connecting laptop to w/network...without network key

[MaD_aTTaCk]

I’m hoping this is just a simple “lost network key” problem, but so far I’ve been unable to work it out… I have 2 PC’s (XP) connected via an ad hoc network ( no router) using just two belkin wifi cards. This network was set up by a network company ( several years ago) because for whatever reason windows network wizard didn’t work and we encountered lots of problems that eventually crashed the host computer. Now however file/ printer/internet sharing /LAN gaming all works.

I now have a vista laptop I’m trying to connect, but unfortunately I don’t know the WEP/network key.
1. I cannot log onto the router ( using the 192.168.0.1 in internet explorer trick) as there isn’t one,
2. In the belkin configuration tool the key is “asterixed” out
3. I tried unselecting the box for WEP encryption but this cleared the password box, effectively locking me out of the network – I had to system restore to get it back!
4. Due to the problems encountered before, I am extremely unwilling to create a new network with a new WEP key.

Therefore, I’d be extremely grateful for any suggestions on how to change/ find out WEP key or anything else that might work!

[nemowolf]

Simplest answer is ... Buy a router.

Dont bother with WEP as its not as secure as WPA and your adhoc network wont work as efficiently as it will with a Router.