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How do I connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network in Windows Vista?

Question:
How do I connect to the VT-Wireless wireless network in Windows Vista?
Answer:

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:
      1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
      2. Select Network & Internet.
      3. Select Network and Sharing Center.
      4. From the Tasks menu, select Manage Wireless Networks.
      5. Click the Add button.
      6. Select Manually create a network profile.
      7. In the Network name field, type VT-Wireless
      8. From the Security types drop-down list, select WPA2-Enterprise.
      9. From the Encryption type drop-down list, select AES.
      10. Place a check in the Start this connection automatically check box.
      11. Verify that the Connect even if the network is not broadcasting check box is cleared.
      12. Click Next.
      13. Select Change connection settings.
      14. Under the Connection tab, place a check in only the Connect automatically when this network is in range check box.
      15. Select the Security tab.
      16. From the Choose a network authentication method drop-down list, select Smart Card or other certificate.
      17. Click the Settings button.
      18. Under When connecting:, verify that Use a certificate on this computer is selected.
      19. Place a check in the Use simple certificate check box.
      20. Place a check in the Validate server certificate check box.
      21. Under Trusted Root Certification Authorities, place a check in the Thawte Premium Server CA check box.

        Note: Do not select any other certificates.
      22. Click OK.
      23. Click OK.
      24. Select the Connect to option.
      25. Select VT-Wireless.
      26. Click the Connect button.

        Note: The connection may happen automatically.If so, click the Cancel button.
      27. 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.