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Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Windows 7 with Certificates
Time to Complete (in minutes): 60
Question:
How do I connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network in Windows 7 with certificates?

Answer:

Notes:

  • Important: Connecting to VT-Wireless with certificates is still possible, but users are highly encouraged to connect to VT-Wireless using their PID and network password. For more information, see Connecting to the VT-Wireless Wireless Network in Windows 7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/3538/).

  • For Virginia Tech students, current registration for Virginia Tech wireless services using COLA (https://cola.cns.vt.edu/servlets/logon) is required to access the VT-Wireless wireless network.

To connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network in Windows 7:
  1. Create and download a personal network access certificate.
    1. Go to the Login to NetCert via CAS (https://netcert.cns.vt.edu/) Web page.
    2. In the Username text box, type your PID.
    3. In the Password text box, type your PID password.
    4. Click the Login button.
    5. In the Label for certificate: text box, type a name you want for the certificate.
    6. Click the Generate Certificate button.
    7. Download the certificate by following the instructions on the CNS page containing your personal network access certificate password.

      Important: Write down this password exactly as it is displayed. You will need it to install the certificate.

  2. Install the personal network access certificate on your computer.
    1. If you already have a certificate that is expiring or has expired, delete your old certificate before installing the new one. For instructions, see Deleting VT-Wireless Certificates in Windows XP/Vista/7 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/3513/).
    2. Double-click the certificate that you downloaded. The Certificate Import Wizard window will appear.
    3. Click Next.
    4. Click Next.
    5. In the Password: text box, type your personal network access certificate password.
    6. Click Next.
    7. If not already selected, select the Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate radio button.
    8. Click Next.
    9. Click Finish.
    10. Click OK.
  3. Configure your computer to access the VT-Wireless wireless network.
    1. In the system tray, on the right, click the Network icon.
    2. Click the Open Network and Sharing Center link.
    3. In the left pane, click the Manage wireless networks link.
    4. Click the Add button.
    5. Select Manually create a network profile.
    6. In the Network name: text box, type: VT-Wireless

      Note: This step is case sensitive; type the text exactly as shown. You may copy and paste the text directly from this article to ensure accuracy.

    7. From the Security type: drop-down list, select WPA2-Enterprise.
    8. From the Encryption type: drop-down list, select AES.
    9. Place a check in the Start this connection automatically check box.
    10. If not already cleared, clear the Connect even if the network is not broadcasting check box.
    11. Click Next.
    12. Select Change connection settings.
    13. If not already selected, select the Connection tab.
    14. If not already checked, place a check in the Connect automatically when this network is in range check box.
    15. Select the Security tab.
    16. Under Choose a network authentication method:, from the drop-down list, select Microsoft: Smart Card or other certificate.
    17. Click the Settings button.
    18. If not already selected, under When connecting:, select the Use a certificate on this computer radio button.
    19. If not already checked, place a check in the Use simple certificate selection (Recommended) check box.
    20. If not already checked, place a check in the Validate server certificate check box.
    21. Under Trusted Root Certification Authorities:
      1. Place a check in the GlobalSign Root CA check box.
      2. Place a check in the Thawte Premium Server CA check box.
      3. If available, place a check in the thawte Primary Root CA check box.

        Note: Do not select any other certificates.

    22. Click OK.
    23. Click OK.
    24. Click the Close button.
  4. Connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network.
    1. In the system tray, on the right, click the Network icon.
    2. Select VT-Wireless.
    3. Click the Connect button. The connection process may take 20-30 seconds.

      Note: The connection may happen automatically. If so, to close the window, click outside of the window.

    4. Verify that your system automatically connects to the VT-Wireless network and that you are able to connect to Web sites. Once connected, you may close all windows.

If you have feedback about the content of this article, please leave a comment. If you need assistance with these instructions, contact 4Help at http://4help.vt.edu.

  • Article ID: 3754
  • Last updated: 18 Jun, 2012
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  • If you have feedback about the content of this article, please leave a comment. If you need assistance with these instructions, contact 4Help at http://4help.vt.edu.
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