Network adapters do not have wifi. The laptop does not connect to Wi-Fi (does not find wireless networks, no connections available)
Imagine being able to surf the Internet while sitting on the sofa in your room, chatting with friends online while cozying up in a soft bed in the evening, or sending documents from your computer in the kitchen to the printer in your home office. The wireless network has the greatest possible flexibility and does not require complex configuration. This article describes the steps to set up and start a wireless network.
Choosing the right equipment
Before you begin setting up your wireless network, you will need the following components.
A broadband Internet connection is a high-speed connection, as opposed to a dial-up connection, which has low data transfer speeds and is not powerful enough to run a wireless network. The most common broadband connection methods are DSL lines and cable. To get a broadband connection, you need to contact your Internet service provider. Internet connections using DSL lines are usually provided by telephone companies, while cable connections can be obtained from cable television companies. Internet service providers usually provide high-speed modems and can even connect them to your computer. Some suppliers may even offer a bundle - a modem and wireless routers. This equipment can also be found in stores that sell computers and electronics.
Example of a cable modem (left) and a DSL modem (right)
| Wireless router |
The router provides data exchange between the local network and the Internet. Thanks to a wireless router, computers are connected to a local network using radio signals instead of wires and cables. There are several different types of wireless network technologies, including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n standards. It is recommended to use routers that support 802.11g or 802.11n because these routers provide high throughput and strong radio signals. For more information about wireless LAN technologies, see Wireless Networks: Frequently Asked Questions.
Wireless router example
| Wireless network adapters |
A network adapter is a device that connects a computer to a local network. To connect a laptop or desktop computer to a wireless LAN, you need a wireless network adapter. Many laptops and desktop computers have built-in wireless network adapters. To check whether a wireless network adapter is installed on your computer, follow these steps:
Device Manager showing the wireless network adapter
If your computer does not have a wireless network adapter installed, you can buy one from a computer or electronics store and install it yourself. It is recommended to use Universal Serial Bus (USB) based adapters. Such adapters are small in size, easy to install and transfer from one computer to another. Make sure the adapters are the same type as your wireless router. The type of adapter is usually indicated on the packaging - usually a letter, such as G or A.
Examples of USB wireless network adapters
Installing a modem and setting up an Internet connection
After all the equipment has been purchased, you will need to install a modem and set up an Internet connection. If your modem was not installed by your Internet service provider, follow the instructions in your modem documentation to connect your modem to your computer and the Internet. If you are using a DSL line, connect the modem to a telephone jack. If using a cable, connect the modem to a cable outlet. For more information, see Set up a high-speed cable or DSL connection.
Wireless Router Placement
Place your wireless router in a location where it will receive the strongest signal with the least amount of interference. For best results, follow the tips below.
Place your wireless router in the center of your service area. Install the router as close to the center of the house as possible to ensure the highest possible radio signal strength in all areas of the house.
Place the wireless router high off the floor and away from walls and metal objects such as metal cabinets. The fewer physical obstacles between the computer and the router, the more likely it is that the router's signal power will be fully utilized.
Reduce interference. 802.11g network equipment uses 2.4 GHz radio frequencies. This is the same frequency that many microwave ovens and cordless phones use. When you turn on the microwave oven and make a cordless phone call, the radio signal may be affected by interference. You can avoid many problems by using a cordless phone that operates at a higher frequency, such as 5.8 GHz.
Wireless Security
Security is always important, but especially with a wireless network because the network signal can travel outside the building. If you don't secure your network, nearby people with a computer can access information stored on network computers and access the Internet through your connection. To ensure the security of your local network, follow these steps:
Create a network security key
Write down the security key and keep it in a safe place. You can also save the security key to a USB flash drive by following the wizard's instructions.
Use a firewall. A firewall is software or hardware that helps protect your computer from intruders or malware. Using a firewall on each computer on a local network allows you to control the spread of malware across the network, as well as protect computers when accessing the Internet. Windows Firewall is included with this version of Windows. For more information, see Firewall FAQ.
Adding computers to the network
To connect your laptop or desktop computer to your wireless network, you need to follow these steps.
File and Printer Sharing
Many people have wireless networks that allow them to access the Internet from any room in the house, but would like to have wireless access to files and printers.
The easiest way to share files online is to set up sharing using a HomeGroup. If you don't have a homegroup, you can share files by placing them in one of the shared folders. Any file or folder placed in a shared folder automatically becomes available to other users connected to the local network. To share a shared folder, follow these steps:
Enable sharing to allow network users to read and write files in shared folders.
Disable sharing (users signed in to this computer will have access to shared folders).
Open the "Advanced sharing options" section. To do this, click the Start button and select Control Panel. Enter network in the search field, select Network and Sharing Center, and then in the Navigation Pane, click the command Change advanced sharing options.
Click the double quote icon to expand the current network profile.
In chapter Access to shared folders Select one of the following options:
Installing a router is the first step to creating a home network, but how to choose it correctly? How to configure the router after purchase? Follow these instructions to select a router and set up a secure wireless network (Wi-Fi) in your home.
Steps
Router installation
- Make sure the router is connected to power and turned on.
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Connect it to your computer using an Ethernet cable. This is not always necessary, but can be useful if you want to configure your wireless router before connecting any wireless devices to it. Connecting your computer via a physical cable will allow you to tinker with your wireless network settings without losing your connection to the router.
- To configure your router as efficiently as possible, connect it next to your computer. Once setup is complete, you can move the router to its permanent location.
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Enter your information to connect to the Internet. This includes the IP address and DNS from your ISP. Most routers fill in these fields automatically. Otherwise, contact your Internet service provider and find out the information you need to enter.
Set up your wireless network. For most routers, the wireless network settings section is located in the main menu. There you can turn the wireless network on or off, change its name and select the encryption type.
- In the SSID field, enter the name of the network. This name will be displayed on any device that detects your network. If you live in a densely populated area, do not use your personal information as the network name, as anyone with a wireless device will recognize it.
- Make sure you select the latest encryption type available for your router. In most cases, this is WPA2. WPA2 uses only a password. You can choose any one you like. Complex passwords consist of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
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Save your settings. After completing the settings on the router configuration page, click “Apply” or “Save settings”. After a few seconds, your settings will take effect. In some cases, you may need to reboot the router.
Place the router. To get the best signal, try placing your router in the center. Remember, any obstacles - walls or doors - worsen the signal. If your house consists of several floors, you may need several routers to organize a stable wireless network.
- The only thing that may limit you in choosing a location for your router is the physical connection to the modem.
Buy a wireless router. To determine which one is best for you, take a number of factors into account. Distance, amount of interference, transmission speed, and security level of the wireless network must be taken into account.
Connect the router to the modem. After purchasing a router, you need to connect it to a modem. There is a port on the back of the router labeled WAN/WLAN/Internet. Use a standard Ethernet cable to connect this port to your modem.
Connecting to a router
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Connect your wireless device to the network. Once your router has started transmitting a wireless signal, you can test your connection by scanning for available wireless networks using another computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- Scan for new networks. On Windows, click on the network icon in the system tray in the lower right corner of the screen. Select "Connect to a network" and find your network name in the list. On a Mac, click on the AirPort icon in the menu bar, which looks like 3 curved lines. Select your name from the list of available networks.
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Enter password. If you chose the WPA2 encryption method, then you need to enter a password to connect. If you're using a personal computer, you can turn off hidden characters to make entering your password easier.
Check the connection. Once you are connected to the network, wait a moment to receive an IP address. Open your web browser and try going to a site you don't normally visit (this will ensure you're not loading the site from memory).
Instructions
To connect to a wireless network, you must activate and correctly configure the Wi-Fi adapter of your mobile computer. Open the Start menu and go to Computer properties. Find and open the Device Manager menu.
Expand the “Network adapters” submenu and find a device designed to work with the Wi-Fi channel. If this equipment is disabled, right-click on its name and select “Enable”. Make sure there is no exclamation mark next to the name of the Wi-Fi adapter. This means that all necessary drivers are installed for this device.
Sometimes you need to press certain keys to activate the Wi-Fi adapter. Complete this action. Click on the local networks icon located in the system tray. In the drop-down menu, select the desired network and click the “Connect” button.
If the network is protected by a password, enter it in the window that appears and press Enter. Wait until communication with the wireless access point is established.
If you need to connect to a network that operates in covert broadcast mode, then set its parameters yourself. Open Network and Sharing Center. Select the Manage Wireless Networks menu.
Click the Add button and select the Create a network profile manually option. Fill out the table provided. Specify exactly the parameters with which the access point you need is currently working. Click "Next".
In the new window, click the “Connection” button and wait for the connection to the network equipment to be established. Check network activity. Try opening shared files or performing other operations on networked PCs.
Sources:
- how to install a wireless network on a laptop
Creating your own wireless network is carried out using various devices. At home, as a rule, Wi-Fi routers are used. But sometimes it makes more sense to connect other types of equipment.
You will need
- - Wi-Fi module;
- - Internet access.
Instructions
If you already have a desktop computer connected to the Internet, use a Wi-Fi adapter to create a wireless network. Such equipment is divided into two types: external adapters operating via a USB channel, and internal modules connected to the PC motherboard via a PCI port.
Select the device type you need. Please note that to connect two or more mobile devices you will need an adapter that supports access point mode. A striking example of such a device is the Asus PCI-G31 Wi-Fi module.
Turn off the computer and connect the adapter to the PCI slot of the motherboard. Install the antenna into the existing adapter port. Turn on your PC and wait for the operating system to load.
When working in Windows XP, install drivers from the special disk supplied with the module. For Windows Seven or Vista systems, use the Ralink Wireless Utility program.
After installing the appropriate software, proceed to configure the operating parameters of the wireless communication module. Run the utility and open the Soft+AP (STA+AP) tab.
Change the settings of the future access point. In the SSID field, enter her name. Fill in the Authentication column. To do this, select an authentication mode and specify the key type.
Now enter the password required to secure your wireless network. When using WEP encryption, its length must be six characters, and for WPA (WPA2) it must be eight.
Fill in the Max numbers of peers field. Specify the number of mobile devices that will be simultaneously connected to the access point. Click the Apply button. Now right-click on the utility icon and select Soft+AP Mode.
After waiting for the new menu to load, specify an active Internet connection that mobile devices can access. Connect your laptops to the hotspot. Check that the connection is working properly.
Video on the topic
Sometimes, in order to appreciate all the benefits of the Internet, you need to use it not only while sitting at a desktop computer, but also in the next room or, for example, in the kitchen, and also use a laptop or PDA. All you need to do is create a wireless Wi-Fi network at home.
You will need
- Wi-Fi router
Instructions
Turn on the computer, open any installed browser and enter the router’s IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.1.1, although there may be other options. We find out what the address of our router is, as well as the login-password pair for accessing the settings, from its operating instructions.
Once on the settings page, we find the “Wireless Network” tab. The main settings are networks, authentication method (WPA is most often used) and WPA access key. We set the values we need and enter the access key - it will be the password for connecting other Wi-Fi to our wireless network. We also enter the identification string (SSID). It will appear as the name of our wireless network when other devices discover it.
Go to the “Internet connection” or “WAN” tab. We enter the login and password to access the Internet, as well as the connection settings: its type (PPTP, L2TP or others) and the corresponding IP address. It is better to find out these network settings in advance from your Internet provider.
Confirm all settings by clicking “OK” or “Apply” and reboot the router.
To check the functionality of the wireless network, we try to connect to it using a PDA/smartphone. Through a search, we find our network by SSID. When connected, the devices will ask for an access key. Enter the appropriate WPA key. Your home wireless network is installed!
With the widespread use of laptops, the era of network cables began to gradually end. Now many people cannot imagine their life without such banal things as wi-fi. Create one net It’s not difficult at all, and there are more than enough options.
You will need
- 1 computer
- 1 wifi adapter
- Minimum 1 laptop
Instructions
We will show you how to create a wireless network using the Asus PCI-G31 wifi adapter as an example. Working with it is easy and pleasant, and will take no more than ten minutes. Install the adapter into the PCI slot in your, and turn on the latter. Further, the situation will develop differently for the Windows XP + Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.
Windows XP Everything is simple here. After installing the software, launch the program displayed in the tray. Select Config and go to the Soft AP tab. Place it next to Soft AP_mode. If you want wireless network users to have access to, then in the Internet column select the required net. Now go to Config – Access Control, and one by one enter the MAC addresses of the network adapters of the laptops you need. Note: The MAC address is found like this: win+r – cmd – ipconfig /all.
Unfortunately, adequately working software for Windows 7 has not yet been written. But there is a way out of this situation due to the fact that Ralink wifi adapters are made on the same chip as Asus. Download and install Ralink Wireless Utility. Note: when working in Windows 7, original software is not required - only drivers are needed. Right-click on the tray icon and select Switch to Soft AP mode. Launch the program and go to the AR tab. Here you can find your access point name (SSID) and password (Key Material). As usual, if you plan to distribute the Internet to other devices, then in the properties of your device, allow access to the wireless network that uses this adapter. There is no need to configure anything else, because... Access to the network is provided with a password entry.
Helpful advice
For Windows Vista, you should try the native software, and if that fails, install Ralink.
Sources:
- wireless internet installation
Laptops are gaining more and more recognition compared to traditional desktop computers. This is mainly due to their mobility, compactness and ease of use. It is not surprising that when using a laptop, many try to abandon wired Internet. The cable ties the laptop to a specific place, thereby removing all its advantages. But there are many ways to create wireless net for a laptop at home.
You will need
- Wi-Fi router
- network cable (usually provided with the router).
Instructions
Sources:
- how to make a wireless mouse
Wi-Fi adapters are devices that allow you to connect desktop computers to wireless access points. But they can also be used for other purposes, for example, to create a local network between a PC and a laptop.
You will need
- - Wi-Fi adapter.
Instructions
First, select a Wi-Fi adapter for your desktop computer. These devices come in two main types: internal and external. The first type of adapter is connected to the PCI slot located on the computer motherboard, and the second type is connected to the USB connector. Purchase a suitable Wi-Fi adapter.
Connect the purchased device to the required connector. If you are connecting a PCI adapter, be sure to turn off your computer first. The adapter must come with a disk containing drivers and software for managing the device. Install this program.
Launch the installed application. Configure the Wi-Fi adapter settings if required. Usually they are automatically selected when you connect to any wireless network. To connect to this adapter, configure your local network.
Open Network and Sharing Center. Select the Manage Wireless Networks menu. In the new window, click the “Add” button to start the process of creating a new network. Select the computer-to-computer network type.
In the menu that opens, specify the name of the future network, select the security type for it, and enter the password. If you want to use this network in the future, check the box next to “Save network settings”. Click "Next". When a message appears indicating that the network was successfully created, click the “Finish” button.
Enter the set password to gain access to the network. To view the IP address of each device, right-click on the connection icon and select “Status”. Click the "Details" button in the menu that appears.
Video on the topic
note
The described method for creating a wireless network is applicable to Windows Seven OS.
Technologies such as infrared and Bluetooth are becoming less and less popular because they are being replaced by modern wireless networks. Wi-Fi is being used more and more, as there are a large number of free hotspots in cities.
Instructions
To wireless compound a specific key combination. Usually this is Fn + F2. To connect to the Internet you need to look for specific access points. On a personal computer, you can connect to Wi-Fi only if you have a special removable device. Ask a peripherals consultant about Wi-Fi devices for a personal computer. Prices may vary, but mainly depend on the signal reception radius.
Once the device is purchased, unpack it and insert it into the USB drive. If you have USB 3.0 technology on your computer, then insert Wi-Fi there. The computer system will automatically detect the new device. The kit also includes a CD with drivers. Insert it into the drive and install all the drivers. Next, restart your computer so that all saves in the system are recorded. After the reboot, an icon will appear in the tray that will show the Wi-Fi status.
Go to the “Control Panel” item. This can be done using the “My Computer” shortcut. Next, click the shortcut called “Wireless Networks”. Here are all the settings that relate to W-Fi technologies, as well as Bluetooth. Click the "Turn on Wi-Fi" button.
After this, the wireless technology will be active, but it is not yet possible to connect to the Internet, since you need to look for special access points that can be locked with passwords so that unauthorized persons cannot penetrate the system and automatically connect to the connection. To do this, click the “Find new” button compound" The system will automatically begin scanning access points that are in operation.
If no such systems are found, try scanning in another location. As soon as compound will be found, try to connect. As practice shows, some cafes and educational institutions use free access points that allow you to connect to the Internet. You can find a list of such establishments on the Internet using search engines.
A large number of modern Internet providers provide Internet access services via a wireless channel. This system is especially convenient for those people who have several desktop and mobile computers at their disposal.
You will need
- Wi-Fi module.
Instructions
To connect to any wireless access point, you need a properly working Wi-Fi module. This could be a device built into the laptop, a PCI adapter connected to the motherboard, or a USB device that works with network Wi-Fi. Choose the right equipment.
Mode
To boot your computer safely mode, press F8 when starting the system. It is best to press the button several times at a frequency of about once per second - this will allow you not to miss the moment. A window will appear with options for starting the operating system. Try the "Load Last Known Good Configuration" option first; in many cases, this option will resolve any issues.
If the computer refuses to boot in this option, you should try safe mode. The selection lines are located at the top of the window. You will have three options: Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Command Line Support, and Safe Mode with Networking. Choose the first one: in this case you will get the Windows interface that you are quite familiar with. Only the screen will be black, in its corners you will see the inscription “Safe Mode”.
When you select the "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" option, the console (command prompt) will be launched instead of Windows Explorer. This mode can also be useful, but you need to know how to work with the command line. If you have a console open, type HELP and press Enter to display a list of commands.
How can I use Safe Mode? If you can only boot into it, try running the rollback procedure to an earlier state of the computer: “Start” - “All Programs” - “Accessories” - “System Tools” - “System Restore”. If the rollback is successful, after rebooting you will have a restored system. Restoration is possible if restore points were previously created on the computer. When working in the console, you can start recovery with the command: %systemroot%system32
estore
strui.exe.
Safe mode is useful if several people work on the computer, each of them has their own accounts, and one of the workers needs to log in. In a safe mode you will be logged in as an administrator and can easily change your forgotten password. To do this, open the “Control Panel”, find the “User Accounts” section, select the desired account and change the password.
One of the advantages of Asus laptops is the presence of Bluetooth functionality. However, it may not always be available. Even when installed by default on the computer. Knowing the nuances will help you avoid many troubles.
But this is only at first glance. To enable Bluetooth, you will need drivers, especially if the operating system was installed yourself and not by the manufacturer.
Drivers to enable Bluetooth
As mentioned above, in order to activate the Bluetooth connection, you need to download drivers. But if the manufacturer relied on a 64-bit system, then there may not be drivers for an 86-bit system.
Therefore, you will not be able to turn on Bluetooth. In this case, you need to reinstall the operating system from 86-bit to 64-bit.
Windows OS has two bit depths: 32-bit and 64-bit. And 86-bit is the second designation of 32-bit.
If everything is in order here, then you need to start looking for Asus drivers. They are all on the manufacturer's official website, sorted by model. It is not advisable to download from other sites, as the file itself may contain viruses.
In order to check the bit depth in the operating system, you need to right-click on the “My Computer” shortcut. In the window that opens, select “Properties”.
If your personal (computer) is running Windows 7 or Windows 8, then you can install drivers for Bluetooth from Windows XP or Windows Vista on them. In some cases, a driver disc may be sold together with a laptop. Check it out: maybe you have it somewhere too.
Even in cases where the operating system was originally installed by the manufacturer, there may not be drivers for Bluetooth. After you download and install them, try connecting.
Turning on Bluetooth
Most often, to activate the Bluetooth connection, you need to press the fn and f2 keys together. Depending on the modification of the laptop, the second button may be different. Usually it shows an antenna. To enable Bluetooth faster, there is a special button on the side of the case.
If you cannot connect using the above methods, you can try the following algorithm:
1. Click Start.
2. Select All Programs.
3. Open the Standard folder.
4. Find the Bluetooth icon.
You can download the program yourself to turn on Bluetooth if none of the above methods worked.
With the advent of wireless connectivity, people have gained amazing mobility. Thanks to Wi-Fi, high-speed Internet has become accessible no matter where you are - at work, in a cafe or at home. The main thing is that this place is within the network coverage area.
You will need
- Connected Wi-Fi router, working computer with Windows operating system, client for working in a wireless network
Instructions
Select "Settings" and in it - "Network connections". Right-click on the “Network Neighborhood” icon to bring up the drop-down menu and select “Properties”.
If the “Wireless Networks” tab in the “Wireless Network Connection” - “Properties” window is missing for some reason, click OK. Go to the “Start” menu, select “Settings” and go to “Control Panel”.
In the new “Control Panel” window, double-click on the “Administration” and “Services” icons.
Make sure the Wireless Setup service is running. Otherwise, double-click the “Wireless Settings” icon, and in the new properties window, click the “Start” button and OK. Return to the “Network Connections” window. Right-click on the “Wireless Network Connection” icon to open the drop-down menu and go to “Properties”.
On the Wireless Networks tab, make sure that the “Use Windows to set up the network” button is checked.
Introduction
The use of various devices with WiFi is rapidly bursting into our lives; now not only complex equipment like laptops and communicators, but even such simple gadgets as a photo frame are equipped with WiFi. Setting them up to connect to wireless networks is becoming a challenge, so it's not surprising that technologies are emerging that can greatly simplify the setup procedure.
Creating a new wireless network begins directly with the configuration of the access point (wireless router) connecting computers and other wireless equipment to it.
Technology
The traditional setup method looks very complicated from the point of view of an ordinary user: you need to perform difficult steps with connecting to an access point for the first setup, you need to manually create a wireless network name, and specify a complex and difficult to reproduce security key. And this entire setup process requires the user to have basic knowledge about WiFi. It will be much easier for him to simply press a button or enter a PIN so that everything is configured and connected.
Wireless Protected Setup (WiFi Protected Setup - WPS) was just invented to quickly, easily and safely configure network devices and computers. For example, one way to connect a game console with WiFi to a wireless network is to simply press the WPS buttons on the wireless router and on the game console.
WiFi Protected Setup is now the standard for creating a wireless network easily and securely. In Microsoft terminology this is Windows Connect Now (WCN).
The configuration environment for wireless devices may vary: Ethernet, WiFi,USB cable or USB flash drive. The wireless device can be configured via Pin (PIN - Personal Identification Number), through pressing configuration buttons (PBC - Push Button Configuration, short Push Button) or via importing network settings.
Setting up a wireless router
The device is unpacked and connected to the power supply. You can configure it via Ethernet using a patch cord (which is included in the package) or via WiFi, but the setup process itself does not depend on this. On a laptop or desktop you need to go to Control Panel - - Setting up a new connection or network where to choose Creating and setting up a new network.
Wireless devices with WCN support will be visible in the list of devices. We select our access point (wireless router) (not the neighbor’s if we are setting up via WiFi).
The next step is to enter the PIN code from the label on the router.
Or set your own, if necessary: the name of the wireless network, the password for accessing the network, the security level and the type of encryption.
After completing the setup, you can print out detailed instructions for connecting other computers to the access point (wireless router), and also prepare a flash drive with settings for importing the network profile to other wireless devices. If this is not necessary at the moment, then this can be done later, in the properties of the wireless network.
Connecting to an access point via Push Button
When connecting to our wireless network from a computer running Windows 7, you can not enter the security key, but press the WCN button on the router. The connection to the wireless network will occur automatically.
On wireless devices that support the PBC method, just press the WPS button on the router, and then on the wireless device, after which the device will connect to the wireless network.
On computers running older Windows operating systems, as well as on wireless devices that do not support the Push Button method, you must import a wireless network connection profile.
Connecting to an access point by importing a network connection profile
If a USB flash drive with network profile settings was not created after completing the setup of the access point (wireless router), then you need to create it. To do this, you need to connect a USB flash drive to connection center call properties wireless network and select Copy this network profile to a USB flash drive. You can also open properties wireless network via Control Panel- Network and Sharing Center - Wireless Network Management.
After completing the wizard, the USB flash drive can be used to connect various wireless devices, as well as computers equipped with a wireless adapter and running Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7.
For devices with a wireless adapter, such as photo frames, printers, game consoles, you must connect a USB flash drive with a network profile to them and agree to import settings. Once setup is complete, the device will automatically connect to the wireless network. Similar steps for Windows operating systems: connect a USB flash drive with a network profile,
in the window Autostart choose Connect to a wireless network using Windows Connect Now,
agree to import settings.
If the autorun function is disabled on a Windows computer, you need to open the USB flash drive and run the file SetupSNK.Exe and agree to import settings for connecting to a wireless network.
Windows Connect Now makes setting up a wireless network much easier, so you don't have to remember network credentials or spend a lot of time connecting new PCs.
