How to Set Up Wireless With Vista

Microsoft Windows Vista includes tools for connecting to wireless networks. As long as your computer has wireless hardware, Windows Vista connects to wireless networks out of the box. Set up a wireless connection on Windows Vista automatically, or set up one manually if it is a hidden wireless network.

Instructions

Set Up a Wireless Network Automatically

1. Open the "Connect to a Network" dialog by clicking "Start," then "Connect To."

2. View only wireless connections by clicking the box next to "Show" in the network window, then clicking "Wireless."

3. Connect to a network. Scroll up and down in the network list and click on the name of your network. Connect to a public wireless network by clicking an "Unsecured Network." Click "Connect."

4. Authenticate your computer by entering the network's password if it has one, then click "OK."

Set Up a Wireless Network Manually

1. Open the "Connect to a Network" dialog by clicking "Start," then "Connect To."

2. Set up a connection. Click "Set Up a Connection or Network" at the bottom of the network window.

3. Click "Connect to the Internet," then click "Next."

4. Enter the wireless network's information. Type the name of the network into the "Name" box, click the "Security Type" box and choose the type from a list, click the "Encryption Type" box and choose the type from a list if applicable, then type the network's password into the "Security Key/Passphrase" box.

5. Configure the wireless network's preferences. Automatically connect to the network by clicking "Start This Connection Automatically." Click "Connect Even if the Network is not Broadcasting" if this is a hidden wireless network, then click "Next."

6. Connect to the wireless network by clicking "Connect To" in the next screen, then double-clicking the name of the wireless network you just created.

Tips & Warnings

• Properly position your wireless router for greatest signal strength and least interference. Set up the wireless router in a central location in the building, away from walls and large metal objects.

References

• Microsoft: How to connect to a wireless network in Windows Vista
• Microsoft Technet: The Cable Guy - Connecting to Wireless Networks with Windows Vista
• Microsoft: Setting up a wireless network