Ok, I run Opensuse 11.0 dual-booted with xp. I have a usb wireless adapter which is a buffalo wli u2 kg125.

My problem is that I cannot connect to the wireless network in my house. Using the XP on exactly the same computer I can connect but when I switch to linux it can still detect the network (as well as all surrounding networks) but does not connect.

When it tries to connect a little window comes up saying 'wireless network secrets required' and is basically just asking for the password again. However, in the box where I type the password is the hexadecimal version (which does not work either. I get exactly the same problem on another network which I know the password for, however I was able to connect to a network which does not require a passphrase at one point.

Another problem is that I'm a bit of a linux newbie so I might have overlooked some simple step.

So does anyone have any ideas as to what I could do to solve this? I've been trying for ages now and its getting a bit frustrating. Any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to LQ!

Well the good news is that your wireless adapter seems to be basically working in Linux - that is sometimes a major hurdle.

I would say you have a security-related problem. You could verify this by disabling the security (WEP or WPA) temporarily on your router and see if you can connect that way. If so, that definitely narrows down the problem to security settings.

I don't know anything about OpenSuse, so I don't know what application is trying to manage your wireless settings. I have not had much luck with any of the graphical interfaces.

But you should check the OpenSuse website for documentation. I suspect you need to provide a little more information along with the security settings. The WEP or WPA keys required are NOT the same as your password.