Wireless Networking
How to Manually Setup a Wireless Network on Windows XP:
1. Double click wireless icon in the system tray (Looks like a Monitor with waves or an antenna) by the clock to bring up the wireless networks.
2. Click Change the order of preferred networks.
3. Click Add.
4. Type your network name into the network name.
5. Uncheck THE KEY IS PROVIDED FOR ME AUTOMATICALLY.
6. Enter the WEP or WPA key and confirm.
Note: If you had been unable to connect due to a dialog box asking for network authentication,
click the AUTHENTICATION tab and uncheck the box next to ENABLE IEEE 802.1x authentication for this network.
7. Click OK.
8. Click OK again.
Your computer should automatically connect to your wireless internet within 20 seconds.
Troubleshooting a wireless connection
I deal with this every day for the people I support. Here are the steps:
If the wireless icon by the clock says connected and it is connected to the correct network, right click the network icon and select repair, diagnose and repair ortroubleshooting.
If that does not work, then unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds.
Plug the modem back in first and wait 30 seconds,
then plug the router back in and it should be up within a minute or so.
See if your laptop reconnects, if not try the diagnose and repair once more.
If that does not work, then you must right click the icon and go to "Network and Sharing Center"
Click Manage Wireless Networks and delete your current network.
Click the wireless icon again and it should say "Wireless networks are available"
Click that and reconnect to your network. You will have to re-enter your wireless key if you have one
Some Recommended Wireless Network Hardware:
Recommended Wireless Adapter:
TRENDnet TEW-648UB
Estimated Cost: $20
Recommended Wireless Router:
TRENDnet TEW-652BRP Wireless N Home Router
Estimated Cost: $35
If you are just looking to expand your wireless network range use a Wireless Access Point:
TRENDnet TEW-637AP
Estimated Cost: $45
