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A Wi-Fi router or access point (AP) can be used to connect wirelessly from your laptop computer to the Internet or your corporate network, respectively. Internet access requires subscription to a service provider.
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Make sure you have a wired connection to the Wi-Fi router or AP before moving forward. Use the cable provided by your hardware manufacturer. One end should be connected to your computer's Ethernet port and the other to the router or AP's Ethernet port. | | Important: Connecting to any type of computer network, wireless in this case, without implementing security is not a recommended practice. This document is provided for basic configuration purposes.
Set Up a Wi-Fi Router or Access Point
- Access the Network and Sharing Center.
- Click Set up a wireless router or access point. Then click Next.
- You may view Microsoft's* What do I need to set up a network for helpful hints. Click Next.
- Choose whether or not you would like to turn on network discovery, which is utilized for network sharing. Yes, turn on network discovery for all public networks is chosen for this example.
- Allow Windows Vista* to run through its network hardware detection process.
- The operating system may not be able to automatically configure the router or access point.
- Choose Configure this device manually and Windows Vista opens a Web browser window to establish a connection with your access device. You should be prompted for a username and password (vary by vendor). Configure it according to the given suggestions (e.g. Network Name (SSID) and Security Type in this case). Contact your router or access point manufacturer for specific instructions as they differ by vendor.
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If your access device has a USB port for flash drive configuration, you may choose the second option below. | | 
Access the Network and Sharing Center
- 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
Operating System:
| Windows Vista 64*, Windows Vista 32* |
This applies to:
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