How to Setup a Wireless Internet Connection With Windows XP

Ethernet ports

With Windows XP you may set up your computer to access the Internet wirelessly. This gives you the ability to use a laptop from anywhere in your house and maybe even outside on a deck or porch. You may also use a wireless Internet connection to help alleviate the clutter that can result from having too many cables around your desktop computer.

Things You'll Need

• Modem
• Router
• 2 Ethernet cables
• Router manual
• Wireless card

Instructions

1. Connect your modem to the router with an Ethernet cable. Plug the router's AC adapter to a power source. Wait for the "Internet," "Lan" or "Wlan" light to light up on the router.

2. Connect the router to your computer with an Ethernet cable and turn your computer on.

3. Click the "Start" menu icon on your computer, then select "Run." Type "cmd.exe." At the command prompt that now appears type "ipconfig." You will see several lines of information. At the "Default Gateway" line you will see several numbers and dots, such as "192.168.1.1." Write this information down.

4. Open you Internet browser. In the address bar type the information from the default gateway line and press "Enter."

5. Open your router manual and follow the steps to configure your router. Configurations differ from model to model. When done, turn your computer off.

6. Unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer and restart your computer. When your computer has fully restarted, you will get a message right above the taskbar saying "Wireless Networks Detected." Click on that message.

7. Select "View Available Wireless Networks." Select your network to connect to it. Depending on how you configured your router, you may need to enter a user name, password or decryption key before you will be allowed access to your new wireless network.

References

• Microsoft: Windows XP: Set Up a Wireless Network