New iMac, Weird Airport Issue

[doitintheroad]

I just bought a brand new 24" iMac and I'm *almost* very pleased with it - except for one thing. For some reason, it just won't connect to my home network.

Now, my home network is standard WEP (not WPA, I know, gripe elsewhere!) encryption with a simple 10-digit password. I've had a Macbook for about six months now and have had no problems connecting to my wireless network with the very basic password. (Of course, the ethernet port just broke on it, and I'll soon be getting a replacement logic board, but that's another story altogether)
Anyway, when I tried to set up my wireless internet on my iMac today, for some reason it just would NOT accept my password on my network. I know for a fact that it's the correct password, and I'm not a computer idiot, but I just can't figure this one out and I'm stumped. Is it possible that the iMac is too far from my router? That explanation seems unlikely because I'm using my MacBook right now at the same table as where my iMac is sitting. Is it possible that my iMac just needs an Airport update or three?

Any suggestions? Has this happened to anyone else, at all?

Thanks,
-Dan Cooper

 

[4JNA]

...home network is standard WEP (not WPA, I know, gripe elsewhere!) encryption with a simple 10-digit password.

... I've had a Macbook for about six months now and have had no problems connecting to my wireless network with the very basic password.

two things caught my eye. WEP uses 64 bit or 128 bit which translates to a 5 digit password, or a 13 digit password. that would be the reason the mac would not accept it, as '10-digit' is the wrong length. if it really is 10, then that would be a passphrase, and not the actual WEP key that you need to connect.

since you mention the macbook being connected, you could go into 'applications - utilities - keychain access' on the macbook and click on your airport connection to view the password. it will ask for the administrator password before showing you the saved airport password.

best of luck, welcome to the forum, don't cross post as it makes the gods angry.

 

[doitintheroad]

Okay, update here: The number of digits in the password is seemingly not an issue. My Linksys router seems to think that 64-bit should require a 10-digit code and that 128-bit should require 26(!) digits.
Anyway, Now, after playing with some settings, I've been able to connect to my home network, but the signal strength SUCKS. But here's the thing: My iMac is on the same freakin' desk as my MacBook! Yet, it only receives about 1/10th of the same wireless network signal, regardless if the MacBook is running or not. So frustrating! Is it possible that I just have a bum Airport in my iMac? Connecting my MacBook to the internet has always been a snap, but this has been a harrowing experience.

 

[AlexisV]

Go to the airport icon in the top right and try different encryption options for your pass key.

Make sure the interference reduction option isn't ticked.