Use Windows XP to join a network - Weebly



Use Windows XP to join a network

Published: September 7, 2006

The networking capability of Windows XP is one of your computer’s most important accessories because it gives you access to the Internet and e-mail. If you have more than one computer, you can also create a network to share files and printers between your computers. If you connect a Media Center Extender device (such as an Xbox 360) to your network, you can use your TV to listen to music or watch videos stored on your computer.

There are two types of networks:

|•|Wired networks |

| |If you use a desktop computer in the same room as your Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable modem, router, or network |

| |hub, you should connect your computer to other computers or the Internet using a wired network. |

|•|Wireless networks |

| |If you have a portable computer, or you want to use a desktop computer in a different room from your DSL or cable modem, |

| |it’s easiest to connect your computer using a wireless network rather than run cables through your home or office. |

How to join a wired network

Wired networks, also commonly known as Ethernet networks, are the easiest and most reliable way to connect your computer to a network. Windows XP automatically configures wired networks, and all you need to do is connect your computer to your network equipment using a network cable.

Aside from a computer and Internet service, you’ll need the following equipment (usually provided by your Internet service provider) to join a wired network and connect to the Internet:

|•|A DSL modem, a cable modem, or a router |

|•|An Ethernet cable |

If your modem or router is not already connected to your external Internet connection, your Internet service provider should set it up for you.

To connect your computer to the network after the modem is in place

|1. |Click Start, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Turn Off to shut down your computer. |

| |[pic] |

|2. |Connect your Ethernet cable to your DSL or cable modem using any port that is not labeled WAN (wide area network) or |

| |Internet. |

| |[pic] |

|3. |Connect the other end of your Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the back of your computer. |

| |[pic] |

|4. |Start your computer and log on. Windows XP will automatically connect to your network. |

To verify the connection, launch Internet Explorer and attempt to connect to the Internet. If you cannot access the Internet, contact your Internet service provider for assistance.

[pic]Top of page

How to join a wireless network

Wireless networks, also known as Wi-Fi or 802.11 networks, enable you to connect to a network from any room in your house. Wireless networks can be difficult to configure. For best results, follow the instructions provided with your wireless network equipment, and contact your wireless network equipment support center if you need assistance.

To join a wireless network, you need the following equipment:

|•|A wireless access point or wireless router |

|•|A computer with built-in wireless networking support or a wireless network adapter |

To join a wireless network

|1. |Configure your wireless access point or wireless router and write down your network name and network key. |

| |Note: If your wireless access point supports Windows Connect Now, follow the steps in the article Easily add to your |

| |existing wireless network, or go wireless for the first time. |

|2. |Plug your network adapter into your Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and place the antennae on top of your computer (in|

| |the case of a desktop computer) or insert the network adapter into an empty PC Card slot (in the case of a laptop). |

| |Windows XP will automatically detect the new adapter and might prompt you to insert the CD that came with your |

| |adapter. The on-screen instructions will guide you through the configuration process. |

| |Note: If your computer has built-in wireless network support, you can skip step 2. |

| |[pic] |

|3. |Windows XP will display an icon with a notification that says it has found a wireless network. Right-click the |

| |Wireless network icon in the lower right corner of your screen. Under Network Tasks, select View available wireless |

| |networks. |

| |[pic] |

|4. |The Wireless Network Connection window will appear, and you should see your wireless network listed with the network |

| |name you chose. Select your network, and then click Connect in the lower right-hand corner. |

| |[pic] |

|5. |If your network is encrypted, Windows XP will prompt you to enter a key. In both the Network Key and Confirm Network |

| |Key boxes, type the encryption key that you wrote down, and then click Connect. |

| |[pic] |

|6. |Windows XP will show its progress as it connects to your network. After you’re connected, you can close the Wireless |

| |Network Connection window. You’re done! |

To verify the connection, launch Internet Explorer and attempt to connect to the Internet. If you experience problems joining your wireless network, or you cannot reach the Internet, read How to troubleshoot wireless network connections in Windows XP. If you cannot solve the problem, contact your wireless network equipment vendor for support.

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