How to Connect Windows XP to a LAN Network

1. Obtain the network name and the network password. You can obtain this from the network administrator or from others who use the network. Some networks will require no password.
2. Click on the 'Start' button on the bottom-left hand of the screen. This will expand the 'Start' menu.
3. Look for the text entitled “Connect To” on the Start menu. Scroll your cursor over that text. This will expand the Start menu. On the new expansion, click on the text entitled “Show All Connections.” This will open the Network Connections window.
4. Click on the text entitled “Create New Connection.” This will open the Connection Wizard window. Press the “Next” button.
5. Select “Connect to the Internet” and click on the “Next” button.
6. Select “Set up my connection manually” and click on “Next” once more.
7. Select “Connect using a broadband connection that is always on.” If your network does not require a login with a password, then press 'Next' and 'Finish' and skip to step 11.
8. Write the name by which you would like the connection to be identified. This name is arbitrary; it will not affect the connection itself. When you are finished, click “Next.”
9. Enter the user name and password you have been given. If you'd like your login details to be entered automatically whenever you use the computer, select “Use this account name and password whenever anyone connects to the internet from this computer”; if you'd like this network connection to be your default Internet connection, select “Make this the default internet connection.” Click on “Next.”
10. Click “Finish.”
11. Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into your network card (the other end should input into the network at large). A 'connecting to' icon will appear in the toolbar on the bottom right of your screen. Wait for it to connect; this can take some time. If it does not connect, contact your network administrator for assistance.