I am using an old Compaq Presario 2100 (bought in 2004... yes it's old, but i'd still like to use it if possible). Currently have Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 installed. Whenever I bring the laptop around with me, I try to connect to whichever local wireless network available at that time (friends house/starbucks etc.). The problem is, windows won't let me connect to networks using WPA2 encryption. After going through the settings, I realized that the laptop only allows WEP identification, nothing else.I did go around the web looking for answers, and have done all the latest Windows update and Hardware updates. There was also an update done from windows regarding updating the laptop to be able to identify WPA networks from XP, although it was meant for SP2 and my laptop said it was already installed.My question is, is there a way to fix this problem (aside from buying an external wifi adaptor, since i'd like to know if there is a solution first). If it's due to my hardware not being able to support WPA, how can i tell or confirm that?1 person needs an answerI do too

Your wireless network adapter doesn't support current (better) levels of encryption. Purchase an external wireless network adapter. Make sure the external wireless adapter works with your old hardware. For example, if you want a USB wireless network adapter make sure it will work with the older USB 1.1 hardware in your laptop.MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

HiAs mentioned above External USB is the easiest solution.However in most cases it is just a matter of "playing" with few small screws to remove the wireless card's cover and change the Internal Wireless card.Log to the support site of the Compaq Presario 2100 find the maintenance manual and see if you can deal with it.New cards that support WPA2 can be on the Internet shopping sites for $10-$20.Jack, MVP - Networking.