How to Connect to Wireless Networks
By Ciprian Adrian Rusen on Sun, 08/23/2009 - 20:27
A growing number of people use laptops, notebooks and netbooks instead of desktop computers. As a result of this trend plus the growing number of devices such as smartphones, lots of wireless networks appear every day and more people use them on a regular basis.
Windows 7 offers all you need to connect to wireless networks effortlessly. In this section we will show how to detect wireless networks in Windows 7 and how to connect to them. As you will see, the procedure is very simple and requires very few steps.
Troubleshooting Problems with a Wireless Network
If you are having troubles connecting to a wireless network, first check if you followed the correct steps highlighted in the section below. Pay attention to ALL the steps and check if you got them right. If you did everything "by the book" and you still cannot connect, then read the following articles:
- Troubleshoot Internet Connection Problems over a Wireless Network - this guide shows how to use the Windows 7 built-in troubleshooting tools to fix problems with connections to wireless networks;
- Troubleshoot Wireless Network Connection Problems by Yourself - this is a step by step chart with questions and answers. Answering a series of questions takes you to the most probable root-cause and its solution;
- Fix Troublesome Wireless Connections by Removing their Profile - if you have problems with a wireless network which worked in the past, it can happen that its profile in Windows 7 got changed or corrupted in the meantime. This tutorial helps you fix problems in such scenarios.
Connecting to the Wireless Network
On the right side of the taskbar, you will see a wireless network icon like the one below. Click on it.
A window with available network connections will open. As you can see from the screenshot below, the list is split by the type of available network connections. At the top you have dial-up and virtual private network (VPN) connections, while at the bottom you have a list with all the wireless networks which Windows 7 has detected. To refresh the list of available networks, click on the button highlighted in the screenshot below.
You can scroll down through the list of available networks. If you leave your mouse cursor over a network for a second, you will see more details about it. Windows 7 will show the following: network name, signal strength, the type of wireless security used (if any) and its Service Set identifier (SSID).
Once you decided on which network to connect to, click on it. If you plan to use that network in the future, make sure you check the box that says 'Connect automatically'. This way, when you start your laptop next time, in the same area, it will automatically connect to this wireless network without requesting any manual intervention. Next, click on the Connect button.
NOTE: be cautious with wireless networks which have no security enabled. They can be used to steal personal data. If you connect to such networks make sure your security solutions are turned on.
After a few seconds, you will be asked to enter the security key. Ask the administrator of the network for the wireless security key or, if you are in your own home network, take it from the control panel of your router. If you are in a public place, it is best to check the 'Hide characters' box so that other people don't see what you are typing. Then type the security key and click on OK.
If you typed an incorrect password, Windows 7 will request you to type it again and again until it matches the password of the network you are connecting to. If everything is OK, Windows 7 will connect to the network you selected using the given security key. When the connection is successful, the wireless icon from your taskbar changes as shown below.
NOTE: this procedure works only if your wireless adapter is enabled. If it is not enabled, you won't see any wireless networks being available. The procedure of enabling the wireless adapter is different for each model of laptop.
If you are connecting to a wireless network which you do not own, make sure you know the password for it from its administrator. If you do not know the password of the network, your connection will never work.
Conclusion
As you can see from this guide, connecting to wireless networks can be done in a few easy steps. In case you have issues, check out the articles recommend in the first section of this article. For other related articles, check out the stuff we recommend you below. You’ll find some good tutorials.
Related articles:
How to Connect to Hidden Wireless Networks
Geek Tips for Managing Connections to Wireless Networks
How to Set Up an Ad Hoc Wireless Computer-to-Computer Network
Installing a USB Wireless Adapter on a Desktop Computer
Recommended reading:
Easily Backup & Import Your Wireless Network Settings in Windows 7
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Comments
mine is a wep key and it
mine is a wep key and it doesnt ask me to type in the key it just connects and then says it cant connect. how do i fix this
Most probably Windows 7 saved
Most probably Windows 7 saved a profile for your network with the wrong settings.
1st try to delete the current profile by going to: Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center. There click on the 'Manage wireless networks' link, select your network and click on Remove.
Once removed, connect again using the guide above and type your WEP key.
Thanks ciprian - that worked
Thanks ciprian - that worked for me
Hi, please can you tell me
Hi, please can you tell me how I can fine my sucurity key? because I am new to window 7. And every thing s too complicating, I cant even connect to a wireless network in my area...... Pease kindly help me, I will be very greatful thanks :)
Your key is found in the
Your key is found in the configuration panel of your home router. Use the manual of your router to find out how you connect to it and check its configuration. Under the WiFi or Wireless section, you will see the security key that is set for your wireless network.
I HAVE NOT REALLY GOT
I HAVE NOT REALLY GOT IT
Please i have not really gotten it, because i dont know exxactly where my internet router is. i need a clear explanation please, kindly help me.....Thanks.
The router is a small device,
The router is a small device, similar to the ones shown in this search result page: http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=imghp&biw=1920&bih=898&q=route...
It gives internet to your house and emits the wireless signal required for computer to connect to the home network via wireless. Do you have such a device in your home?
NO I DONT HAVE ANY ROUTER I
NO I DONT HAVE ANY ROUTER
I don't have any of this routers, I have read the instructions but i dont understand it but i can see a lot of wireless networks in my area with my HP Pavilion dv6000 (window 7) wireless laptop, which i just bought... but i can't connect to any of this networks that i am seeing in my area....their are some that will ask me for security key, and some will say that there is no internet access when I try to connect. Please I need to know the nitty gritty on our to connect to this networks...
I will be very greatful if you can help me out, because I really need it and I have been trying a lot of stuff but i can't just get the right setting to connect....THANKS :)
Hi Sylvia, If you do not have
Hi Sylvia,
If you do not have a home router which gives internet access via wireless you are stuck. The networks you see most probably are the networks of your neighbors. They have protected their networks with security keys and you won't be able to connect to them unless they give you the connection details. Otherwise you will try to no avail. In this situation you either receive connection details from a neighbor willing to share his wireless connection with you or you install internet access in your home and you buy a wireless router to transmit wireless signal through your whole home. Actually, more details about routers, home networks, etc are found in our latest book:
http://www.7tutorials.com/network-your-computers-devices-step-step-world...
Hope this helps,
Ciprian
Thank you!! I never would of
Thank you!!
I never would of found that without this comment!
Yes, the possibility is that
Yes, the possibility is that the profile is saved. Remove your network through control panel /network and sharing center/manage wireless networks and scan for networks and try connecting. If it still doesnt prompt you for pwd, open your router interface with the router's IP address and make sure secuirity is enabled.
What do we do if we don't
What do we do if we don't have a Network Profile on the sheet you mentioned ! it's Blank ! But it Still rejects the connection ! help plz
Hey, I have the same problem.
Hey, I have the same problem. My network profile sheet is empty too and when connecting to it the passcode wont show up.. and goes to troubleshoot. Have you fixed yet?
but i dont have a router :( i
but i dont have a router :( i only see some network in my area which i know that people are using them without the concept of the owners.... The question that i want to ask is; cant i use this wireless networks without the owners concept? And why cant i use my wireless laptop without a router?
You can connect only to
You can connect only to wireless networks which are not protected with a security key. If a wireless network of somebody else asks you for a password then you are stuck, unless that person tells you the password. You cannot connect to it.
There are also unprotected networks which required no password. But those are generally found in public spaces such as Cafe's, restaurants, airports, etc.
Wireless Rejects Network
Wireless Rejects Network Key
I'm adding a brand new notebook (Asus G72) to an existing home network (linksys router, desktop - Vista, laptop - Vista).
I use WPA Pre-Shared Key, TKIP
When I enter the key, I get a message that it is incorrect and the Asus does not connect with the network.
Well , everytime i try to
Well , everytime i try to connect the network it seems that it shows an Red X I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO ?? what do i do just email me if u know.
Mine everything look ok(able
Mine everything look ok(able to dected my wireless network with correct security key), but still cant connected to internet. It has indicate that no internet access. When click on troubleshoot problem, it stated that invalid IP address..
Hello. Were you able to get
Hello. Were you able to get this problem resolved? I seem to have the same problem. Thank you.
i have the opposite problem -
i have the opposite problem - i dont want it to sniff surrounding networks, just connect to home - i dont want to see the other signals. in addition, everytime i see these signals, each one is checked connect auto, and unchecking doesnt save changes. i really havent seen a better way to manage this yet - any ideas?
I am able to connect to the
I am able to connect to the gateway but still cant get connected to internet. It has indicate that no internet access. When click on troubleshoot problem, it stated that invalid IP address
Did you try to do a ipconfig
Did you try to do a ipconfig and ping from the computer in command prompt? If the IP address starts with 192 it is a good IP if you get packets sent = 4 received = 4 your computer sees the internet but something is preventing it form connecting like firewalls virus protection mybe an update in windows is stopping it also might look into windows defender might be stopping it.
No Valid IP Address - I'm
No Valid IP Address - I'm having the same problem as a few others. My new Dell laptop with Windows 7 is able to detect my wireless network with correct security key), but still can't connect to internet. It has indicate that no internet access. When click on troubleshoot problem, it stated that invalid IP address. using 64-bit wep for security. have several xp machines that can get internet access without issues. how do i fix the "valid IP address" issue with my Win7 machine?
This is the problem I'm
This is the problem I'm having as stated above, and it looks like a very common problem, I don't see Microsoft providing solutions. I have Windows 7 and an HP Paviliondv7-3180, contacted 3 different people in support at HP and they are lost. This is a common problem and more fixes should be available. I do have 3 other Dell Lap tops with XP and Vista working correctly on the wireless, will look to see if the router has an updated driver as suggested in troubleshooting before the Related Articles section, looking for an update to the for the Cisco LinkSys wireless router.
Has anyone tried the updating of the router software and have that work?
I bought an Asus G72 at
I bought an Asus G72 at bestbuy just before Xmas and never had a problem connecting to the internet and/or finding networks. I was connected yesterday and I picked my laptop and put on my bed i lost connection. When I looked for available networks, I couldnt find mine or any of the neighbors' networks (usually i see a bunch). It just said "no available networks" or something like that. I went to another part of house and still same problem.
I asked my roommate and she had no problem with internet/network, so im really confused. I think it must be a problem with my laptop internal wireless card, but I dont know.
Anyone ever have this problem??
i removed a network profile
i removed a network profile by mistake and i cant connect to it any more although i created new profile for that network:'(
Hello, I just got a new
Hello,
I just got a new Windows 7 machine. I'm familiar with laptops and computers and such. I did indeed get the above mentioned window that wants a network security key, but the issue is that these networks do not provide them. Various starbucks around the country, cafes in Italy, restaurants, and my university. These are all places my other computers simply connected to - or that I of course looked for, connected to, and added to the 'connect automatically' list. Windows 7 won't let me past the network key issue... and I cannot always get that. In fact, I often CANNOT get that.
How can I get Windows 7 to bypass that question? Why won't it simply connect to the networks. The networks THEMSELVES don't require the network key to be entered; I think that's the crux of the issue.
Thank you.
If Windows 7 asks you for a
If Windows 7 asks you for a passkey to connect to a wireless network then that network is set to request one. In such cases, talk with the people working at the cafe/shop/bar where you are, and ask for it.
I just got a VAIO computer
I just got a VAIO computer with windows 7 and I'm trying to connect it to my wireless network. It asks for the security key so I type it in and it says incorrect key. I've tried it over and over but it still doesn't work. I know the code is correct because I've used it for other computers...Any help is appretiated
Hi, I am having Dell Inspiron
Hi,
I am having Dell Inspiron laptop with windows 7, I am also having one more laptop of Dell with windows XP. XP laptop is already connected to wireless internet. inthis laptop i can see all available networks including my SSID.
when i am looking into the network connection list at windows 7 laptop, then there are all other SSID available but my own id is not available. what should i do?
I have a problem on
I have a problem on connecting to my wireless router, there is no wireless icon on my HP dv6 laptop. Only Broadband (PPPoE) and Dial-Up connection to choose from, but not Wireless. This wireless problem happen after i format my computer to Window 7.
You might need to install the
You might need to install the drivers for your wireless network card. Go to the HP site, download and install all Windows 7 drivers for your model. Then it should show up.
I have a brand new HP
I have a brand new HP G62-144DX Notebook with windows 7 home premium 64bit....when i click on the wireless network icon nothing happens. It doesn't show a list of available networks at all.
Can anyone help me PLEASE!!!
Security Key Invalid, No IP
Security Key Invalid, No IP Address
I have the exact problem as below with my new HP Pavilion dv7-3180us (including having non Windows 7 machines working on the wireless router), is there a fix verified and shared anywhere?
Anonymous (not verified) - 01/17/2010 - 02:58
No Valid IP Address - I'm having the same problem as a few others. My new Dell laptop with Windows 7 is able to detect my wireless network with correct security key), but still can't connect to internet. It has indicate that no internet access. When click on troubleshoot problem, it stated that invalid IP address. using 64-bit wep for security. have several xp machines that can get internet access without issues. how do i fix the "valid IP address" issue with my Win7 machine?
i have a dell inspiron 14,
i have a dell inspiron 14, and when i click to connect to my wireless internet it doesn't give me the option to enter a security key. it goes right to troubleshooting. what do i do ?
Can someone please tell me
Can someone please tell me how I can find my security key, all the wireless connections are there and everythings perfect but I just need the security key. I have a Window's 7 Laptop.
I'm trying to connect to my
I'm trying to connect to my University's wireless internet, but windows says it can't connect. My old laptop (vista) had no problems, and my new one can connect to my home wireless fine. Anyone know what might be wrong?
Thanks
I am using unsecured network
I am using unsecured network for internet, some unsecured conetwork asking SSID name I put same name whatever showing network name but not geting internet, can sombody help us
Given all the problems that
Given all the problems that people are having with laptops and wireless routers and internet connections that according to the manufacturers and providers should connect automatically this page does not fill one with confidence about buying wireless laptops or the promises of wireless broadband providers. It is the same experience from all the other results from pages and people trying to be helpful. My wife and I have wasted so much time with three different laptops on two different home networks, one at a time managing to connect to the networks. It certainly would put you off buying or subscribing to new / expensive gear and higher tariffs given the broken promises.
Of course when it works the technology is great and many of the tips given by users are helpful. Kiron Reid, Liverpool UK.
I'm having a similar problem
I'm having a similar problem on my new hp mini 210-1095NR. I can connect to a wireless network (not my own) but have no interet access. When I troubleshoo I get "Windows can't communicate withe the device or resource (primary DNS server). The network encryption type is WEP and I know I have the correct securtity key so why can't I access the internet? I've got couse work to do and I need the internet! Other websites say Windows 7 just will not connect to WEP networks. If that's the case I want are refund as this is the only network I can access from home. I would go elsewhere if I didn't have a two-year-old in tow and no babysitter.
I have a DELL STUDIO laptop
I have a DELL STUDIO laptop with Windows 7 Professional. Although I was able to connect
to my wireless network I was unable to access the internet through my BSNL Broadband connection. While it was working on my desktop with Windows XP and another laptop having Vista, somehow Windows 7 was not accepting the given IP address and would access internet in auto selection mode only and would not access certain pages.
I was however able to solve this problem by going to the Wireless Network Connection Properties, select Internet Protocol Version 4 and go to properties again and filled in the following:
IP Address: 192.168.1.7
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
Preferred DNS Server: 218.248.241.5
and click Ok .
Make sure there are no alternate connections for BSNL Broadband. This should work fine for you too.
Prem
Wow problems w/this netbook
Wow problems w/this netbook trying to connect to my linksys network..it sees my network...but when i enter my passphrase...it says incorrect...but its correct...so I cant use wireless in my apt. Can anyone help. I updated drivers. Its an acer Aspire One Netbook...using windows 7. HELP
Hi, Mine is a new DELL laptop
Hi,
Mine is a new DELL laptop with windows7 as OS. sometimes the wireless network is showing. But sometimes not. Yesterday i have restarted the laptop 2 times and still it s not identifying the wireless connection. Wired connection is working properly. What to do? Need a help.2 days before it has identified the wirelss network and now it is not identifying..
Hey everyone, I'm trying to
Hey everyone, I'm trying to connect to a wireless network, the only problem is I seem to have entered the wrong password once or twice, and now I guess I got locked out, It says "limited access" (which means no access basically), now, when I go to remove it from the control panel network connections, it gives me a warning, saying 'If you disconnect from this network, you won't be able to connect to it again without creating a new profile.' Oh and I've tried resetting my computer, and I left it off for about six hours and tried again, nothing. Even when I try to re-enter the password, (which is the right one), I'm still locked out.
-Any suggestions?
This happens to me every once
This happens to me every once in a while when someone decides to play with my router. It's not your computer most likely, check on your modem and router. Turn them both off then turn on your modem. Wait for it to fully turn on, then turn on your router. This should fix the problem.
I have the aforementioned
I have the aforementioned problem of not being able to connect to a secure wireless network due to the computer wanting the network security key, the router in question is a Linksys wrt54g with 64bit WEP code enabled router and the computer in question is a brand-flipping new Alienware m15x with windows 7. Now, this is my home network and I have already connected multiple XPs and a vista to it without any problems using a flash-drive. Understandably this will not work with window 7 so I have tried to connect via the networks panel and got stuck at the network security key, so how do I get the network security key? What is it supposed to look like, how many characters, which menu does it lurk in and how do I manage to corner it? Thank you in advance for a speedy and helpful reply.
The password is in the
The password is in the Wireless Network Settings of the router. You need to login to your router, take the password from there and type it whenever Windows 7 asks you for it.
Hi I have windows 7 on my
Hi
I have windows 7 on my laptop and I have made my dsl broadband modem to work as a wireless router and set it to always-on internet mode. When I click on network icon just next to system time, it shows my wireless network. Sometimes it shows me that my wireless network has "Internet Access" or "No Internet Access". Now my local ISP has its lots of internet service disruptions. Almost everyday 5-6 times I get disconnected from internet or has no internet connectivity.
Is there any utility or program which could check out or tell me when my wireless network has Internet Access or not with some audio alarm or some music or system beep and notifies by constant beeps with some time interval and is there any option to toggle this feature?
Thanks.
SL
Hi, After scrolling down
Hi,
After scrolling down through the list of available networks, clicking Connect (w/connect automatically selected) I have a problem. I get prompted for a Windows Username and Password rather than the documented enter your secret key above.
There is only one user on the system (the administrator account). No matter if I reset the password or username of that account I still can't get past that dumb security login screen.
HELP!!
All my roomates can connect
All my roomates can connect to our wireless without having to enter a security key. when I try connecting to the same wireless from my laptop, it says i need a security key. What can I do to connect to the wireless? Only my laptop asks for the code.
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