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Switching Between Wireless & Wired Networks

Windows 2000 & XP

Operating System: Win 2000, Win XP

Switch to the UMass Wireless Network from Dial-up or Ethernet

Switching between the UMass wireless network and other networks is usually automatic

  1. Check that the wireless card is installed in the slot, and no Ethernet cable is connected.
  2. Start (or re-start) your computer in an area where UMass wireless networking is available.
  3. Insert the wireless card into the PCMCIA slot. Wait for the system to recognize the card.
  4. Log-in to the UMass wireless network.
  5. If you haven't changed the network settings since configuring, you should now have a working wireless connection to the Internet. If you have adjusted those settings, then perform the steps described in the Windows 2000 or Windows XP configuration instructions to configure your card to attach to the UMass wireless network.
  6. When done using the wireless connection, you can shut down your computer and remove the wireless card. Some laptops provide a "card manager" that can be used to turn off and remove the PCMCIA card without shutting down the computer completely.

Switch to Dial-up or Ethernet from the UMass Wireless Network

  1. For best results, start with the system off, the wireless card not installed in the slot, and no Ethernet cable connected.
  2. If using Ethernet, insert the PCMCIA adapter (if required) and connect the Ethernet cable to the computer and wall jack.
  3. Start your computer. It should automatically start using an Ethernet connection, or allow you to run dial-up networking.

Related Pages

Need Help?

If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
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Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.

Last revised July 03, 2004