Configure Windows XP to Access the cavalier Wireless Network

Expanded Instructions

Requirements

  • Windows XP (Service Pack 2), with all current updates and patches available through Windows Update applied.
  • A Wi-Fi certified wireless card that supports WPA Enterprise (how to tell…).
  • A University of Virginia account and password on Central Mail Service (CMS), ESERVICES, or Blue.unix.
  • Access to a wired network port with access to the internet.

Configure Windows XP to Connect to cavalier

Note: A simplified process is available to users performing their wireless configuration while in range of the cavalier wireless network.

Prepare your Computer

  1. Ensure your computer is fully updated with Windows XP Service Pack 2 and all High Priority Updates installed.
  2. Connect to the internet via your wired Ethernet connection.

Get a Digital Certificate to Identify You

  1. With Internet Explorer—even if it is not your normal web browser—get a personal digital certificate and follow the instructions. Answer the prompts provided and accept the certificate download when asked.
  2. Once started, the process is largely automatic:
    1. In the Certificate Store window, accept the defaults (Automatically select the certificate store) and click the Next button.
    2. In the Completing the Certificate Import Wizard window, click the Finish button.
    3. If a Security Warning appears, asking you if you want to install the USHER CA1 v1, click the Yes button.
    4. In the Success window, click the OK button.

Configure XP to Manage your Wireless Connection

  1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel (classic view), then select Network Connections.
  2. From the list of Network Connections, select your wireless card.
  3. In the left column, under Network Tasks select Change settings of this connection. The Wireless Network Connection Properties window will open.
  4. Select the Wireless Networks tab.
  5. Check the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings box (if it isn't already).
  6. Click the Advanced button (at the bottom of the window).
    1. Check the Access point (infrastructure) networks only box.
    2. Click the Close button.
  7. Under Preferred Networks, click the Add... button.
    1. Select the Association tab.
    2. In the Network name [SSID] field, type cavalier.
    3. In the Network Authentication dropdown, select WPA.
    4. In the Data encryption dropdown, select TKIP.
    5. Select the Authentication tab.
    6. Click the Properties button. The Smart Card or other Certificate Properties window will open.
      1. From the Trusted Root Certificate Authorities list, check the USHER CA1 v1 box. (Don't see this? Go to troubleshooting)
        Wireless Network Properties dialog box with the Authentication tab selected, mouse cursor pointing to the Properties button
      2. Click the OK button to close the Smart Card or other Certificate Properties window.
    7. Select the Connection tab
    8. Check the Connect when this network is in range box (if not already checked).
    9. Click the OK button to close the Wireless network properties window.
  8. You should now automatically connect to the wireless network. (Didn't connect? See troubleshooting.)

Setup is complete. If you have not previously registered your wireless card you will be directed to the registration web site when you open a browser. Subsequent connections to the cavalier network should occur without any user interaction.

If you encounter difficulties in connecting to the UVa Wireless Network, please contact the ITC Help Desk for assistance.

© 2008 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

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