Windows 7 will not remember wireless network key

Anonymous
2010-02-17T14:25:04+00:00

I have two wireless networks in my home, which are both secured with WPA - Personal TKIP encryption. For some reason, every time I reboot and login, I must re-enter my network key. I've been living with this for about six months but now its getting on my nerves.

I have Windows 7 Home Premium x64


I would be very grateful if anyone could solve this problem as it is extremely annoying and would save me a lot of time.


Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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Anonymous
2011-08-24T19:24:59+00:00

I have been banging my head against a wall with this issue for some time but I have finally found the solution.

If you are having trouble with Windows 7 not saving your network security key, or reverting to some old key, the solution is as follows:

run msconfig (start > run (or just type into the "Search programs and files" field above the windows orb) > msconfig)

this brings up the System Configuration dialog box

click the Startup tab

scroll to find your wifi adapter's startup program (in my case it was NETGEAR)

uncheck the box next to this startup item

restart your computer. problem solved.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-01-09T00:18:11+00:00

    I have the same problem.  I fill out a network name and enter a key, click Ok/Ok.  The network name and key are NEVER remembered on the first try.  I (automatically) click Change Settings > Wireless Networks > Add and enter my data again.

    This time Ok/Ok informs the adapter of the information and it will connect.  The data is NEVER saved, ever.  This is really annoying.  Obviously something is broken.  I'm running XP so the fix is probably in Vista or something.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-02-18T20:35:42+00:00

    Hello

    Thank you for your response.

    When I right click my wireless connection, I don't see IEEE authentication option, just like Web4Guru below.

    Do you have any other solutions?

    Thanks

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-02-18T16:24:14+00:00

    I have the same exact problem, except I'm using standard WEP encryption.  I'm tired of entering my key everytime I switch connections.

    I don't see IEEE authentication.  And how does that save the key?  The first link has nothing of interest and the second link (once I figured out the W7 way, that is for Vista) couldn't find anything to configure.  The wireless network is already setup and connected, with a key.  I'm just tired of re-entering that key every time I switch connections.  Why didn't Microsoft put a little check box to save the key?  Seems so simple.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-02-18T13:39:06+00:00

    Hi,

    I suggest that you follow the below steps and check.

    1. Right click on wireless network icon in the system tray.
    2. Select Network and sharing center
    3. In the left pane, select change adapter settings.
    4. Right click on wireless network connection icon.
    5. Select properties.
    6. Turn off IEEE authentication.

    Also see: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Making-your-network-more-secure

              http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Set-up-a-security-key-for-a-wireless-network

    Thanks and Regards:

    Swati Keni- Microsoft Support

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