Network was Working fine until...

To connect to your Windows PCs or file servers, simply go the OS X Finder and then select Go --> Connect to Server (Command-K). In the dialog box that appears, you can type the IP address or host name of the server you're connecting to and then click the Connect button. Alternatively, click the Browse button in the dialog box to search your local network for available servers and shares.
For earlier versions of Mac operating systems, you need to buy software to allow you to include your Mac. You can buy software for the PCs or software for the Macintosh. (You don't need it for both.) Check with magazines and books that are devoted to Macintosh users to find out about software for incorporating your older Macintosh into your network. Two of those programs are described next.

If you have trouble getting your Macintosh up and running on your Windows-based wireless network, it almost certainly relates to the network password. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to resolve password issues:

• Try turning off encryption on the wireless network. If you can successfully connect your Mac to the network without the need of a password, you can be sure that the password was the problem. Don't leave the network unprotected, however. Read on.

• Check the password configuration. When you turn on the access point's encryption, determine whether the password is an alphanumeric value or a hexadecimal number. Some hardware vendors provide configuration software that has you enter a pass phrase, but the software then generates a hexadecimal number. If you're using AirPort networking software on your Mac, you have to enter the hexadecimal number, not the pass phrase.

• Watch for case-sensitivity. If the Windows-based access point configuration software enables you to enter an alphanumeric password, keep in mind that the password is case sensitive. For WEP, the password should be either exactly 5 characters (letters and numbers) for 64-bit encryption or 13 characters for 128-bit encryption. You should then enter exactly the same characters in the Password text box in the AirPort pane of Internet Connect.

• Use current software. Make sure that you're using the most current version of AirPort software. The most up-to-date software makes it easier to enter passwords connecting to a Windows-based wireless network. The new software automatically distinguishes between alphanumeric and hexadecimal passwords. With earlier versions of the software, to connect to a WEP-encrypted Windows-based network, you have to type quotation marks around alphanumeric values and type a $ in front of hexadecimal numbers.