From the KnowledgeBase

Title:
Wireless: How to connect to a wireless network on a Windows computer
Synopsis:
How to connect to the Princeton wireless network on your Windows computer


Solution:
The information below is for University faculty, staff and students connecting to PUwireless. See the troubleshooting steps below if you cannot connect. If you are a visitor to Princeton University, use the information at Princeton Wireless to connect to the Internet using eduroam or PUvisitor.

In order to connect to PUwireless you must first register your computers and devices properly in the Hostmaster Database. You will need to know the wireless address of your computer. Write it down. Make sure it is correct.

How to view and connect to the PUwireless network

Windows 7

  • Open the Connect to a Network window by clicking on either the wireless Picture of the wireless network icon or the network Picture of the wired network icon icon in the Notification Area at the bottom righthand corner of your screen.
  • If the icon contains a small image of a sun, it means that your computer is detecting wireless networks. If not, make sure you are in a location with available wireless connectivity.



  • Choose the PUwireless network from the list that appears, and then click Connect.


  • Click Connect Anyway when advised that the network is not a secure one. This is expected.
  • You'll see a confirmation message when you are connected to the network.
  • If you do not see the Wireless icon in the Notification area, see: Windows 7: How to configure the Network and Sharing Center.

Windows Vista

  • Click on the Start button, and then click Connect To.
  • Select puwireless.
  • Click Connect Anyway when advised that the network is not a secure one. This is expected.
  • If you do not see the OIT Princeton wireless network, make sure you are in a location with available wireless connectivity.

Troubleshooting
The most important troubleshooting step is to confirm that your wireless Ethernet card is registered in the Host Database, particularly if you are new to the University, or recently had hardware work done on your computer.

If your computer is registered in the Host Database you can not use the puvisitor wireless network, and if you accidentally select that network, your computer will appear to freeze (Windows) or you will receive an error message (Mac OS X). You will then need to wait at least two minutes before attempting to connect (or reconnect). The reason for this two minute interval is that the system remembers your original request for a certain period of time.

If your computer doesn't connect correctly after the two minute interval, try rebooting. Removing or deleting the puvisitor wireless connection so that your computer can't "see" it helps too.

Step 1
Find the wireless address of your computer and write it down. Make sure it is correct.

Step 2
Change your registration information using one of the forms below:

Step 3
There are times when the wireless card or adapter is disabled and thus unable to access the network. To check if the wireless adapter is disabled, follow the proceeding steps:

  • Right-click on My Computer either from your desktop (or from your Start menu)
  • Click on Properties
  • Click on the Hardware tab to go to the hardware section of system properties
  • Click on Device Manager and in the next window expand the Network Adapters section.

Here, you should see at least two items (if you have a wireless card). One of them should have "wireless" in the description. If there is a red X on the icon next to the wireless adapter, your wireless card is currently disabled. In order to re-enable the adapter, follow these steps:

  • Right-click on the adapter entry and click on Properties
  • In the window that pops up, make sure that, at the bottom of the window, the drop down menu reads "Use this device (enable)." Once you have done that, your wireless adapter should be enabled.

Related Links:

Last Updated:
December 16, 2012

Solution ID:
9539