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Connecting to a wlan – Dell Latitude D430 (Mid 2007) User Manual

Page 49

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Setting Up and Using Networks

49

• Find out your wireless router’s broadcast name. The technical term for the name of your router’s

broadcast name is Service Set Identifier (SSID) or network name.

15 If necessary, configure your wireless network card to connect to the wireless network (see "Connecting

to a WLAN" on page 49).

Connecting to a WLAN

NOTE:

Before you connect to a WLAN, ensure that you have followed the instructions in "Wireless Local Area

Network" on page 47.

NOTE:

The following networking instructions do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth

®

wireless technology

or cellular products.

This section provides general procedures for connecting to a network using wireless technology. Specific

network names and configuration details vary. See "Wireless Local Area Network" on page 47 for more

information about how to prepare for connecting your computer to a WLAN.
Your wireless network card requires specific software and drivers for connecting to a network. The

software is already installed.

NOTE:

If the software is removed or corrupted, follow the instructions in the user documentation for your wireless

network card. Verify the type of wireless network card installed in your computer and then search for that name on

the Dell™ Support website at support.dell.com. For information on the type of wireless network card that is

installed in your computer, see "Checking Your Wireless Network Card" on page 47.

Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager

Depending on the software installed on your computer, different wireless configuration utilities may

manage your network devices:

• Your wireless network card’s client utility
• The Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system

In Windows XP:
To determine which wireless configuration utility is managing your wireless network card in Windows

XP:

1 Click StartSettingsControl PanelNetwork Connections.
2 Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon, and then click View Available Wireless Networks.

If the Choose a wireless network window states Windows cannot configure this connection, the wireless

network card’s client utility is managing the wireless network card.
If the Choose a wireless network window states Click an item in the list below to connect to a wireless

network in range or to get more information, the Windows XP operating system is managing the

wireless network card.
In Windows Vista:
To determine which wireless configuration utility is managing your wireless network card in Windows

Vista: