Use Windows to configure wireless network settings on a client computer

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To use Windows to configure wireless network settings on a client computer

  1. Right-click the wireless network connection icon in the notification area, and then click View Available Wireless Networks. For more information, see Notes.

  2. Under Related Tasks, click Change the order of preferred networks.

  3. On the Wireless Networks tab, do one of the following:

    • To use Windows to configure wireless network settings on your computer, select the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box. This check box is selected by default. For information about this option, see Notes.

    • If you do not want to use Windows to configure wireless network settings on your computer, clear the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box.

Notes

  • Performing this task does not require you to have administrative credentials. Therefore, as a security best practice, consider performing this task as a user without administrative credentials.

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  • When an error is detected that might limit or prevent a connection to a wireless network, the wireless warning icon is displayed in the notification area.

  • To open Network Connections, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network Connections.

  • When you select the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box, you enable the Wireless Configuration service. When the Wireless Configuration service is enabled, you can connect to an existing wireless network, change wireless network connection settings, configure a new wireless network connection, and manage preferred wireless networks. You will be notified when new wireless networks are available. After you select a wireless network, your wireless network adapter will be automatically configured to match the settings of that network, and a network connection attempt will be made.

  • The Wireless Networks tab appears only if you are using a wireless network adapter that supports the Wireless Configuration service. If you are unsure whether your wireless network adapter supports the Wireless Configuration service, contact the wireless network adapter manufacturer.

  • For more information about configuring wireless network settings, including information about the Wireless Configuration service, see Related Topics.

  • If you are using non-Microsoft wireless networking software to configure wireless network settings, clear the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box.

Information about functional differences

  • Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.

See Also

Concepts

Show a network connection icon in the notification area
Define 802.1X authentication for wireless networks on a client computer
Security information for wireless networks
Configuring wireless network settings on client computers
Wireless networking overview
Understanding 802.1X authentication for wireless networks
Connect to an available wireless network