Configuring the Windows XP Wireless Client

I. T. Services

Before you begin:
Configuring a secure wireless network requires proficiency with Window XP. Employees in areas covered by wireless are capable of helping, but they are not experts. IT Services is available 8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday to help if you have additional support needs.

The instructions assume a standard XP installation. If you have customized your settings, your computer may look different.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 is required. If you have purchased your computer recently or if you have Automatic Updates scheduled, you will have Service Pack 3. If you are uncertain, Click on START, point to My Computer and right click, then click on Properties. Under the General tab, you should see the words "Service Pack 3". If you need SP3, run Windows Update (Start --> All Programs --> Windows Update). It is also available at the Help Desk in Ikenberry Hall and at the Public Services desk at the Library.

Install your wireless card and configure it according to the manufacturer's instructions before continuing. If your laptop has a built-in wireless card, chances are it is already configured. If your computer does not look like the screen shot on step 1, you probably do not have your wireless device configured.

Install the optional Microsoft Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) patch. Click here for instructions - WPA2 Patch.

Configuration Steps:
1. Click on the Start --> Connect To --> Wireless Network Connection

2. Click on Change advanced settings

3. Click Wireless Networks

4. Click on Add

5. Enter registration into the Network name (SSID): field. Select WPA2 in Network Authentication if available, else use WPA. Select AES in Data Encryption if available, otherwise select TKIP.

6. Click on the Authentication tab and select Protected EAP (PEAP) in EAP type. Uncheck the box labeled Authenticate as computer when computer information is available. Click on the Properties button.

7. Uncheck the boxes labeled Validate server certificate and Do not prompt user to authorize new servers or trusted certification authorities. Click on Configure.

8. Uncheck the box Automatically use my Windows logon name and password (and domain if any).

9. Click OK in the EAP MSCHAPv2 Properties box.

10. Click OK in the Protected EAP Properties.

11. Click OK in the Wireless network properties box.

12. Click OK in the Wireless Network Connection Properties box.

Stop Here if you are not on-campus and in a wireless area.

13. Now, when your computer is in range of the Shepherd University network, you will see the balloon shown below pop up from the system tray. Click in the balloon.

14. When the Enter Credentials box appears, Enter your Shepherd User name and password. Leave the Logon domain box blank. Click OK.

You will see the Wireless Network Connection balloon pop up after a brief period. This means you have successfully configured your computer to work on the Shepherd wireless network. If you do not see this pop up, walk through these steps again to make sure you didn't miss anything. Each step is important.

The first time you access the internet after configuring your laptop for wireless, you will get the Shepherd University Network Security page. Read the page and follow the directions. Once you have followed the directions on that page you will be able to access the internet.

You must have an anti-virus product installed on your computer in order to use the wireless network. Shepherd University has Symantec Anti-Virus for Windows available free of charge to students. If you do not have an anti-virus product already, you must install one. You may buy and install a commercial one, or use a free one from the internet. One such free antivirus product is AVG which can be downloaded by typing free.avg.com into your web browser's address line.

If you have any problems with this guide, please contact the User Support Desk at (304) 876-5457 or support@shepherd.edu.