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Connect to secure WiFi networks on Windows Vista*

The Network and Sharing Center in Microsoft Windows Vista* can be used to connect to a secure WiFi network.

Connect to a Secure WiFi Network

Follow these steps to connect to a secure WiFi network from the Network and Sharing Center.

1. Access the Network and Sharing Center using Start » Network » Network and Sharing Center or another method.

2. Select Manage wireless networks.

3. Click Add.

4. Select Add a network that is in range of this computer. In this example, wireless-n is the network that will be added.

Note: This selection shows a list of unsecured networks within the local area. Many network names, known as SSIDs, have security enabled. Connecting to these networks requires that the user know the correct passphrase or preshared key.

5. Select wireless-n.



6. Click Connect.

7. Type in the security key or passphrase configured on your WiFi access point (AP) or router.

Note:
It is not recommended that you select Display characters because this selection will allow anyone around you to see the characters and will compromise network security.



8. Click Connect. If the network addition is successful, you will see a window with the message: "Successfully connected to wireless-n".



9. Select Save this network if you do not want to manually create this connection/profile every time you would like to access the network.

10. Select Start this connection automatically if you would like to automatically attempt connection to this network when using WiFi.

11. Click Close.

If you return to Manage wireless networks at this point, you will see that wireless-n is now listed.


Access the Network and Sharing Center

To access the Network and Sharing Center, use one of the following methods:

  • Start » Control Panel » Network and Internet » Network and Sharing Center
  • Start » Network » Network and Sharing Center
  • Right-click the network system tray icon (the icon that displays two computer monitors) » Network and Sharing Center



Related Topics

Operating System:
Windows Vista* Starter, 32-bit version, Windows Vista* Home Basic, 32-bit version, Windows Vista* Home Premium, 32-bit version, Windows Vista* Business, 32-bit version, Windows Vista* Enterprise, 32-bit version, Windows Vista* Ultimate, 32-bit version, Windows Vista* Home Basic, 64-bit version, Windows Vista* Home Premium, 64-bit version, Windows Vista* Business, 64-bit version, Windows Vista* Enterprise, 64-bit version, Windows Vista* Ultimate, 64-bit version

This applies to:
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100 Network Connection
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Intel® WiFi Link 5100
Intel® WiFi Link 5300
Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5350
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN

Solution ID: CS-025382
Date Created: 08-Jan-2007
Last Modified: 29-Sep-2008
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