Fix a Wi-Fi connection in Windows XP.
Sometimes, a Wi-Fi Internet connection will disconnect or stop working if radio interference affects the signal strength. Cordless phones, microwaves, walls and doors can also cause your PC to lose a Wi-Fi Internet connection. Moving your PC closer to the router can help solve some problems. But, if you're unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network, follow these steps to determine what is preventing Windows XP from making a wireless network connection.
Instructions
1. Look for the Wi-Fi connection icon at the bottom right-hand side of your screen and taskbar. Right click on it and choose "View Available Connections." Select the Wi-Fi network that you want to use, then press the "Connect" button. If you are connecting to a secure Wi-Fi network, you will be prompted to provide the password. If you cannot establish a Wi-Fi connection, you may need to restart the wireless network service. Or, use the "Repair" option to renew a wireless network connection.
2. Restart the wireless network service. Press the "Start" button on the taskbar, and select "Control Panel" from the menu list. Click on "Performance and Maintenance" and then, click "Administrative Tools." Select "Services" and on the two-pane box, scroll down the list to locate "Wireless Zero Configuration" and click on it. Next, click on the link that says, "Stop the service" and then, click on "Start the service" link to automatically configure 802.11 adapters. For example, the wireless PC card on your laptop, or a wireless USB network adapter that connects to a USB port on a PC.
3. Go to "Control Panel" and click on "Network and Internet Connections" from the menu list. Choose "Wireless Network Connection" and select the "Repair" option. Windows XP will try to renew the wireless connection. This may take several minutes to complete. If Windows is unable to solve the problem, a pop-up dialog box will appear on your desktop.
4. Restart your PC so that the wireless adapter will reinitialize itself, and refresh the wireless network connection. If you were unsuccessful establishing a Wi-Fi Internet connection, you may need to set up a new wireless network connection.
5. Go to "Control Panel" and click on "Network and Internet Connections" from the menu list. Click on "Network Connections," then click on the link that says, "Create a new connection." The "New Connection Wizard" pop-up box will appear on your desktop. Click the "Next" button and follow the Windows onscreen instructions for creating a new connection.
