Connecting your Windows Computer to your Wireless Network

This guide will take you through the steps to successfully connect your Windows 7, Vista or Windows XP computer to a wireless network.

WINDOWS 7

Step 1

• Locate the Wireless icon ( or ) at the bottom right of your screen.

Step 2

• Click the Wireless icon to bring up the wireless properties pop up. This will show if you are currently connected to a network, and will show you any networks that are nearby.

• Select your network from the list. When you click on it, a button to Connect should appear. Click this to connect to your network.

• If NO networks are present, click the blue arrows at the top right corner of the window to refresh the list: this asks Windows to re-scan for wireless networks in your area.

Step 3

• If the network has security enabled, you will be prompted for a Network security key. Enter your network's password (pre-shared key) and click OK.

Step 4

• Windows 7 will attempt to connect to your wireless network. If successful, you may be prompted to confirm what kind of network it is, for example: a Home network, a Business Network, or a Public network:

  • If this network is your personal network, select Home Network from the available options.

  • If this network is at your workplace, select Work Network from the available options.

  • If the network is a public network, such as in a library, cafe, or airport, select Public Network from the available options.

• Do not click Cancel on this screen as this may prevent you from being able to access your network.

Step 5

• You will be asked to confirm your network settings. Click Close to complete the connection.

Congratulations! You have successfully connected your Windows 7 computer to your wireless network.

WINDOWS VISTA

Step 1

• Click the Start Menu (at the bottom left of your screen) and then select Control Panel.

• Select Network and Internet from the options available.

• Select Network and Sharing Centre at the top of the screen.

• In the blue-green panel to the left, select Manage Wireless Networks. This will take you to the Wireless network setup screen.

Step 2

• Click Add (towards the top-left of the window) to bring up the Wireless Network Wizard.

• If prompted, select Add a network that is in range of this computer.

Step 3

• You should see a list of all the wireless networks that are in your local area. Select your network from the list.

• If no networks are present, press the arrows at the top-right of the window to refresh the list: this asks Windows to re-scan for wireless networks in your area.

• To connect to your network, either double-click your network in the list or select your network and click Connect.

Step 4

• If the network has security enabled, you will be prompted for a Security key or passphrase. Enter your wireless network's password (pre-shared key), and click Connect. 

  HINT: If you select Display characters you will be able to see the password in plain text, which may make entering the password easier.

Step 5

• Windows Vista will attempt to connect to your wireless network. If successful, Vista will ask if you want to save the network.

• Select both Save this network and Start this connection automatically, then click Close.

Congratulations! You have successfully connected your Windows Vista computer to your wireless network.

WINDOWS XP

Step 1

• Click the Start Menu (at the bottom left of your screen), and find Connect To in the right side.

• Select Wireless Network Connection to bring up the wireless connections.

Step 2

• The Wireless Network Connection screen will appear, and your computer will search for nearby wireless networks.

• Locate your wireless network name in the list and either double-click on it, or click on it, then click Connect.

• If no wireless networks appear, check that your laptop has wireless turned on, and then click Refresh Network List at the top left of the screen to search again.

Step 3

• If the network has security enabled, you will be prompted for the password. Enter your wireless network's password (pre-shared key) in the Network Key and Confirm Network Key fields, and click Connect.

Step 4

• Windows XP will attempt to connect to your wireless network. It will first attempt to acquire a network address, and if successful, the screen will display that it has connected.

Congratulations! You have successfully connected your Windows XP computer to your wireless network.