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

Answer:

Notes:
  • Important: While connecting with certificates is still possible, 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 Vista (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/3354/).
  • 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 Vista:
  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 your certificate.
    6. Click the Generate Certificate button.

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

    7. Click the Download the certificate link.
    8. Save the file to your desktop.
  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 icon of certificate that you downloaded. The Certificate Import Wizard window will appear.
    3. Click Next.
    4. Click Next.
    5. In the Password: text box, type the personal network access certificate password that you wrote down.
    6. Click Next.
    7. If it is 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. Click the Start button.
    2. Select Control Panel.
    3. Click the Network and Internet link.
    4. Click the Network and Sharing Center link.
    5. In the left pane under Tasks, click the Manage Wireless Networks link.
    6. Click the Add button.
    7. Select Manually create a network profile.
    8. In the Network name text box, type: VT-Wireless

      Note: This text is case-sensitive. Type the text exactly as shown, or copy and paste the text directly from this article.

    9. From the Security type drop-down list, select WPA2-Enterprise.
    10. From the Encryption type drop-down list, select AES.
    11. Place a check in the Start this connection automatically check box.
    12. If it is not already cleared, clear the Connect even if the network is not broadcasting check box.
    13. Click Next.
    14. Select Change connection settings.
    15. Select the Connection tab.
    16. Place a check in the Connect automatically when this network is in range check box.
    17. Select the Security tab.
    18. From the Choose a network authentication method drop-down list, select Smart Card or other certificate.
    19. Click the Settings button.
    20. Under When connecting:, select the Use a certificate on this computer radio button.
    21. Place a check in the Use simple certificate check box.
    22. Place a check in the Validate server certificate check box.
    23. 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.

    24. Click OK.
    25. Click OK.
  4. Connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network.
    1. Click the Start button.
    2. Select Connect to.
    3. Select VT-Wireless.
    4. Click the Connect button. The connection process may take 20-30 seconds.

      Note: The connection may happen automatically. If so, click the Cancel button.

    5. Verify that your computer automatically connects to the VT-Wireless wireless network and that you are able to view Web sites.

      Note: Reconnecting to the VT-Wireless wireless network after sleep mode or upon restarting may take as long as a full minute.

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: 3756
  • 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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