How to Detect Available WiFi in Win98
Windows 98 was heading out around the same time WiFi networks were coming in, so that OS wasn't designed for--but is still capable of--finding nearby wireless hotspots. Detecting available WiFi networks on a Win 98 machine is simple enough, but you need to have installed a compatible wireless adapter or wireless PCMCIA card. After that, it's as simple as opening the task tray
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Things You'll Need
- Windows 98 machine
- Compatible wireless card or adaptor
- Wireless router or access to wireless network
Instructions
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Install the drivers or software that came with your wireless card or adaptor. Insert the CD, or download the software from the support section of the company's website, and follow the on-screen prompts to begin the installation. When complete, the computer will recognize wireless functionality.
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Open the Control Panel and choose the "Network" settings dialog. The dialog will appear with a list of components installed.
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Set "Primary Network Logon" to "Windows Logon."
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Double-click the "TCP/IP" component under the list, and change the following settings: On the IP Address tab, use the drop-down and choose "Obtain an IP Address Automatically." Move to the the WINS Configuration tab, and select "Use DHCP for WINS resolution." Click the Gateway tab, and verify that all fields are empty. Under DNS Configuration, select "Disable DNS." Go to the Bindings tab, and make sure all items listed are checked. Finally, for the Advanced tab, set the value of "Allow binding to ATM" to "No," and ensure there is a check in the box next to "Set this to be the default protocol."
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Click OK.
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Verify both "File" and "Print Sharing" are selected and press "OK" once more. The computer may ask you to restart; allow it to do so.
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Open the Wireless adaptor client or the Network Connections screen on your computer. If there is a task tray icon with the image of one or two blinking computer screens, try clicking or right-clicking on that. Select "Available Wireless Networks" or something similar.
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Open the "Connections" or "Available Wireless Network" screen. The system will populate the box with any wireless networks your network card can detect.
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Double-click, or click to select and click connect, to choose and connect to a wireless network.
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Tips & Warnings
Wireless routers only have a range of about 100 feet. If you are expecting to connect to a router but cannot locate it, try moving the computer or adaptor closer to the router.
