Laptop won't connect to network

[edhopper]

Hope this is the right forum.
Desktop and laptop, both run WinXP. Verizon DSL with Westll modum/router.
I have the router security set up with WPA / MAC address enabled and SSID not broadcast.
Here's the problem.
I did a clean reinstall of WindowsXP on the laptop. I then added the new MAC address to the list in the router setup. But the laptop can't connect to the network. The network shows up on the list, but when it tries to connect it says "Can't Connect". When I turn off all the security on the router, it does connect. So there is some setting that I need to change, either in the router or the laptop. And yes, I did put in the WPA password in the laptop.
Please help.

[johnwill]

First off, start with no security at all, then configure WPA after you get it running. Second, you're just making life harder for yourself using MAC filtering and SSID hiding, I'd forget about those anyway.


A good read: The Six Dumbest Ways to Secure A Wireless LAN

[edhopper]

Thank you.
But I still want a secure wireless network. How should I secure it, if I don't use WPA?

[johnwill]

You didn't read what I wrote.

1. Remove ALL encryption, MAC filtering, SSID hiding, etc.
2. Get the computer to connect to the router in that configuration.
3. Enable Encryption on the router of your choice, say WPA.
4. Connect and enter the correct WPA key.

[edhopper]

Thanks,
I've left it with only WPA.
Disabling the Mac filter and SSID hiding..
works so far. Hope that's enough security.

[johnwill]

If WPA with a strong key doesn't do it, SSID hiding or MAC filtering will not have any effect either, they're very easy to bypass.