Cause Network setup in Windows XP is relatively easy if your network adapter card is installed and working. Be sure to open Network Connections in Control Panel to see if your Local Area Connection is available. If you see it there, you know that the network adapter card is installed and functioning, and you are ready to set up the network. If not, check your computer or network adapter card documentation, or the manufacturer's web site, for more information.
The Pain Killer Once you are certain that the network adapter is installed as it should be, you can use the Network Setup Wizard to help you configure the first computer on your network.
- Click Start | All Programs | Accessories | Communications | Network Setup Wizard.
- Click Next on the Welcome screen.
- Read the instructions on the Before You Continue screen; they tell you to turn on all computers, printers, and so on, before starting. Click Next.
In the Select a Connection Method screen, choose an option that describes your computer, and then click Next.
If you chose the first option in step 4, the Network Setup Wizard needs to identify your Internet connection. Select it in the provided screen, shown here, and then click Next.
- In the Name and Description screen, give the computer a description and a network name. The name should be something friendly and easy to remember. If your computer has a cable or a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem, you may be required to use a certain name provided by the Internet service provider (ISP). If this is the case, do not change the name. Check your broadband documentation for details. Click Next.
- Choose the name of your network. It should be something simple; it is MSHOME by default, but you can call it anything you like.
In the next window, a summary of the settings to be applied are listed. Click Next to apply the settings, and follow any additional instructions that might appear.
Now that you have set up the first computer on your network, you are ready to begin setting up the additional computers.
