Most Easiest Method To Make Bootable Windows Installation USB Disks

Preparing bootable USB drives has always been a not so easy task requiring a combination of tricks, hacks and tools, thanks to freeware utility WinToFlash this won't be the case any longer as it allows users to create bootable USB disk drives having Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 2008, Windows 7 installation or any other BartPE compatible environment from CD/DVD to USB in a fast and automated way.

Apart from preparing bootable Windows installation and BartPE USB disk drivers WinToFlash also supports making of bootable MS-DOS disks.

WinToFlash provides both an easy to use wizard-mode for fast and easy bootable disk creation, coupled with and Advanced-mode letting users customize settings as per their choice as shown below.

Download Application : http://wintoflash.com/download/en/

Photo Walk-through Of Wizard Mode To Create Bootable Windows Setup USB Disk

WinToFlash Advanced Mode With USB Installation Disk Customization Options

To boot from the USB disk you must make it the first-boot device in BIOS as below :

1. With the bootable USB flash drive inserted in your computer, restart the machine.
2. Enter the BIOS setup menu to change the boot device priority setting.

3. Change settings to make Removable drive the first option.

4. Exit the BIOS setup making sure you save the changes.

Windows 7 Hack You Must Know

If you are looking for Windows 7 hacks, I am sure you can finds loads of them on web. What matters is, how many of them are really important. Do you think unlocking the Taskbar in Windows 7 is something very exciting? Obviously, not for the majority of users its nothing cool. Instead if you are interested in Windows 7 Hack  that can help you to get rid of expiry date, remove watermark, or disable send feedback link then my article can surely help you out. I organized a set Top 12 Windows 7 Hack You Must Know. This list includes some of the handy posts on Windows 7 hacks in our blog. I have also provided the sources where you can find the hacks.

1. How to Get  Windows Vista-Style Taskbar in Windows 7

It's hard to deny that Windows Vista scores high on appearance. Here's your chance to give the Windows 7 a Vista look. Just follow the steps mentioned below

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and choose the properties dialog. Select the small icons checkbox
Step 2: Under the taskbar buttons setting, choose combine when taskbar is full. Although it’s not pixel-perfect in accuracy, but, it’s close from a functionality point.

2. How to Change Windows 7 Log On Screen

If you don't want the same old blue log on screen for your Windows Vista, here's what you gotta do. Go ahead with the steps below.

Step 1: Download  the file - http://www.mediafire.com/?e9y3j3vme0w
Step 2: Click on Save and save the .zip file to the desktop
Step 3: Open the .zip file and extract the .reg file to the desktop
Step 4: Right click the .reg file (On Desktop) and click on Merge.
Step 5: Click on Run, and press Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted
Step 6: Save the custom .jpg image you want to use to the desktop with the name backgroundDefault.jpg
Step 7: Check to see what your primary display screen resolution is. (You can do it by right clicking on any empty space on your desktop and choose screen resolution and then actuate it with your monitor's specification.)
[NOTE: For example, mine is 1920 x 1280.]
Step 8: Open Paint, and click on the File icon (top left corner), Open, and navigate to and select the .jpg image from step 6.
[NOTE: You can open Paint by typing mspaint.exe in the Start menu search line]
Step 9: In Paint, click on Resize, dot Pixels, uncheck Maintain aspect ratio, then resize the .jpg image to the screen resolution size in step 7 (whatever be yours)
Step 10: Save the .jpg file to the desktop with the exact file name below with the screen resolution size of the image. When completed, close Paint
Step 11: In Windows Explorer, navigate to
C:\Windows\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds
Step 12: Copy and Paste the .jpg files from step 10, and from step 6 into the C:\Windows\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds folder, then close the window
Step 13: You're logon screen is now changed. You can press Ctrl+Alt+Del to test it. Click on Cancel to return to the desktop.
[NOTE: You can now delete the .reg and .zip files on the desktop if you like.] 

3. How to Unlock the Windows 7 Hidden Themes

The Windows 7 beta has a pack of hidden and locked themes. Let's see how you can unlock the hidden themes.

Step 1: Open the Explorer (Windows + E) and go to C:\Windows\winsxs
Step 2: Enter *.theme into the search field. Alternately you can use the * sign on the number block.
Step 3: You'll get the Click me prompt
Step 4: Double-click the themes ZA, US, GB, CA, AU to install them.

4. How to Enable Recording in Windows 7

In windows 7 the WaveMix and SterioMix are disabled by default. I'll let you the hack to activate the recording device. Here are the steps

Step 1: Right click on the speaker icon. Now look for the Recording Devices and select it.
Step 2: Now right click and select the option Show Disabled Devices
Step 3: Select the Wave Out Mix device and Enable it. Click on Set as Default Device and open up the Audacity.

6 Tips to lower your printer cost

After we buy a printer, do you treat your printer special? printer  Normally we just put a side, print when we need, but we did not treat our printer special. Without a special treatment, your printer might cost you a lot, more then your expectation. Problem occur will take you more then a days to troubleshoot, wasting time and money.

I will share few tips on how to lower your printer cost. 

• Printing in “draft” mode

If you just print the document for your self, of any informal printing just for reference, you can consider to change printer mode to draft mode. This kind of printing might result in slightly lighter, less precise print, but indirectly reduces your ink usage.

To change the printer mode to draft mode, simply go into printer option under the control panel, select the printer and properties,and choose draft mode under printing quality.

 

For example, I am using canon bubble jet printer, properties my bjc-1000p, and go into printing preferences.

Select paper/quality tab, and choose on draft mode.

• Take care on the print nozzles & cartridge cradles clean 

Now a days, most of the deskjet’s driver come with a toolbox function which provide you to clean the print nozzles on the printer. Clear any debris or clogs which may cause the printer from printing normally. This step should be done once a week depend on your printing quantity.

Keep the insider of the printer clean, especially the cartridge cradle, if you saw any ink or debris in the cradle, you shall use a can of compressed air or an alcohol wipe to clean those area.

• Choose Web Base Printing Option

There are some software out there to let you minimize needless printing and reduce the waste of ink, you can use this software to select, store, and organize the content from a lot web pates and print only the content you need, same time, ink and paper.

•  Keep your cartridge in the correct place

Cartridge must seal and keep in the original packing, turn it in upright position so that the ink can’t evaporate through the nozzles, and always keep in the room temperature.

When you remove the cartridge from the packing, always place it in the printer “home” position, this is to keep the ink from drying out the nozzles, and reduce the risk of contamination with airborne dusk particles.

• Power off the with the correct method

Do not simply shutdown the printer with the main power switch, you require to turn off the printer with the power button on the printer. This is to let the printer run the showdown process, and park the printer head properly, avoid dries out the print head too

• Use high quality paper

Most people intent to save cost, buying lower quality paper, or use recycle paper may cause paper jams, which can turn the mechanical problem on the printer.

How to make a Wi-Fi connection more secured

Wireless hotspots are changing the way people work. These wireless local area networks (LANs) provide high speed Internet connection in public locations as well as at home and need nothing more than a mobile PC such as a laptop or notebook computer equipped with a wireless card.

In fact, hotspots are an everyday connection method for travelers and remote workers to browse the Internet, check their e-mail, and even work on their corporate networks while away from the office.

Hotspots range from paid services, such as T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless, to public, free connections. Hot spots are everywhere, including:

• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Libraries
• Bookstores
• Airports
• Hotel lobbies

But they all have one thing in common they are all open networks that are vulnerable to security breaches. And that means it's up to you to protect the data on your PC. In this article, we cover a few tips to make working in public locations more secure.

Try to choose more secure connections

It's not always possible to choose your connection type but when you can, opt for wireless networks that require a network security key or have some other form of security, such as a certificate. The information sent over these networks is encrypted, which can help protect your computer from unauthorized access. The security features of different networks appear along with the network name as your PC discovers them.

Make sure your firewall is activated

 A firewall helps protect your mobile PC by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. It acts as a barrier that checks all incoming information, and then either blocks the information or allows it to come through. All Microsoft Windows operating systems come with a firewall, and you can make sure it's turned on.

To activate the Windows Vista Firewall

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, click Network and Internet.
3. Under Windows Firewall, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
4. Ensure that On is selected.

To activate the Windows XP Firewall

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, click Network Connections.
3. In the Network Connections window, under Network Tasks, click Change Windows Firewall Settings.
4. In the Windows Firewall dialog box, on the General tab, ensure that On is selected.

Monitor your access points

Chances are that there are multiple wireless networks anywhere you're trying to connect. These connections are all access points, because they link into the wired system that gives you Internet access. So how do you make sure you're connecting to the right one? Simple—by configuring your PC to let you approve access points before you connect.

Configure Windows Vista Access Points

Windows Vista takes the guesswork out of connecting to hotspots because you are automatically prompted to approve new connections. In addition, after you approve a connection, you assign it a profile for future use.

Configure Windows XP Access Points

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Network Connections.
2. Right-click Wireless Network Connection, and then clickProperties.
3. On the Wireless Networks tab, make sure that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is selected.
4. Under Preferred networks, make sure that the name of the network that you want to connect to is highlighted, and then click Advanced.
5. Click Access point (infrastructure) network only, and then click Close.

Disable file and printer sharing 

File and printer sharing is a feature that enables other computers on a network to access resources on your computer. When you are using your mobile PC in a hotspot, it's best to disable file and printer sharing when it's enabled, it leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers. Remember, though, to turn this feature back on when you return to the office.

Disable file and printer sharing in Windows Vista

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet, and then click Network and Sharing Center.
3. Under Sharing and Discovery, click the arrow next to File sharing, click Turn off file sharing, and then click Apply.
4. Click the arrow next to Printer sharing, click Turn off printer sharing, and then click Apply.

Disable file and printer sharing in Windows XP

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Security Center, and then click Windows Firewall.
3. Click the Exceptions tab, and then under Programs and Services, clear the File and Printer Sharing check box.

Make your folders private

When the folders on your mobile PC are private, it's more difficult for hackers to access your files.

To make a folder private in Windows Vista

Windows Vista not only makes folders private by default, but it also requires passwords for shared folders. As a result, you're already covered! But if you want to double-check, simply right-click on the folder in question, and select Properties. On the Security tab, you can review the set permissions.

To make a folder private in Windows XP

1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2. Click the drive where Windows is installed, and then click Documents and Settings.
3. Open your user folder, right-click the folder that you want to make private, and then click Properties.
4. On the Sharing tab, click Do no share this folder, and then click OK.

Repeat the steps above for each folder that you want to make private.

Encrypt your files

You can protect your files further by encrypting them, which requires a password to open or modify them. Because you must perform this procedure on one file at a time, consider password-protecting only the files that you plan to use while working in a public place.

Setting up a DHCP server in Windows 2003

What is DHCP ?

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an auto configuration protocol used on IP networks. Computers that are connected to IP networks must be configured before they can communicate with other computers on the network. DHCP allows a computer to be configured automatically, eliminating the need for intervention by a network administrator. It also provides a central database for keeping track of computers that have been connected to the network. This prevents two computers from accidentally being configured with the same IP address.

There are two versions of DHCP, one for IPv4 and one for IPv6. While both versions bear the same name and perform much the same purpose, the details of the protocol for IPv4 and IPv6 are sufficiently different that they can be considered separate protocols.

In the absence of DHCP, hosts on an IP network must either use stateless address autoconfiguration to obtain their IP address, or must be configured manually. Because manual configuration is error-prone and time-consuming, it is not in common use. On IPv6 networks, stateless autoconfiguration and DHCP both have advantages, but on IPv4 networks stateless autoconfiguration is only useful for communication on the local subnet, and thus does not compete with DHCP.

Source - wikipedia.org

The above diagram diplays a simple structure consisting of a DHCP server and a number of client computers on a network.

The DHCP Server itself contains an IP Address Database which holds all the IP addresses available for distribution. If the client (a member of the network with a Windows 2000 Professional/XP operating system, for example) has "obtain an IP address automatically" enabled in TCP/IP settings, then it is able to receive an IP address from the DHCP server.

Setting Up DHCP

This will serve as a step-by-step guide on how to setup a DHCP server.

Installing the DHCP server is made quite easy in Windows 2003. By using the "Manage your server" wizard, you are able to enter the details you require and have the wizard set the basics for you. Open to "Manage your server" wizard, select the DHCP server option for the list of server roles and press Next. You will be asked to enter the name and description of your scope.

Scope: A scope is a collection of IP addresses for computers on a subnet that use DHCP.

The next window will ask you to define the range of addresses that the scope will distribute across the network and the subnet mask for the IP address. Enter the appropriate details and click next.

You are shown a window in which you must add any exclusions to the range of IP addresses you specified in the previous window. If for example, the IP address 10.0.0.150 is that of the company router then you won't want the DHCP server to be able to distribute that address as well. In this example I have excluded a range of IP addresses, 10.0.0.100 to 10.0.0.110, and a single address, 10.0.0.150. In this case, eleven IP's will be reserved and not distributed amongst the network clients.

It is now time to set the lease duration for how long a client can use an IP address assigned to it from this scope. It is recommended to add longer leases for a fixed network (in the office for example) and shorter leases for remote connections or laptop computers. In this example I have set a lease duration of twelve hours since the network clients would be a fixed desktop computer in a local office and the usual working time is eight hours.

You are given a choice of whether or not you wish to configure the DHCP options for the scope now or later. If you choose Yes then the upcoming screen shots will be of use to you. Choosing No will allow you to configure these options at a later stage.

The router, or gateway, IP address may be entered in next. The client computers will then know which router to use.

The last step is to activate the scope - just press next when you see the window below. The DHCP server will not work unless you do this.

The DHCP server has now been installed with the basic settings in place.

Erase File That Cannot Be Deleted

Ever had such an annoying message given by Windows?

Unlocker is the solution. Simply right click the folder or file and select Unlocker. If the folder or file is locked, a window listing of lockers will appear. Simply click Unlock All and you are done!  

Download

Troubleshooting Network Connection Problems

Depending on how elaborate they are, home networks can be complicated. Unfortunately, because of this complexity, problems occasionally happen. Fortunately, you can usually solve these problems yourself. In most cases, finding the problem is a matter of going through a series of steps to eliminate potential issues one by one until you find the source of the problem. This article walks you through isolating your problem, troubleshooting the problem, and, if necessary, contacting the right organization for support.

If you are setting up your home network for the first time, refer to Set up a wired network or Set up a wireless network. The guidance in this article assumes that you were previously able to use your network, although the information here might be useful for troubleshooting setup problems, too.

How to isolate networking problems

People who work with networks think of them in terms of layers. These layers include the Internet, your modem and router, and the computer (or computers) on your network. To troubleshoot a problem effectively, you must first identify which network layer is causing the problem. The following diagram shows the different layers that might be the cause of a problem.

Although you can fix most problems yourself, if you can't fix a problem, it's helpful to know which layer is causing it so that you can contact the right organization for support.

To identify which layer is causing the problem

1.	Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2. Click Network and Internet Connections.
 



3. Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Network Connections.

4. In the Network Connections window, examine the status of your network adapter:

•	Connected. Your computer is properly connected to your modem, router, or wireless network, but there is a problem between your router and the Internet. Read Windows XP says your network adapter is connected.

•	Disabled. Someone has manually disabled the network adapter. To fix the problem, right-click the adapter, and then click Enable.

•	Unplugged. Your computer cannot detect the connection to your modem or router. Read Windows XP says your network adapter is unplugged.

•	Not connected. Your computer cannot connect to your wireless network. Read Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows XP-based wireless networks in the small office or home office.

•	Limited or no connectivity. Your computer is properly connected to your modem, router, or wireless network, but your router is misconfigured or there is a problem between your modem and the Internet. Read Windows XP says your network adapter has limited or no connectivity.

5. If your network adapter does not appear in the Network Connections window, it has not been properly installed. Uninstall the driver and network adapter as described in Troubleshoot device driver problems. Then reinstall the network adapter according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Windows XP says your network adapter is unplugged

If Microsoft Windows XP indicates that your network adapter is unplugged, it could be because of several different problems. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem. (You can stop following the steps if your network connection starts to work.)

1. Verify that both ends of the network cable are properly connected
2. If the cable is properly connected, verify that your modem and router are plugged in and turned on.
3. If you have more than one network port available in your router, plug the cable into a different port. If the network connection works, the original port on your router is faulty. However, you can continue to use the other ports.
4. Replace the network cable with a new cable. You might have a faulty network cable.
5. The network adapter on your computer might have failed. If possible, connect a different computer to the same network cable. If the connection works, the problem is with your network adapter. Contact your computer manufacturer for support, or install a new network adapter. If the new computer also fails to connect and you have already tried a new network cable, your network hardware (the device you connect the network cable to) has failed. Contact technical support for the network hardware, or replace it.

After following these steps, you should have identified the problem as your computer's network adapter, the network cable, or your network equipment, and then either replaced or repaired the failed device.

Windows XP says your network adapter has limited or no connectivity

If Windows XP says your network adapter has limited or no connectivity, it could be due to several different problems, including a failed Internet connection, a misconfigured router, or a misconfigured network adapter. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem. (You can stop following the steps if your network connection starts to work.)

1. In the Network Connections window, right-click your network adapter, and then click Repair. For detailed instructions
2. Unplug your modem. If you are unsure which device might be your modem, it is the device that is connected directly to your phone line (if you have DSL) or cable connection (if you have a cable modem). Wait one minute, and then plug your modem back in again.
3. If you have a router connected to your modem, unplug it. If you are unsure which device might be your router, look for the device that has at least two network cables: one that connects to your modem; and another that connects to your computer. You may also have a wireless router, which would be connected to your modem and would have one or more antennas. Wait one minute, and then plug your router back in again.
4. Restart your computer.
5. If your network adapter still shows "Limited or no connectivity" and you have customized your router's configuration, verify that the router has DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enabled. Enable DHCP, and then restart your computer. DHCP automatically assigns an Internet Protocol (IP) address to your computer, which uniquely identifies your computer on your network. For instructions on how to enable DHCP for your router, refer to your router's documentation.
6. If you are using a router, unplug the network cable that connects your modem to your router, and connect your computer directly to your modem. Then restart your computer. If your computer connects properly after restarting, the problem is with your router. Contact your router manufacturer for support.
7. If your network adapter still indicates "Limited or no connectivity" when your computer is connected directly to your modem, contact your Internet service provider (ISP) for support. To speed up the troubleshooting process, describe the steps you have already taken, including restarting your modem, router, and computer, and connecting your computer directly to your modem. The "Limited or no connectivity" error message indicates that your computer is properly connected to your home network; however, the ISP's DHCP server is not assigning it an IP address. This problem could be caused by a failed DHCP server on the ISP's network, a failed modem, or a problem with your Internet connection. Alternatively, the ISP may require you to use a "static" IP address, which only its support staff can help you configure.

After following these steps, you should have identified the problem as your router, your modem, or your Internet connection, and then either reconfigured or repaired the failed component.

Windows XP says your network adapter is connected, but you can't reach the Internet

If you reached this section, your computer is probably connected to your home network properly, but there is a failure with your router, modem, or Internet connection. In this case:

1. First, verify that you can't reach the Internet. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer, and attempt to connect to the following Web sites: www.microsoft.com, www.msn.com, and www.windowsmarketplace.com. If any of the Web sites open correctly, your Internet connection is functioning properly. If all of the Web sites fail to open, continue following these steps.
2. Unplug your modem. If you are unsure which device might be your modem, it is the device that is connected directly to your phone line (if you have DSL) or cable connection (if you have a cable modem). Wait one minute, and then plug your modem back in again.
3. If you have a router connected to your modem, unplug it. If you are unsure which device might be your router, look for the device that is connected directly to your modem. Wait one minute, and then plug your router back in again.
4. Restart your computer.
5. If you have more than one computer on your network, turn the other computers off. Also, close any network applications that you might have open, including file sharing and peer-to-peer applications. These applications can consume so much bandwidth that they might prevent you from being able to browse the Web. Repeat step 1 to retest your Internet connection. If the connection works now, the problem is that one of your applications is consuming too much of your Internet bandwidth or attempting to connect to too many different computers. Close the application, or configure it to use less bandwidth or fewer connections.
6. If you have previously configured your computer with a static IP address (for example, to connect to your office network), you probably need an automatic IP address at home. Fortunately, you can configure Windows XP to use both by following the steps in Automatic configuration for multiple networks.
7. If you are using a router, unplug the network cable that connects your modem to your router, and connect your computer directly to your modem. Then restart your computer. If your computer connects properly after restarting, the problem is with your router. Contact your router manufacturer for support.
8. If possible, connect a different computer to your modem, and attempt to access the Internet. If the computer is able to access the Internet, you might have a problem with your Web browser. Contact your computer manufacturer for support.
9. Your modem or your Internet connection has failed. To resolve the problem, contact your ISP technical support. To speed up the troubleshooting process, describe the steps you have already taken, including restarting your modem, router, and computer, and connecting your computer directly to your modem.

After following these steps, you should have identified the problem as your router, modem, Internet connection, or Web browser, and then either reconfigured or repaired the failed component.

How to Remove and Delete the Watermark from Windows 7 SP1

The new Windows 7 SP1 beta has been leaked to the Internet for everybody to download. Actually, the full release of this new SP1 beta is Windows 7  SP1 beta build 7601.16562.100603-1800. If you have already installed it, you should know that one of its annoying things is that it  marks your desktop with a two line evaluation copy watermark  which will appear on the bottom-right side of your screen. Here is a simple tool to remove this hideous watermark from your computer.

1. Download the watermark remover tool from this link.
2. Once that Windows 7 has finished downloading it, right-click its icon and from the menu select Run as Administrator.
3. The program will start the procedure to delete the watermark. At a certain point, it will ask you to to press any key to continue to remove the desktop watermark. Press any key.
4. Wait for a couple of seconds.
5. At this point the tool will return you with a message like that: “Success! Watermark has been removed!”
6. Reboot your computer for the change to take effect!

How to Know if Somebody Logged in Your Gmail

A couple of years ago I wrote an article about an interesting feature which lets you know if your Gmail account is hacked. Such a feature lets you see any suspicious activity on your Gmail by showing you interesting facts about it such as: last account activity, access type, IP address, etc.  Google has recently added a new feature to further increase the security of your Gmail account. Let’s what I am talking about.

This new feature is located at the end of  the Gmail page. Once you login your Gmail, go to the end of the page and:

1. Under the space available on your Gmail, click the Details link.
2. Once you click the link a new small window will appear on your screen. Such a window will shows you the details about all the  accesses to your account.
3. At the end of the list, next to Alert preference, click the Change link.
4. Now select the radio button labeled Show an alert for unusual activity.
5. Next time somebody will gain access to your email you will get a warning at the beginning of your account showing you interesting details.

How to Set up a Wireless Network

A wireless network can make using your computer more relaxing by letting you take it anywhere in your house—to your couch, your bedroom, or even your backyard. With a wireless network, you don't have to go out of your way to use the Internet, because it's everywhere in your home. You also don't have to be tied to your office to take care of other computer-related tasks—with a wireless network, you're always connected. You can search the Web for 'reseed lawn' and then, while reclining in front of the TV, print out your garden center shopping list on the printer in your home office.

Adding a wireless network to your home is easier than you think. It requires four steps:

• Choose your wireless equipment.
• Connect your wireless router.
• Configure your wireless router.
• Connect your computers and devices.

Choose your wireless equipment

The first step to setting up a wireless network is to make sure you have the equipment you need. You'll need at least two network components: a wireless router and a wireless network adapter.

If you're buying a new router, look for one with the Windows logo. This ensures that the router will work reliably in Windows XP, and if you decide to upgrade, it will work in Windows Vista and Windows 7 as well. Networking in Windows 7 has been simplified and improved.

• Wireless router. Converts the signals coming across your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast, sort of like a cordless phone base station. Be sure you get a wireless router and not a wireless access point.

• Wireless network adapter. Connects your computer to your wireless router. If you have a newer portable computer, you might already have wireless capabilities built in. To find out if you have wireless networking built in, and for more information about buying and installing a network adapter, read Install a wireless network adapter. Make sure you have an adapter for every computer on your network.

Connect your wireless router

1. Before you go any further, print these instructions. You'll be temporarily disconnected from the Internet, so while you're doing the installation, you won't be able to get to this page to refer to the instructions.

2. Locate your cable modem or DSL modem, and unplug it from its port to turn it off.

• If you connect your modem to the wall in a similar way that you connect your TV to your cable television outlet, you probably have a cable modem, and it probably has a coaxial cable connected to it (like the round black or white cable you plug into your TV).
• If you connect your modem through the phone lines, you probably have a DSL modem, and it probably has a phone cable connected to it.

3. If you currently use a dial-up connection to connect to the Internet, set up your wireless network using ad hoc Internet sharing.

4. Connect your wireless router to your modem. Your modem should stay connected directly to the Internet. Later, after you've hooked everything up, your computer will wirelessly connect to your router, and the router will send communications through your modem to the Internet.



To connect your router to your modem:

•	If you currently have a computer connected directly to your modem: Unplug the network cable from the back of your computer, and plug it into the port labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN on the back of your router.
•	If you don't currently have a computer connected to the Internet: Plug one end of a network cable (included with your router) into your modem, and the other end of the network cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router.

5. Plug in your router. After a minute or two, the Internet, WAN, or WLAN light on your router should light up, indicating that it has successfully connected to your modem.

 Configure your wireless router

There are two ways to configure your wireless router: using Windows Connect Now and manually.

•	If your router supports Windows Connect Now, you don't need to continue reading this article. You can configure your wireless router and Windows XP computers quickly and easily by following the instructions in Using Windows Connect Now technology.
•	If you don't have a router that supports Windows Connect Now, you need to manually configure your router:

1. Using the network cable that came with your wireless router, temporarily connect your computer to one of the wired network ports on your wireless router (any port that isn't labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN).

2. Turn your computer on; it will automatically connect to your router.

3. Open Microsoft Internet Explorer and type in the address to configure your router, as described in your router's instruction manual.

4. Create a password if a prompt appears. The address and password you use will vary depending on what type of router you have, so refer to the instructions included with your router.

Tip: As a quick reference, this table shows the default addresses, user names, and passwords for some common router manufacturers.

5. Internet Explorer will show your router's configuration page. Most of the default settings should be fine, but you should configure three items:

• Set your wireless network name (known as the SSID) to something unique that does not identify your name or address.
• Enable Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption to help prevent uninvited guests from connecting to your wireless network.

Note: We don't recommend using WEP. WPA-2 is more secure. If you try WPA-2 and it doesn’t work, we recommend that you upgrade your network adapter to one that works with WPA-2.

• Set your administrative password to prevent others from configuring your router.

The exact steps you follow will vary depending on the type of router you have. After each configuration setting (SSID, WEP, and administrative password), be sure you click Save Settings, Apply, or OK to save your changes.

Note: The pictures in this section show Linksys wireless equipment. Equipment from other manufacturers will vary in appearance. For example, to save your settings in Linksys, you click Save Settings. Other equipment may have a different display, and you may have to click Apply or OK.

SSID or naming your network

A service set identifier, or SSID, identifies your network. Choose a unique name that you're confident none of your neighbors will use, but don't specify your name or your address. This is not a security tool, so you don't need to make the SSID complex.

 Protecting your wireless network

Help prevent uninvited guests from connecting to your wireless network.

Administrative password 

The last configuration change you should make is to the administrative password. Just like any other password, the administrative password should not be a word you can find in the dictionary, and it should be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Be sure you can remember this password, because you'll need it if you ever have to change your router's settings.

Tip: Write down your passwords on a piece of paper and store them in your home safe if you have one. If you don't have a home safe, store your passwords with your other important family documents. If you think of your passwords as important documents, you'll always know where to find them.

Now that you have configured your wireless router, named your wireless network, protected it, and assigned an administrative password, you are ready for the last step:

• Disconnect the network cable from your computer—you'll be able to connect wirelessly from now on.

Connect your computers and devices

If your computer does not have wireless network support built in, you can install a wired or a wireless network adapter. Windows XP will automatically detect the new adapter and might prompt you to insert the CD that came with it. The on-screen instructions will guide you through the configuration process.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is not required for wireless networking, but it does make setting one up much easier. SP2 also helps protect you against viruses, worms, and other Internet intruders. To install SP2, visit Microsoft Update. The steps below apply only if you're using SP2. Windows XP will show an icon with a notification that says it has found wireless networks.

To connect your computer to your wireless network

1. Right-click the wireless network icon in the lower right corner of your screen, and then click View Available Wireless Networks.

Note: If you run into problems, consult the documentation that came with your network adapter. Don't hesitate to call the manufacturer's technical support number for help.

2. The Wireless Network Connection window appears and displays your wireless network listed with the SSID you chose. If you don't see your network, click Refresh network list in the upper left corner. Click your network, and then click Connect in the lower right corner.

3. Windows XP prompts you to enter a key. Type the encryption key that you wrote down earlier in both the Network key and Confirm network key boxes, and then click Connect.

4. Windows XP will show its progress as it connects to your network. If the Wireless Network Connection window continues to show Acquiring Network Address, you may have mistyped the encryption key—click Cancel and return to step 3.

After you're connected, you can close the Wireless Network Connection  window. Now you're ready to browse the Web wirelessly. You can also create a wireless network in your home that connects your computers, printers, cameras, games, and other accessories for easy access and enjoyment.