How to Set Up a Wireless LAN on an Acer

Setting up a wireless LAN at home is simple with your Acer computer.

Your Acer computer has a networking card installed so that it can connect to a wireless local area network (LAN) to share files or surf the Web. By using a wireless network, you can bypass the need to run cables between different rooms in your office or home. To set up a wireless LAN, you will need to change settings in the computer's operating system and use the eNet Management software that Acer provided.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless router
• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the "Wide Area Network" port on the back end of your wireless router. Attach the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port on the back end of your high-speed modem.

2. Insert the installation disc that came with the wireless router into your Acer computer's disc drive. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.

3. Access the Acer's Start menu and open the Control Panel. Click "Network and Sharing Center," and then choose the "Set up a new connection or network" link.

4. Choose "Set up a new network" and then "Next." Enter a name for your local area network, such as "Home" or "My Network," into the "Network Name" text field. Type a password for your network in the "Security Key" text box and click "Next."

5. Click "Finish." Right-click the "Acer eNet Management" icon in the Windows task bar. Scroll to "Available WLANs" and then click the name of the network that you chose earlier.

6. Type in the password you chose earlier and click "OK" to connect your Acer to the Wireless LAN.

Tips & Warnings

• Acer laptops have a button on the front of the case that turns the wireless card on or off. Push in the button so that the wireless light turns on to ensure you have activated the wireless card.

• If you have deleted the Acer eNet Management program, you can still connect to the wireless LAN. Right-click the Windows network icon in the lower right corner of the desktop and select the name of the network if you are using Windows 7. Open the Start menu, click "Connect To," and then click the network name if you are using Windows Vista.

References

• Microsoft: Setting up a wireless network
• Acer: Frequently asked questions list for how to enable 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN
• Acer: Aspire User Manual

Resources

• Acer: Support Home