How to Connect a Windows Vista computer to your wireless network

If you use a laptop or notebook with built-in wireless connectivity, ensure that the wireless switch and/or wireless button is switched on before you begin the steps to set up your Windows Vista computer. If your wireless is disabled you can usually re-enable it with a simple button combination (for example, by pressing Fn and F2 on your keyboard). For instructions on how to do this on your computer, please refer to the documentation that came with it.

If you do not have built-in wireless, and you don't have a wireless adapter or card, you can Buy one in our devices shop.

Before you can connect a computer to your wireless router you need to know your wireless network name and wireless password. If you don't know what your wireless network name and wireless password is, see What is my wireless network name and wireless password? and follow the instructions for your router.

If you know your wireless network name and wireless password you can connect your Microsoft Windows Vista computer to your network by carrying out the following steps:

1. Click the Windows Vista Start globe and select Control Panel.
2. If available, click Classic View in the panel on the left.
3. Double-click Network and Sharing Centre.
4. Select Manage Wireless Networks.
5. Click Add, and then click Add a network that is in range of this computer.
6. When the list of available wireless networks is displayed, double-click the network to which you want to connect.
7. Enter the network key or passphrase and click Connect. This is your wireless password. Take care when entering this, as it must exactly match the wireless password and is case sensitive.
8. Ensure both boxes are ticked and click Close.

Your computer should now be connected to the internet wirelessly. To test your connection, open a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, and try to access a website, such aswww.talktalk.co.uk.

I've tried the steps listed above but I still cannot connect

If this didn't work, try again but make sure you are entering the wireless password exactly as it should be. It is case sensitive.

If it still doesn't work, try connecting to your router via an ethernet cable. This will tell you if the problem is with your wireless or with the connection in general:

• If you can connect with the cable connected, but not wirelessly, see I'm unable to connect wirelessly.
• If you cannot connect with an ethernet cable, see Unable to connect to the internet.