Configure a WiFi connection with Windows XP

Configure a WiFi connection with Windows XP

Since Windows XP, Microsoft has incorporated into its operating system a WiFi, christened by the firm "Zero Configuration".

Activation of the service at boot

To work with the "Zero Configuration" is firstly that the wireless is enabled at startup. We will check this setting or change it if necessary.

Go to the Start menu, then Run. Here you will enter the command "services.msc". You get a window containing all the local Windows.

In this list, you will find the service "Wireless Zero Configuration". Once identified this line, you right-click and then Properties. You go here to check two things.

• Startup Type: Make sure you are sure "Automatic", otherwise choose "Automatic".
• Service status: it must show "Started", if this is not the case click the "Start" button just below.

Once this is done, press OK, then close the windows open.

Enabling network management by Windows

Once the Wireless Zero Configuration is running, we still have to activate the network management by Windows. To do this, we will go to start, Control Panel then Network Connections. Here, on the Wireless Network Connection icon, right click then Properties. Then in the second tab of the "Wireless Networks". At the top of this window, we will check the "Use Windows to configure my wireless network" and then confirm with "OK".

Network Configuration

Here we are on the large part of the manipulation. I see that you already have the necessary elements for this configuration, defined by your access point (router or modem router).

• The SSID is the name of your wireless network. It may be visible (thus simplifying the configuration) or hidden (you must know).
• Security Key: The password to access your network. It can be a WEP key or WPA key depending on the configuration of your access point.

From here, two possible cases: the network is detected or not detected. We will therefore begin by examining the networks within range of the computer. On the Wireless Network Connection icon in Control Panel, you right-click, then select View Available Wireless Networks. You'll get a list of WiFi access points within range of the computer. If you get a message like "Windows can not configure this connection", you must have forgotten one of the steps outlined above!

The network is detected

Very well, it will simplify your task. Please double-click on your network. After a loading time, a window will ask the network key, you just have to seize it. Then confirm by clicking Login at the bottom right. After a loading time, the window of the networks within range again, indicating that you are connected to your network. You can then close all windows and then start surfing.

The network is not detected

In this case, we will have to manually add a profile configuration agent XP. Start by closing the window. On the Network Connection icon in the wireless, you'll make a right click, then Properties. You will then resume the "Configure Wireless Network". At the bottom of the page, click Add. A window appears. First, you are asked for the SSID (network name). Then we will check data encryption by selecting WEP or WPA depending on your configuration. Once the key input, confirm with "OK" and "OK" again. You are now connected. You can then close all windows and then start surfing.