Enabling Windows Wireless Connection

Many computers come with third-party wireless configuration wizards. However, if at any time you need or want to use Windows to manage access to wireless networks, you may need to enable the "Windows Wireless Zero Configuration" service. Below are some basic steps to check to see if the service is already enabled on your machine and to enable the service if you find it isn't already available. These guidelines are taken from http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;871122&Product=winxp. The steps can come in handy if you're trying to get your wireless laptop or desktop to connect with a wireless router, say in your home, but can't get Windows to recognize a wireless router or wireless access point.

To check to see if your computer is already running the Windows Wireless Zero Configuration service, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type ncpa.cpl, and then click OK.
2. Click Network Connections.
3. In Network Connections, click to select your wireless connection, and then click Change settings of this connection.
4. On the Wireless Networks tab, click to select the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box.

If the Wireless Networks tab doesn't appear, follow the steps below to start the Wireless Zero Configuration service, and then repeat the steps above to make sure your computer is set to use Windows to configure the wireless network settings:

1. Click Start, click Run, type %SystemRoot%\system32\services.msc /s, and then click OK.
2. Double-click Wireless Zero Configuration.
3. In the Startup type list, click Automatic, and then click Apply.
4. In the Service status area, click Start, and then click OK.