Windows 8(8.1) Wireless Networking Usage and Troubleshooting Guide for the Home

For help with setting up, connecting, sharing files, photos, music, and troubleshooting your wireless network refer to the expanding section and follow the steps and refer to the links.

No cause information is available.

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General wireless information and how to set up a new wireless network

For the purpose of this document, Wireless is defined as the means to move information from one computer, Person Digital Assistant (PDA), or SmartPhone to another by using radio waves instead of wires.

The radio wave is modulated similar to Television and FM signals to carry information along with the wave.

For computer, PDA, or SmartPhone communication the distances will generally be short (less than 200 feet or 60 meters).

For Mobile Broadband adapters (cellular) the distance will depend on the terrain and the number of cellular towers nearby.

There are many different types of wireless devices you use every day without giving it a second thought. Cell phones, cordless phones, and remote controls for your TV are just a few everyday devices that use wireless technology. Wireless technology for computers can be just as easy and carefree to use when setup correctly. For the rest of the document when referring to Wireless it's talking about wireless technology for computers.

Wireless technology for computers is divided into different types. Each type of wireless technology is covered in a different section. Each technology has its own uses, processes, and standards. Below is a list of the different technologies with a brief explanation that will be covered.

Wireless Local Area Networking - Referred to as WLAN or Wi-Fi. This type of wireless is used to get to the Internet and connect other devices such as computers, PDAs, SmartPhone, and printers just to name a few.

Bluetooth- Bluetooth technology is a short-range wireless technology for connecting devices that are very close (30 feet or 10 meters). This technology is used to connect devices such as Bluetooth keyboards, mice, stereo headsets, PDA's, and Smartphones. Many people already use this technology to connect wireless headsets to cell phones.

Mobile Broadband - Also called Wireless Wide Area Networking (WWAN). Mobile Broadband uses cellular service to provide access to the Internet. Mobile Broadband technology is used in cell phones that can connect to the Internet. It requires a data-enabled cellular service which is not available in all areas.

Wireless USB - This technology recently became available. It allows a wireless connection from a computer to a Wireless USB hub. USB devices are then connected to the Wireless USB hub and the hub acts as a bridge. The range is very short (10 feet / 3 meters).

In order to connect to the Internet wirelessly certain hardware and services are needed which are listed below. Without any one of these items connection to the internet is not possible. The range from the router typically will be limited (less than 200 feet or 60 meters).

Wireless Network Adapter - This is a device that can be installed inside the computer or into a USB port. If you do not know if you have a wireless card installed contact the manufacture of the computer to find out.

Wireless Broadband Router - The router is used to connect all of your computers to a network, and to the Internet.

Broadband Internet Service Provider (ISP) - Telephone (DSL) and Cable TV companies usually offer Internet service.

NOTE: When setting up your wireless network try to locate the wireless router somewhere close to the middle of the house or office, when possible. At least place the wireless router as high as possible to bypass interference.

Your Broadband Internet Service Provider (ISP) will either come to your residence or business and set up the Broadband Modem or send you a do-it-yourself kit.
NOTE: When using the do-it-yourself kit, follow the instructions provided for setting up the Broadband Modem or contact your ISP. Most likely you will need to contact your ISP anyway to set up a user name and password (when using DSL) or register your Broadband Modem (when using cable).
Once the Broadband Modem is set up and working remove the network or USB cable that is connecting the computer to the Modem.
Turn off the Broadband Modem for at least three or more minutes (this is necessary to make the Broadband Modem find the wireless router later).
After the three or more minutes is up, attach the wireless router with the supplied network cable and turn the Broadband Modem back on.

Refer to the documentation that comes with your wireless router for installation instructions.

NOTE: For more information on setting up your wireless router refer to the manufacture's website (Table 1).

Manufacture Website Link
Linksys	D-Link	Netgear	2Wire	Belkin	Apple	TRENDnet	TP-Link	Cisco	Ubiquiti

Table 1: Common Wireless Router Websites

During the initial set up of the wireless router, the network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi Security (network) key should be changed for security reasons, for additional information see the Securing Your Wireless Network section.

I want to connect my computer or tablet to my existing wireless network

NOTE: The following steps are for Windows 8(8.1), for other Operating Systems visit our Networking and Wireless Support Center.

Move the computer to within 3-9 feet (1-3 meters) of the router (if possible).
NOTE:
- Moving the computer closer to the router will help eliminate sources of interference that may cause slow and intermittent connections, and make sure the wireless hardware is working correctly.
- When your computer only connects correctly to the internet while the computer is close to the router, it means you are probably experiencing interference issues. For more information on what causes interference, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Identify and Reduce Wireless Signal Interference.
From the Desktop screen, touch or click the network icon , either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1).
NOTE:
- Both are located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
- Make sure the wireless antenna is on. For more information refer to Dell Knowledge Base article How to Turn the Wireless on a Dell Notebook On and Off (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Mobile Broadband).
- Make sure to unplug any network (Ethernet) cable or undock before performing the steps, otherwise, the wireless icon may not appear correctly.
- When you cannot find the wireless icon, reboot the computer. When it still does not show, download and install the latest drivers. For more information, refer to How to Download and Install Dell Drivers section.
Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
Look for a listing that has the most white bars next to it (it may be necessary to scroll up or down to find it).
Touch or click the network with the most white bars (), and then touch or click Connect.
NOTE: When there is more than one listing with the same number of white bars or the listing reads as "Hidden network or Other Network", refer to the Getting the Wireless Network Name Directly from the Wireless Router tab, within the Securing Your Wireless Network section, for instructions to get the wireless network name from the wireless router directly.
Enter the network security key if prompted, and then click Next.
NOTE:
- During this process, you may need to know your wireless network name or network security key. For more information, refer to the How Do I Find my Wireless Network Name or How Do I Find my Wireless Network Key tabs within the Securing Your Wireless Network section.
- Refer to the I am having issues getting or staying on the Internet section, for help when you still cannot get or stay on the internet.

I am having issues with a slow connection, getting or staying on the Internet

Move the computer to within 3-9 feet (1-3 meters) of the router (if possible).
NOTE:
- Moving the computer closer to the router will help eliminate sources of interference that may cause slow and intermittent connections, and make sure the wireless hardware is working correctly.
- When your computer only connects correctly to the internet while the computer is close to the router, it means you are probably experiencing interference issues. For more information on what causes interference, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Identify and Reduce Wireless Signal Interference.
From the Desktop screen, locate the network icon either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1), see below for examples of the network icons.
NOTE: Both are located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.

Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
Select the tab below that matches the icon on your computer.
NOTE:
- Make sure to unplug any network (Ethernet) cable or undock before performing the steps, otherwise, the wireless icon may not appear correctly.
- When you cannot find the wireless icon, reboot the computer. When it still does not show, download and install the latest drivers. For more information, refer to the How to Download and Install the Latest Dell Wireless Network Adapter Driver section.

This icon means that your computer is connected to the wireless network. When you cannot get to the internet, refer to the Resolving Not Able to Get to the Internet tab.

This icon means that the wireless antenna is on, but you are not connected to a wireless network. For information on connecting to your wireless network, refer to the I want to connect my computer or tablet to my existing wireless network section.

This icon means that the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna is off.

To turn the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna on:

Touch or click on the Network icon ().

Touch or click the slider to the right of Wi-Fi, the slider should move to to the right and the listing under Wi-Fi will change from Off to On and should look like Figure 2.

NOTE:

When you need help connecting to your wireless network, refer to the I want to connect my computer or tablet to my existing wireless network section.
When you need all the wireless devices turned off (Wireless (Wi-Fi), Mobile Broadband, Bluetooth, GPS, and near field communication (NFC)), as when on an airplane, touch or click the slider to the right of Airplane mode, the slider should move to to the right and the listing under Airplane mode will change from Off to On, and should look like Figure 3.


Figure 2: Wi-Fi Antenna On	Figure 3: Airplane Mode On

This icon means that the computer is in Airplane mode and that all the wireless communication devices including Wireless (Wi-Fi), Mobile Broadband, Bluetooth, GPS, near field communication (NFC), and any other type of wireless communication are turned off.

To turn the communication devices and the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna back on:

Touch or click on the Network icon ().
Touch or click the slider to the right of Airplane mode, the slider should move to to the left and the listing under Airplane mode will change from On to Off, and should look like Figure 2.
When the listing under Wi-Fi is still showing as Off. Touch or click the slider to the right of Wi-Fi, the slider should move to to the right and the listing under Wi-Fi will change from Off to On and should look like Figure 2.
NOTE: When you need help connecting to your wireless network, refer to the I want to connect my computer or tablet to my existing wireless network section.

Figure 2: Wireless Antenna On

When you have not done so, please perform the steps on the Resolving Wireless Connection Issues tab first.

Run the Network Troubleshooter.
1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
2. In the search box type, troubleshoot
3. Touch or click Troubleshooting.
4. Touch or click Network and Internet.
5. Touch or click Internet Connections.
6. Touch or click Next and follow the prompts.
Turn off and then turn on all the devices on the network to reboot and synchronize them, for more information refer to the Turn Off and Then Turn on All the Devices on the Network tab.
Run the Dell SupportAssist Optimize Network application.
1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
2. In the search box type, supportassist.
3. Touch or click SupportAssist (Desktop app).
  NOTE: When SupportAssist does not appear in the list of applications, you will need to download it, either on the computer that has the issue (if possible) or to a USB memory key on another device that can reach the internet. For more information on how to obtain and install SupportAssist, browse to the SupportAssist for PCs and tablets page. You may need to provide the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer or select your computer model from a list.
4. Touch or click Optimize My System.
5. Touch or click Optimize Network.
6. Touch or click Run Now.
7. After the Optimize Network is finished (the status bar will read 100%) touch or click the History tab.
8. Touch or click the latest listing of Optimize Network (Manual) to review the results.
Make sure the most current wireless drivers, computer BIOS, and router firmware are installed.
NOTE: When the affected device has no Wireless connectivity to download a driver or BIOS, you will need to do one of the following to get the driver on the affected device:
- Connect the affected device to your router using a network cable (when that is an option).
- Use another device that does have Internet connectivity to download the driver and use a USB Flash drive to transfer the driver to the affected device.
- For tablets, use the USB cable that came with the tablet to transfer the driver to the tablet, which was downloaded to another device that does have Internet connectivity.
- For more information on downloading and installing the most current BIOS version, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Dell BIOS Updates
  NOTE:
  - When you have upgraded from Windows 7 or 8(8.1) to Windows 10. It is recommended that you update to the most current BIOS available for your computer before installing any Wireless device drivers.
  - The most current BIOS is located in the BIOS subsection.
For more information on downloading and installing the most current wireless drivers, refer to How to Download and Install Dell Drivers section.
NOTE: The network adapter drivers are located in the Network subsection.

Update the wireless router's firmware to the latest available, refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer, links are provided in Table 1.

NOTE: To update the router firmware you will need to have a computer connected to your wireless router (this may be by means of a network cable or another computer that is connected wirelessly).

Manufacture	User Name	Password
Linksys	leave blank	admin
D-Link	admin	leave blank
Netgear	admin	password
2Wire	None unless one was set up.	None unless one was set up.
Belkin	None	leave blank
Apple	Use the AirPort utility
SMC	Admin	smcadmin

Table 1: Wireless Manufacture Links, Router Default User Names and Passwords

Make sure the wireless adapter is transmitting at its highest level. For more information, refer to the Configure the Wireless Adapter Settings for Optimal Performance tab.
Run the Dell SupportAssist Troubleshooting application.
1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
2. In the search box type, supportassist.
3. Touch or click SupportAssist (Desktop app).
  NOTE: When SupportAssist does not appear in the list of application, you will need download it, either on the computer that has the issue (if possible) or to a USB memory key on another device that can reach the internet. For more information on how to obtain and install SupportAssist, browse to the SupportAssist for PCs and tablets page. You may need to provide the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer or select your computer model from a list.
4. Touch or click the Troubleshooting tab.
5. Touch or click I'm having internet issues.
6. Touch or click the desired option.
7. Touch or click Run Now and follow the instructions.
Run the Network Adapter Diagnostics available on the Dell Support site.
NOTE:
- When the affected device has no Wireless connectivity, for this process to work, a network cable will have to be connected between one of the LAN ports on the back of the wireless router and the LAN port on the computer. Refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product, for information on how to get the manual for your computer, which will provide you the location of the of the RJ45 or USB-C port on your computer.
- A small program may need to be downloaded and installed, follow the prompts.
Refer to the following articles corresponding to the browser installed on your computer.
- For Microsoft Edge: Microsoft Edge help.
- For Firefox: Fix slowness, crashing, error messages and other problems.
- For Chrome: Fix connection errors.

Disconnect the power from the broadband modem and leave the broadband modem disconnected for at least 3 minutes.
NOTE: Some Internet Service Providers (ISP's) provide a modem/router combination device.
Shut down all the computers that are connected to the network.
Disconnect the power from the wireless router.
Verify that a network cable is connected from the Broadband Modem into the Internet or WAN port on the wireless router.
Verify that no USB cables or serial cables are connected to the Broadband Modem.
Connect the power to the broadband modem. Wait for at least 2 minutes for the Broadband Modem to initialize.
(If the Modem does not establish an Internet connection successfully, unplug the Modem. Wait for at least 5 minutes, then plug in the Modem.)
Connect the power to the wireless router. Wait for at least 2 minutes for the wireless router to initialize.
Turn on the computer and try connecting to the Internet.
NOTE: When you still cannot connect to the internet, check to see if other computers are able to get on the internet, or connect this computer with a network cable directly to your router (when these are options). When no other computers or this computer connected directly to your router cannot get to the internet, you will need to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the manufacture of your router.
When your computer still cannot connect to the Internet, refer to the Resolving Not Able to Get to the Internet tab, and continue with Step 3.

NOTE: For information on finding which wireless adapter is installed in your computer, refer to Dell Knowledge Base Article, Which Wireless Networking Adapter is Installed in Your Dell Computer

For Intel Wireless adapters:

Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the Search box, type device manager.
Touch or click, Device Manager.
(When the User Account Control windows appears, touch or click Continue).
In the Device Manager window, touch or click the arrow next to Network Adapters.
Double-tap or double-click the Intel WiFI, Wireless or Centrino icon.
Touch or click the Advanced tab.
NOTE: The Wireless networking adapter in your computer may not have every option shown below, change the ones available.
In the Property: box, touch or click 802.11n Channel Width for 2.4GHz and select Auto from the drop-down menu.
In the Property: box, touch or click 802.11n Channel Width for 5.2Ghz and select Auto from the drop-down menu.
In the Property: box, touch or click 802.11n Mode and select Enabled from the drop-down menu.
In the Property: box, touch or click Fat Channel Intolerant and select Disabled from the drop-down menu.
In the Property: box, touch or click Roaming Aggressiveness and select 1. Lowest from the drop-down menu.
NOTE: This setting is suggested for home wireless networks. When you are on a business network and move from place to place, the setting should be set to 3. Medium.
In the Property: box, touch or click Intel Throughput Enhancement or Throughput Booster and select Disabled from the drop-down menu.
NOTE: When you only have one device on the wireless network or are streaming video you may want to turn this feature on, but the adapter with this feature turned on does not allow other computers on your network to have equal access to the wireless network.
In the Property: box, touch or click Transmit Power and select 5. Highest from the drop-down menu.
In the Property: box, touch or click Wireless Mode and select the highest number available from the drop-down menu.
Click OK.

For Dell Wireless adapters:

NOTE: Not every Wireless networking adapter has every option shown below. Check and change the ones available.

Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the Search box, type device manager.
Touch or click, Device Manager.
(When the User Account Control windows appears, touch or click Continue).
In the Device Manager window, touch or click the arrow next to Network Adapters.
Double-tap or double-click the Dell Wireless WLAN Card.
Touch or click. the Advanced tab.
In the Property: box, click to highlight AP Compatibility Mode, select Broader Compatibility under Value: from the drop-down menu.
In the Property: box, click to highlight Minimum Power Consumption, select Disabled under Value: from the drop-down menu.
Touch or click. OK.

I cannot turn off Airplane mode

To resolve this issue, perform the following steps:

Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the Search box, type airplane mode.
Touch or click, Airplane mode.
(When the User Account Control windows appears, touch or click Continue).
In the Network window, touch or click an affected device to turn it on again.

NOTE: When the following steps do not resolve the issue, the Operating System on your computer has some sort of corruption. To explore the options on how to resolve any corruption, and when to use then, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article:

Manually Reinstall Windows 8 from a DVD

Securing Your Wireless Network

A Wi-Fi network name (SSID) is the name that your wireless router broadcast (like a radio station) that allows you to identify your wireless router from your neighbors.

The SSID that your wireless router has when you take it out of the box needs to be changed during the initial setup using the CD that came with the wireless router, it needs to be between 1 to 32 characters long. It is case sensitive, which means when you decide on the SSID you will have to put it in each computer exactly as it was put in the router.

It should not include your address, name, or anything else that will identify who you are.

A Wi-Fi security (network) key is very similar to a door key, it protects yourself from unknown people getting on your wireless network.

Below is a list of the three types of wireless security offered for home and small business users as well as their strength in relation to the others.

It is recommended that the wireless network be configured with the highest level of security that the wireless devices have in common.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
Low protection

WEP is one of the original security types. Every home wireless router supports WEP even the latest models to make it compatible with every wireless network adapter. While WEP is better than no security the network key used to encrypt the wireless data can be broken in as little as a few minutes.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
Medium protection

WPA was developed to close the security holes that WEP has. It uses several mechanisms to prevent the network key from being broken but still uses the same encryption method as WEP.

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
Highest protection

WPA2 has been implemented has the highest form of security for home and small businesses. It takes the mechanisms used by WPA and uses a more secure encryption method.

WPA and WPA2

WPA and WPA2 use letters (a-z, A-Z, 0-9) that are between 8 and 63 characters long. The key can be made up of any upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters (~!@#$%^&*()_+:;'"<>).

It is recommended that all three types of characters be used in the key and that they be used in random order. This will make it very difficult for someone to guess the key.

WEP

WEP comes in two lengths 64bit and 128bit and in two forms ASCII and Hexadecimal. The key you create will include an additional 24bit header so the key you create is actually only 40bits or 104bits long. That's why a 64bit WEP key is also referred to as 40bit. ASCII is the numbers and letters we use every day, a - z, A - Z, and the numbers 0 - 9. Hexadecimal is also known as machine code, when a computer is running a program it's being told what to do by Hexadecimal numbers. Hexadecimal uses the numbers 0 - 9 and the letters a - f.

Refer to (Table 1) for the number and type of characters needed to create a WEP key.

Key Length	ASCII	Hexadecimal
64bit	5 case sensitive characters (a-z, A-Z, 0-9)	10 characters (0-9, a-f)
128bit	13 case sensitive characters (a-z, A-Z, 0-9)	26 characters (0-9, a-f)

Table 1: WEP Key Creation

(There are free WEP and WPA key generators available on the Internet.)

NOTE: Once the security key is created, be sure to write it down and put it in a safe place.

The easiest way to find your wireless network name (SSID) is to put the computer and the wireless router side-by-side (3-9 feet (1-3 meters) away from each other).

Do one of the following tasks, and then follow the instructions below:

For a notebook computer, move the computer next to the wireless router and follow the instructions below.
For a desktop that is not already connected it may be necessary to move the wireless router close to the desktop (you do not need to move or power off the broadband modem because Internet access is not needed at this time, but any other computer(s) that is connected to the wireless router will not able to access the Internet during this process). Make sure the wireless router is powered on after moving it and follow the instructions below.
- After finding your wireless network name, you will need to move the wireless router back to its original location and re-connect it to the Broadband Modem.
When you have a computer that is connected to the wireless router with a network cable, it is possible to get the wireless network name directly from the wireless router, Click here and follow the instructions.

Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the c key.
Touch or click Settings and then select Available or WiFi.
Write down the wireless network name with the strongest signal, exactly as you see it.
- The signal strength is indicated by the number of bars. Look for a listing that has five bars next to it (it may be necessary to scroll up or down to find it, if the listing with 5 bars reads as Hidden network, Click here, for instructions to get the wireless network name from the wireless router directly.

2Wire wireless routers provided by AT&T have the 10-digit WEP key located on the bottom of the 2Wire router inside brackets (for example [ xxxxxxxxxx ]).

Write down the 10-digit key, exactly as you see it.

For this process to work a network cable will have to be connected between one of the LAN ports on the back of the wireless router and the LAN port on the computer.

NOTE: For more information on where the LAN port is located for your specific computer, browse to the Online User's Guide. Click the make and model of the computer and the preferred language. Click View next to Setup Guide or User's Guide and look for the section on Connecting the Network Cable.

Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the Search box, type control panel.
Touch or click, Control Panel.
(When the User Account Control window appears, touch or click Continue).
Using the drop down menu in the upper-right corner, next to View by:, select Category.
Click View network status and tasks under Network and Internet.
Click Local Area Connection on the right-side of the window.
Click Details.
Locate and write down the IP address to the right of IPv4 Default Gateway.
Open an Internet browser.
In the address bar, type http://[Default_Gateway_ip_address], where [Default_Gateway_ip_address] is the IPv4 Default Gateway IP address (do not include the brackets).

Log into the router. For some of the most common router user name and passwords, refer to Table 3.

Manufacture	User Name	Password
Linksys	leave blank	admin
D-Link	admin	leave blank
Netgear	admin	password
2Wire	None unless one was set up.	None unless one was set up.
Belkin	None	leave blank
Apple	Use the AirPort utility
SMC	Admin	smcadmin

Table 3: Common Wireless Router User Name and Passwords

Wireless router manufacturers typically keep the Network Key or Passphrase under a page listed as Wireless Security, the method for getting to that page varies (please refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer, links are provided in Table 3).

Be sure to write the wireless network key down, exactly as you see it.

When the common defaults do not work, it means that either someone has changed the default or your model of wireless router has a unique user name or password. Ask whoever may have set up the wireless router what is the user name and password, refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer (links are provided in Table 3).

NOTE: When all attempts to log in to the wireless router have failed, it will be necessary to reset the wireless router back to its defaults (like it was when first taken out of the box) to connect to the wireless router. Refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer on how to reset the wireless router (links are provided in Table 3).

Before you reset the wireless router please NOTE:

When you access the Internet through a DSL (phone) connection:
- Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for your username and password that allows you to connect to the Internet, you will need to re-enter that information into the wireless router.
- No other computers connected to your network will be able to access the Internet until you re-enter the username and password that you got from your ISP.
- After re-entering your username and password that you got from your ISP into the wireless router, no wireless computers will be able to access the Internet until you reconfigure the router and wireless computers (refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer, on how to reconfigure the wireless router, links are provided in Table 3).
When you access the Internet through a TV cable provider:
No other wireless computers connected to your wireless router will be able to access the Internet until you reconfigure the router and wireless computers (please refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer, on how to reconfigure the wireless router, links are provided in Table 3).

For this process to work a network cable will have to be connected between one of the LAN ports on the back of the wireless router and the LAN port on the computer.

Note: For information on where the LAN port is located for your computer, refer to its Quick Start Guide, Setup Guide or User's Guide and look for the section on Connecting the Network Cable. For more information on how to get the documentation for your computer, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product.

Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the Search box, type control panel.
Touch or click, Control Panel.
(When the User Account Control window appears, touch or click Continue).
Using the drop down menu in the upper-right corner, next to View by:, select Category.
Click View network status and tasks under Network and Internet.
Click Local Area Connection on the right-side of the window.
Click Details.
Locate and write down the IP address to the right of IPv4 Default Gateway.
Open an Internet browser.
In the address bar, type http://[Default_Gateway_ip_address], where [Default_Gateway_ip_address] is the IPv4 Default Gateway IP address (do not include the brackets).

Log into the router. For some of the most common router user name and passwords, refer to Table 2.

Manufacture	User Name	Password
Linksys	leave blank	admin
D-Link	admin	leave blank
Netgear	admin	password
2Wire	None unless one was set up.	None unless one was set up.
Belkin	None	leave blank
Apple	Use the AirPort utility
SMC	Admin	smcadmin

Table 2: Common Wireless Router User Name and Passwords

Wireless router manufacturers typically keep the wireless Network Name or SSID under a page listed as Wireless, the method for getting to that page varies (please refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer, links are provided in Table 2).

Be sure to write the wireless network name down, exactly as you see it.

When the common defaults do not work, it means that either someone has changed the default or your model of wireless router has a unique user name or password. Ask whoever may have set up the wireless router what is the user name and password, refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer (links are provided in Table 2).

NOTE: When all attempts to log in to the wireless router have failed, it will be necessary to reset the wireless router back to its defaults (like it was when first taken out of the box) to connect to the wireless router. Refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer on how to reset the wireless router (links are provided in Table 2).

Before you reset the wireless router please NOTE:

When you access the Internet through a DSL (phone) connection:
- Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for your username and password that allows you to connect to the Internet, you will need to re-enter that information into the wireless router.
- No other computers connected to your network will be able to access the Internet until you re-enter the username and password that you got from your ISP.
- After re-entering your username and password that you got from your ISP into the wireless router, no wireless computers will be able to access the Internet until you reconfigure the router and wireless computers (refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer, on how to reconfigure the wireless router, links are provided in Table 2).
When you access the Internet through a TV cable provider:
No other wireless computers connected to your wireless router will be able to access the Internet until you reconfigure the router and wireless computers (please refer to the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer, on how to reconfigure the wireless router, links are provided in Table 2).

HomeGroup and File and printer sharing

Refer to the Microsoft Knowledge Base article HomeGroup from start to finish, for information on how to create or join a homegroup, how to share files, photos, music, and more. SLN130634_en_US__4iC_External_Link_BD_v1

In the Search box, type HomeGroup.
Touch or click HomeGroup (Control panel).
Touch or click Start the Homegroup troubleshooter
Touch or click Next and follow the prompts.

These articles provide information on how to set up file and printer sharing.

Share Over a Network With Windows 8(8.1)

This article provides information on how to set up file and printer sharing between computers running different versions of Windows.

Networking home computers running different versions of Windows

How to download and install the latest Dell wireless network adapter driver

For the latest drivers, browse to the Dell Drivers & Downloads website.
For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Download and Install Dell Drivers, this article provides information on how to download drivers for the wireless network adapter installed in your computer.

NOTE:

When the affected device has no Wireless connectivity, to download a driver, you will need to do one of the following to get the driver on the affected device:
- Connect the affected device to your router using a network cable (when that is an option).
- Use another device that does have Internet connectivity to download the driver and use a USB Flash drive to transfer the driver to the affected device.
- For tablets, use the USB cable that came with the tablet to transfer the driver to the tablet, which was downloaded to another device that does have Internet connectivity.
The network adapter drivers are located in the Network subsection.
For help figuring out which wireless network adapter is installed in your computer, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Which Wireless Networking Adapter is Installed in Your Dell Computer?
After updating your Wireless network adapter driver, it may be necessary to reconnect to your Wireless network. For information on connecting to your wireless network, refer to the I want to connect my computer or tablet to my existing wireless network section.

Our Network and Wireless support page provides additional information and resources.

Windows 8(8.1) Wireless Networking Usage and Troubleshooting Guide for the Home