Windows Connect Now Technology
Easily add to your existing wireless network, or go wireless for the first time
Published: December 21, 2004
Part of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows Connect Now technology makes it easier for you to add devices such as printers and routers to your existing wireless network, or create a new one from scratch.
Create a new wireless network quickly and easily
The new Wireless Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP SP2 provides two methods for creating a wireless network: automated with a USB flash drive or manual. Using a USB flash drive is easier and more secure, but you must use Windows Connect Now compatible devices to take advantage of it.
If you don't have a USB flash drive, the Wireless Network Setup Wizard can still help you set up a more secure wireless network by walking you through the steps needed for manual setup and helping you print the correct settings.
What you'll need
A whole new class of products that have this technology are available now. To take advantage of Windows Connect Now technology, you’ll need:
| • | A computer running Windows XP SP2 |
| • | A USB flash drive (if you choose the automated process) |
| • | Any Windows Connect Now compatible devices such as routers, printers, and more. Check the packaging to see whether Windows Connect Now technology is supported. If you're shopping for products, see the list of products available from some of our partners to the right. |
To set up a wireless network
1. | Click Start and then click Control Panel. |
2. | If you're using the Category view of Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Wireless Network Setup Wizard. If you're using the Classic view of Control Panel, click Wireless Network Setup Wizard. |
3. | Follow the instructions on your screen. |
The wizard will walk you through the following steps:
| • | Inserting the USB flash drive into your computer. The wizard saves your wireless network configuration settings to the flash drive. |
| • | Plugging the flash drive into each computer or Windows Connect Now compatible device that you want to add to the network. |
The Wireless Setup Wizard provides two methods for creating a wireless network. Using a USB flash drive is easier and more secure.
Once you’ve completed the wizard and added your devices to your wireless network, you’re done!
Add another computer or device to your existing wireless network in a snap
Be sure to look for Windows Connect Now compatible devices when shopping for new ones to add to your wireless network. A whole new class of products that have this technology are available now, and more are coming soon. If you're shopping for products, see the list of products available from some of our partners to the right. You can also add any computer running Windows XP SP2 to your wireless network using Windows Connect Now technology.
To add a computer or compatible device to your wireless network
1. | Click Start and then click Control Panel. |
2. | If you're using the Category view of Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Wireless Network Setup Wizard. If you're using the Classic view of Control Panel, click Wireless Network Setup Wizard. |
3. | Click Next to continue. |
4. | Select Manually assign a network key to add a new device to your existing network. |
