WPA-PSK
Last updated: 3/29/05

Q.  How do you setup WPA-PSK authentication with TKIP encryption on Windows XP for a wireless network?

A.  I understand that WPA requires that at least Windows XP SP1 be installed.

I have a new HP Pavilion zv5410us notebook and a Linksys WAP54G wireless access point or AP (the equivalent of the wireless part of your router). Both are 802.11b/g compatible. Yesterday, I successfully setup a WPA connection.

The AP is connected to a wired broadband router. I am running Windows XP Home SP2 on the laptop. I have XP Pro SP2 on my desktop. The network connections part of XP Home looks the same as XP Pro.

To setup WPA, I inserted the Linksys CD in my wired desktop and configured the AP. I left everything default except the I changed Admin password, named (SSID) the AP linksys, changed encryption to WPA, and assigned the WPA key.

Next, I went to my notebook and did the following:

Pressed the Wireless button just aft of the keyboard to turn it on.

Clicked the icon of a PC emitting radio waves with an X in the notification area at the bottom right of the screen next to the clock. That brought-up a Wireless Network Connection window.

In the Wireless Network Connection window under Network Tasks, clicked Refresh network list. A message appeared to right saying, “Searching for wireless network in range…” After a brief period it found…

“linksys

Security enabled network (WPA)

This network requires a network key. If you want to connect to this network, click Connect.”

Clicked the Connect button.

It prompted for the WPA-PSK key.

I entered it twice and clicked the Connect button.

The notebook connected.