Of course, the Windows XP operating system today is, in a sense, obsolete. Nevertheless, it is still used all over the world, preferring newer versions due to its rather high stability in operation. But with ensuring the correct connection to wireless networks, this particular OS has enough problems, since the connection is configured a little differently than it is provided for systems of the latest generations. Therefore, it is further proposed to figure out how to connect to WiFi on Windows XP, and at the same time find out some subtleties of setting up a connection and eliminating possible errors or failures.
Main difficulties when connecting to wireless networks on Windows XP
The biggest problem of all users who try toto make a high-speed connection via wireless networks, is that the parameters are often not configured automatically, and if they are, they quite often simply “fly off”. In addition, the use of modern methods and applied data encryption protocols that ensure user security is also a big question. Finally, do not forget that most network equipment manufacturers have long reoriented the market of their devices to the release of models designed for correct functioning exclusively in the latest generations of Windows systems, and therefore it can be quite problematic to find drivers specifically for Windows XP.. However, there is a way out of any situation. We will talk about how to connect WiFi on a laptop or a stationary computer terminal in Windows XP in as much detail as possible. But before engaging in such operations, let's briefly dwell on some preliminary actions that must be performed in the very first place.
Connecting to WiFi in Windows XP: where to start?
The most important condition for connecting to a wireless network is that the WiFi module is installed and works correctly on a laptop or desktop PC. Most laptops are equipped with such devices from the start, while desktop computers will need to use an additional module that can be connected to the terminal, for example, via a USB port.
Special attention should be paid to the correct installation of the driver. Make surethat the device is defined by the system and works, you can use the Device Manager, which you can call through the most common Control Panel, but it’s much easier to use the Run console (Win + R) and enter the abbreviation devmgmt.msc in it. In the network adapters section, find the wireless module. If it is in a he althy state, there will be no icons indicating problems with the driver.
If the device is in the device section with problems or is not recognized, the driver will have to be reinstalled from the original disk, and if it is not available, determine the VEN and DEV hardware identifiers, then download the control software from the Internet (specifically for Windows XP), using another computer with access to the World Wide Web, and install it yourself.
How to enable WiFi on Windows XP?
There are several ways to activate wireless modules. If we talk about how to connect to WiFi on Windows XP, you can use all kinds of combinations for a laptop based on the Fn button and one of the additional keys marked with an antenna icon with a signal diverging in both directions. Sometimes special switches on the case are used for this, which can also be found on external receivers connected to stationary PCs.
If this method does not work, it is quite possible that you will have to activate the module in the "Device Manager" by selecting the itemenable through the RMB menu.
Nuances of network selection and connection
Now let's move on to how to connect to WiFi on Windows XP. It is not always possible to connect using the system tray icon, so call the "Control Panel" using the standard "Start" menu for this, go to the network connections section, and then follow the following procedure:
activate the wireless network connection item;
- view available networks through the context menu;
- go to view available connections;
- on the left side of the menu, click on the link to change the order of network preference;
- in the access point connection menu, check the box to automatically connect to the network;
- in the task menu on the right, click on the link to update the list of networks;
- select your network and click on it to connect.
After that, it remains to enter the network key with confirmation and click the "Connect" button.
What should I do if the automatic connection does not work?
Now let's see how to connect to WiFi on Windows XP if the connection is not immediately established using the above method. Indeed, it is in the “express” that such a problem has been noticed by many users. Experts recommend correcting the situation by changing the parametersIPv4 protocol, which can be accessed through the properties of the network to which you are connecting. Usually WiFi on a laptop with Windows XP does not connect only for the reason that the system does not want to accept the automatic obtaining of addresses.
In this situation, it is recommended to set them manually by entering the address of the router for the gateway, and a similar value for the IP terminal, differing by the last digit. For example, if the router has an address of 192.168.0.1, for the computer IP, change the last digit (one) to two or three (the subnet mask will be set automatically). Also, as an additional solution, you can set the DNS server addresses yourself using free codes from Google, consisting of combinations of eights and fours.
Problems using WPA2 security
Another reason for not being able to connect is WPA2 security. Windows XP won't connect to WiFi just because it may not support WiFi itself. To fix the problem, it is strongly recommended to check which service pack you have installed, and if necessary, install the third one (SP3), after downloading it from the Internet from another computer.
Other possible failures and solutions
As for other possible failures, we can advise you to check the status of the network device driver, see if the module itself is turned on (both mechanically and programmatically), check the access code entered for the connection (the characters are notare displayed, and at this time you may have another language enabled). It is possible that the problems are observed on the part of the provider, so you should contact the support service and find out the cause of the failure.
Finally, if all else fails, as the last resort, use changing the security settings on the router itself, where instead of WPA2, specify the use of a different protocol, but first consult the provider's technical service.
