: you relinquish any subsequent rights of ownership to your material by submitting it on this site. Our lawyer says "Thanks for your cooperation."
© 2022 by Dave Taylor. "Ask Dave Taylor®" is a registered trademark of Intuitive Systems, LLC.
Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions - Accessibility Policy