How to Install a Network for Windows XP Service Pack 2

Establishing a home or office network in Windows XP can make your computer use much more efficient. Utilizing features such as printer sharing, you can also save money by having the computers on your network share the same printer, since you won't have to purchase a printer for every computer in your network. Setting up a network will also allow you to share videos, photos, and other files, as well as an Internet connection. The process for establishing a home or business network will take about 30 minutes in Windows XP.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Network adapter (if setting up a wireless network)
• Router
• Ethernet cables

1. Connect an Ethernet cable to each Windows XP computer you wish to be networked. If you wish to have a wireless network, install a wireless network adapter in each computer instead. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the network adapters and ensure that the wireless adapters are compatible with Windows XP.

2. Connect your router to your modem, which will provide an Internet connection for your entire network.

3. Connect the Ethernet cables to your router, or if you are planning on setting up a wireless network, only one computer needs to be connected to the router via an Ethernet cable temporarily to set up the router.

4. Start up Internet Explorer (or your web browser of choice) and enter the IP address of the router into the address bar. The router's IP address is typically 192.168.0.1, but can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Check your router's manual to determine the router's default IP address. You may also be asked for a user name and password, which can also be found in the router's manual.

5. Choose an SSID if you are using a wireless network, which will allow other Windows XP computers to discover the network you are setting up.

6. Disconnect the Ethernet cable now if you are using a wireless network. If you are using a wired network, plug in the rest of the Ethernet cables so that Windows XP on all computers will detect the network and connect to it.

7. Right-click the wireless network icon in the lower-right corner of your desktop and click "View Available Wireless Networks." Find the SSID you chose to connect to your wireless network if you have chosen to use wireless connections. This step is unnecessary if you are using a wired connection in Windows XP.

Tips & Warnings

• Here is a list of the typical default IP addresses for routers by different manufacturers, also including user names and passwords for some of the more popular brands of router: 3Com: IP address -- 192.168.1.1, User name -- admin, Password -- admin; D-Link: IP address -- 192.168.0.1, User name -- admin, Password is blank; Linksys: IP address -- 192.168.1.1, User name -- admin, Password -- admin; Netgear: IP address -- 192.168.0.1, Username -- admin, Password -- password.
• If you are using a wireless router, you should select WEP encryption (see the router's manual for more details), which will require you to establish a password for your network. This will help protect your network and your data from outside intrusion.

References

• Microsoft Support -- Setting Up a Network