If you're using a computer with Windows Vista to connect to wireless hotspots or with your wireless home network, you may experience problems. Many Vista users report that they have problems connecting to Wi-Fi that they didn't have with Windows XP. However, it isn't always practical to downgrade your operating system just to solve wireless connectivity issues. There are many things you can do to solve Vista Wi-Fi problems.
Types
There are different Wi-Fi connection problems that occur in Windows Vista. Your computer may fail to connect to the router entirely. It may connect, but fail to obtain a valid IP address. If you succeed in connecting, you may find that you have access to the Internet but not files and printers, or that files and printers are available but the Internet connection is absent. You may also experience performance problems such as slow speeds, or you may be disconnected repeatedly from the wireless router.
Function
Whether you're logging into your wireless local area network (WLAN) or a wireless hotspot, your Vista computer must connect to a wireless router. While your Wi-Fi connectivity issues may be caused by Vista, they may also be caused by other things such as improper settings on your computer or on your router or problems with your network software. Even if your settings are correct, if the computer you're trying to connect to is turned off, asleep or disconnected from its router or access point, you will have problems with your Wi-Fi connection..
Considerations
In Windows Vista, you must configure your network settings in the "Sharing and Discovery" section of the Network and Sharing Center. To access this Vista feature, click "Start," "Control Panel," "Network and Internet" and "Network and Sharing Center." Go through these settings and decide whether you want to turn on network discovery, file and printer sharing, public folder sharing, password protected sharing and media sharing. Also, there is a wireless network compatibility issue between Windows XP and Vista. In XP, the workgroup is automatically named "MSHOME." In Vista, the name is "WORKGROUP." To solve this problem, log in as an administrator on the computers in your network that are running XP. Click "Start," right-click "My Computer" and select "Properties." Select the "Computer Name" tab. Click "Change." Type "WORKGROUP" in the name field and click "OK." Restart the computer when prompted.
Prevention/Solution
There are basic troubleshooting steps you can use to solve Windows Vista wireless connection problems. Update the drivers, for your network interface card (NIC), wireless router and for the access points on each computer in your network. Also update the firmware for your router and access points. You can usually access this and any other software updates for your wireless equipment by visiting the websites of the manufacturers of your computer, NIC, router and access points. Also, make sure that automatic updates are enabled in Windows Vista by clicking "Start," "Windows Update" and "Change settings." Select "Install updates automatically," "Download updates and let me choose install them" or "Check for updates and let me choose whether to download and install them," depending on your preference. Be sure to install updates if Windows Vista prompts you to do so.
Finding Help
There are many resources on the web where you can get help with your problems connecting to Wi-Fi networks in Windows Vista. One of the best is the Microsoft Help and Support website. This site has many knowledge-based articles with step-by-step instructions for solving known problems. Also, you may be able to access the knowledge base through the "Help and Support" link in your start menu. There are also support forums on the Microsoft website where you can get help for free. If these support options fail to solve the problem, contact your computer manufacturer's toll-free support number, especially if your computer is still under warranty.
