How to Connect a Windows XP 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 Microsoft Windows XP 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 Windows XP computer to your network by carrying out the following steps:

1. Click Start and select Control Panel.
2. If available, click Switch to Classic View in the panel on the left.
3. Double-click Network Connections.
4. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon and select View available wireless networks.
5. When the list of available wireless networks is displayed, double-click the network that you want to connect to.
6. Enter the network key or passphrase for your wireless network and click Connect. Take care when entering the network key, as it must exactly match the key that you entered into the modem router.
7. A message will appear in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen to confirm that the connection was made successfully.

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.

You can also get further help on this topic on the TalkTalk Absolute Beginners Forum.