How to set up a WEP in a complex situation

okay so, i have a router that has cable internet directly fed to it, and i have my main pc connected via network cable, because my main pc does not have a wireless card...i live in an apartment and have noticed other tenents accessing the MY internet connection wirelessly through my router... i would just remove the antenna's, but i also use the wireless internet on my other pcs throughout the apartment. when i plugged the router into my pc i did not set up a wep protected network, but when i go back to set up a new network, it tries to look for an internet connection, which it doesnt because i am all ready connected through another network!!
please help my change the settings of my existing network to set up wep!

Bungled said:

...when i plugged the router into my pc i did not set up a wep protected network, but when i go back to set up a new network, it tries to look for an internet connection, which it doesnt because i am all ready connected through another network!!

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Can you please try to explain that a different way, and perhaps add a bit more detail? I'd like to help, but I don't understand the bit above and I suspect it's significant.

You have a few options. Have u referenced the manufacturers website for security configuration of your router? Your choices will include configuring either WEP or WPA security or not broadcasting your SSID name. If you chose the later, you will need to log into the admin component of your router and add your laptops computer name as an accepted device. I would recommend starting with referencing documentation from the manufacturer.

Have you logged on to the gateway (router) through the browser and connecting to it by typing the address in your browser? It's usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 and you enter the username and password (if you don't know it, then the default username and password might be found on a sticker underneath the gateway).

Once you get on, there should be an area for security settings where you can enter a WEP key.

What is the model and make of your gateway exactly? Different makes will have different methods of doing it.