How To Set Up Wireless Internet on XP

Set up Windows XP to connect to wireless networks.

Windows XP has built-in support for connecting to wireless networks or hotspots to allow access to the Internet or other network-related functions. Once in the range of a wireless network or hotspot, users can access the Wireless Network Connection dialog to choose a network to connect to and begin surfing the Internet. With a computer that can connect to a wireless network, users can surf the Internet, check email or stay entertained wherever Internet access is available.

Things You'll Need

• Access to a wireless network or hotspot
• Wireless-enabled computer

Instructions

1. Turn on your computer's Wi-Fi adapter. If it is built in to your laptop; the switch will be along the body of your laptop or with the hot keys on your computer. If you are using a desktop computer with a USB adapter, it should automatically be on.

2. Locate the prompt in your system tray telling you Windows has detected a wireless network. Right-click on the icon and select "View Available Wireless Networks."

3. Select the wireless network you want to connect to from the list that appears and click "Connect." If the network you wish to connect to is not listed, click "Refresh." Once the network appears in the list, proceed to connect to it.

4. If the wireless network you wish to access is encrypted, you will be prompted to enter a wireless key. Enter the wireless key you were provided by the network administrator and reenter it again in the second field. Once you have finished, click "Connect." If you are using a wireless hotspot or are in a public location, the network will most likely not be encrypted and will not require a wireless key. Your computer will warn you about connecting to unprotected networks. Click "Connect Anyway" to complete the connection process.

5. Open your web browser and test your new wireless Internet connection by navigating to a web page.

References

• Microsoft: Windows XP: Set Up a Wireless Network