You're most likely going to have to reset the passwords on the routers. Then write them down somewhere.

Please supply the router make and model?

We will try to tell you how to reset the router back to factory defaults. Once you reset the router back to factory default. You will need to use the supplied link to discover the factory preset password to access the router and choose another password.

Here is a link that might be useful: routerpasswords.com

The router here is Linksys WRT54G
I tried admin but it didn't work either. She told me the two passwords she uses everywhere but neither one worked. She had someone help her set up her laptop and router so they may have written down a password for her but she doesn't know where it may be. She didn't realize there was one, she is not entering one when she uses her laptop at home.

this is why I suggest taping the password on the router somewhere. That is a very important one to keep, surely it was written down at the time it was set up?

Here ya go, but please write it and tape to the router.
WirelessKeyView 1.34

this is the home page for it
WirelessKeyView

that will show you the network key, I am assuming that is what you actually need, the router password is different that is what you have to enter when it ask for user name and password.
network key is what you need to put in to get other computes to be able to access your network, you mention one in the title and the other in your post.

you posted again while I was typing the above, if by some chance you are actually looking for the router password not the network key then try this one all are by the same company.
RouterPassView

A little notebook, a pen or pencil tucked away in a drawer does wonders for remembering a multitude of passwords...not very security minded, but what happens if something happens to you and a family member needs access to an account or, you forget a password.......

You need to reset the router first so it will accept the password admin. Follow instructions at link. You will also need to redo the security on the router.

The password and user name on the linksys should be admim, admin. Type Admin in both fields. User name and password field.

Please see this link for reset instructions and additional information.

Here is a link that might be useful: -reset-linksys-wrt54g

just use that program I gave it will display the network key on screen it is an awesome program, saves a lot of headaches.
For those that have not used it this one needs to go in your toolkit! along with many of their other little helper programs.

zep , hard to tell from her post, but I think it is not the router password but her network key that she needs to allow other computers on her network.
either way those 2 programs(I listed above) will sniff out both items with out any resets needed.

It sure helps us all out when asking a question if you are as precise as possible and include all the info we will need so we do not have to try the guessing games.

You're probably right. Had to read between the lines.

IF a friend came over with their laptop I have no idea what to enter to let them on my network

I'm sorry, I am new to wireless computing. I have had my netbook and router less than a year. I do not know the proper terms. I set up the router and network security stuff and set the laptop to connect automatically and haven't given it another thought.

I have never taken my netbook "on the road" so when we drove out of town to my parents house, I brought it. When I tried to connect to my mother's network it asked for a password, it may have said Key, she told me two that she uses and they didn't work. HER laptop is set to connect automatically too and she has no idea what the password is to let me on to her network.

If it is going to be a big ordeal to figure out her password, I won't bother but when I get home I'm going to have to figure out my own. I am more likely to have someone come over with their laptop than my mother.

I did read your advice to tape it to the router but I think I already forgot it by then. OOPS

have you read my posts??? just use the program I gave you and it will show you the network password on the computer screen! IT IS NOT hard to do. Install program on computer that is connected to that network, read results, use provided key to be able to connect other computers, pretty much 3 easy steps, there are even pictures on the homepage for the program of what you will see.
WirelessKeyView 1.34

Learn now to keep a dedicated notebook for your pc and write down all important info like passwords, user names, keys etc and keep it in a safe place so you can find them when needed.

Yes, I read your posts. I downloaded that tool and got the network key and it worked and I'm now typing on my netbook. Couldn't get back on sooner to try it, had to do the family BBQ thing. Thank you very much.

It was very easy and I did write it down.

excellent news! good and you can use the other program should anyone need the actual password to the router itself to change any settings in it.

Start a new habit and get that notebook! I got a really good one that has the plastic covers so it won't fall apart.

"Start a new habit and get that notebook! I got a really good one that has the plastic covers so it won't fall apart."

I read that and thought that a plastic cover for my notebook would have protected it from the water spill. Then I realized that you didn't mean that kind of notebook.

Netbooks are so small you can use rubber bands to hold them together.

I get home, ready to get my own passwords and write them down this time and it looks like my monitor was blown by a power surge. All the clocks are flashing and the monitors power button is flashing amber and blue. I found tech support for it and tried the reset procedure over and over but it still won't work. argh. It was off and plugged into a surge protector....

That stinks. Make sure you are only using 1 surge protector. I have seen where users plug a surge protector into another surge protector (Daisy Chain) them. That will cause issues and can be dangerous.

I called the independent computer store where I bought it and they had me drop it off, said it was still under warranty. Should get it back today. :)