Windows

Enable Automatic Wireless Network Configuration In XP

Posted by on Jul 20, 2006 | 7 Comments

If you connect to a wireless network, you can configure Windows XP to automatically set up your wireless configuration. This is particularly useful if you are not familiar with configuring a wireless connection. After you enable this option, Windows XP will notify you when a new wireless network is available and it will automatically configure the settings for your wireless network adapter to match those of the wireless network.

In Windows XP’s Classic View, you can use the steps described below:

  1. Open the Start menu and click Control Panel.

  2. Double-click Network Connections.
  3. Right-click Wireless Network Connection and click Properties.
  4. Select the Wireless Networks tab.
  5. Select the Use Windows To Configure My Wireless Network Settings check box.
  6. Click OK.

[tags]wifi,wi-fi,xp,wireless network,diana huggins,automatic wireless network configuration[/tags]

  • Chris Paris

    After about 8 hours trying to get a Dell running Xp to actually work at picking up a d-link WiFi modem router, this article makes it all sound refreshingly simple.

    The problem I have been having is that Dell have loaded a program onto the system to run the Wifi. This is all configured nicely and it seems to be showing that it has found the D-link Signal and is sending to it. Unfortunatley the D-link is not talking back.

    After reading this aricle I am tempted to try and uninstall the Dell software and try and get Xp to do it all. What do you think ??

    Chris, In England

  • jackie

    hi, i tried the above and the tab you mention does not appear

  • http://DubaiUnitedArabEmirates Ali

    This is Ali from Dubai…….i need help to configure wireless network…….in my laptop……..we are using D-Link wireless Device……but i want to configure network in my laptop without any Device………..pls give me replay as soon as possible………my ip is 192.168.1.5

    with regards
    Ali
    bilal_ali7@yahoo.com

  • Johnny

    To enable windows to automatically manage your wireless networks here is what you need to do. This is for Windows Xp although Vista may be similar.

    from start menu select “Run”. Then type “net start wzcsvc” This will start the Windows Zero Control service. The Wireless netowrks tab will now be enabled.

    To access your wireless networks tab. Left click directly on the wireless network icon on the task bar (lower right corner of computer screen). Click on “View Wireless Networks” Click on “Change advance settings” or “Change the order of prefered networks” either one should get you to the same window. Then click the “Wireless Networks” tab. Check the box that says “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings.” Then close the window.

    Windows will start detecting wireless network automatically. To see them just left click on the wireless network icon on the task bar again. If it is a secured connection it may prompt you for the security key or you can just left click one of the wireless networks that was found and it will either automatically connect or prompt for a security key.

    If this doesn’t work it could be for a few reasons. Your operating system doesn’t have or support the Windows Zero service. You dont have a wireless network card. Or you have some kind of virus or damaged files in the windows OS. Good Luck!

  • Aaron

    Thanks Johnny, the previous suggestions to yours did not work for me but yours worked perfectly, Thanks alot.

  • OtherAaron

    This is great and all, but I do this every time I turn my computer on. What I need is a permenant fix so that I don’t have to restart windows wireless zero service every time I turn my computer on.

  • Alex

    my xp computer does not seem to have a “wireless networks tab”. Its very frustrating!