Time to Complete (in minutes): 60
- Question:
- How do I connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network in Windows Vista?
- Answer:
Note: To keep using the VT-Wireless wireless network after your certificate expires, delete your old certificate and update to a new certificate. To do this, see Deleting VT-Wireless Certificates in Windows XP/Vista.
Connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network using a personal network access certificate. The following are required:
- Windows Vista with all current updates and patches available through Windows Update applied.
- A Wi-Fi certified wireless card that supports WPA2 Enterprise.
- A valid Virginia Tech PID and password.
- A personal network access certificate installed on your computer. For installation information, visit the Login to NetCert via CAS Web page (http://netcert.cns.vt.edu/).
- An active wireless service registration. Virginia Tech students can register for service using COLA (https://cola.cns.vt.edu/servlets/logon). Faculty and staff should contact their departmental communications liaison to register for this service.
To connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network in Windows Vista:
- From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Select Network and Sharing Center.
- From the Tasks menu, select Manage Wireless Networks.
- Click the Add button.
- Select Manually create a network profile.
- In the Network name field, type VT-Wireless
Note: This step is case-sensitive. Enter exactly as shown. You may copy and paste the text directly from this article to ensure accuracy.
- From the Security types drop-down list, select WPA2-Enterprise.
- From the Encryption type drop-down list, select AES.
- Place a check in the Start this connection automatically check box.
- Verify that the Connect even if the network is not broadcasting check box is cleared.
- Click Next.
- Select Change connection settings.
- Under the Connection tab, place a check in only the Connect automatically when this network is in range check box.
- Select the Security tab.
- From the Choose a network authentication method drop-down list, select Smart Card or other certificate.
- Click the Settings button.
- Under When connecting:, verify that Use a certificate on this computer is selected.
- Place a check in the Use simple certificate check box.
- Place a check in the Validate server certificate check box.
- Under Trusted Root Certification Authorities, place a check in the Thawte Premium Server CA check box.
Note: Do not select any other certificates.
- Click OK.
- Click OK.
- Select the Connect to option.
- Select VT-Wireless.
- Click the Connect button.
Note: The connection may happen automatically.If so, click the Cancel button.
- The connection process may take 20-30 seconds. Verify that your system automatically connects to the VT-Wireless wireless network and that you are able to connect to Web sites. Once connected, you may close all windows.
Note: Reconnecting to the VT-Wireless wireless network after sleep mode or upon restarting may take as long as a full minute.