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 Sunday, 22 November 2009
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Configuring a Netgear WG111 version 1 wireless adapter

This document describes how to install the Netgear WG111 version 1 wireless adapter on a PC running Windows XP or Windows 2000. We recommend that you print this guide to use as a reference.

The WG111 USB wireless adapter is a wireless USB adapter for use in laptops or desktops with a free USB port to connect to a wireless network.


Set up your modem router

It is recommended that you setup your AOL supported modem router using the AOL Easy Installer or manufacturers CD before you setup your wireless adapter. When you set up your modem router, we recommend that you enable the security features to keep your wireless network protected.

If your modem router supports WPA, we recommend that you use this method as it is more secure than the older WEP standard. You will be asked for a Wireless Network Name (SSID) and a Network or Encryption Key (Passphrase). Please take note of these as you will need them later when you add your computer to your wireless network.

If your modem router does not support WPA, please use WEP 128-bit encryption and note the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Wireless Network Password (WEP128 Passphrase).


Install and connect your wireless adapter

To begin the installation, insert the installation CD into the CD-ROM drive of the computer that is going to use the adapter before connecting the USB adapter. You must follow the installation process and ONLY insert the adapter into the appropriate port on the computer when prompted.

When the CD is inserted in the machine, it should auto-run.
Note: If it does not run automatically, double-click My Computer on your Windows desktop, then right-click your CD-ROM drive and choose Auto-play. If the installation screen still does not appear, double-click the CD-ROM drive, then double-click SETUP or SETUP.EXE. The Netgear SmartWizard page will be displayed.

To install the wireless adapter:

1. Click Install Driver and Utility.
2. Select Europe, then click Next.
3. Click OK.
4. Read the License agreement, then click Yes to continue with the installation.
5. The installation directory will default to a folder within your program files (eg C:Program FilesNETGEARWG111v1). If you would prefer to use a different folder, select a new location by clicking Browse. Click Next to continue.
6. Select a Program Location (the default is recommended) then click Next.
7. Click Continue Anyway, then click Finish.
8. Insert the USB adapter into a free USB port. Windows will detect the new device.
9. On the Found New Hardware Wizard, select the Recommended option, then click Next.
10. Select the first item in the list and click Next, then click Continue Anyway.
11. Click Finish.
12. Windows XP users may receive a message asking to disable the Windows XP Wireless Network Configuration Utility. Click Yes.

Connect to your wireless network


Now that you have installed your adapter, you will need to configure it so you can add your computer to your wireless network.

1. Double-click the Netgear icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen (near the clock).
2. Click the Networks tab. The utility will scan for available wireless networks within range. If the scan does not occur, click the Scan button.
3. When you set up your wireless modem router you were asked for a Wireless Network Name (See step 1). Highlight this name in the list, then click Connect.
4. Click the Settings tab and select your network from the Network Name (SSID) drop-down list.
5. If your modem router uses WPA encryption, the adapter will detect this and show an Advanced Security box. If this does not happen, set Security (on the right) to WPA-PSK [TKIP] and enter the passphrase you created when you set up your modem router. This needs to be entered exactly as it was entered on your modem router.

Note: If your modem router does not support WPA encryption, set Security (on the right) to WEP. Select Create with Passphrase and enter the Wireless Network Password that your chose when you set up your wireless router.

6. Click Apply and Close.

The Netgear icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen will be green when it is connected to your wireless network, yellow in areas of poor wireless signal strength and red if your wireless network is out of range.


Connect to AOL


To set up AOL to work on your home network, you need to change the settings to connect via your modem router.

1. Start AOL but do not sign on. Instead, click Sign On Options or Connect Options on the sign-on screen.
2. Click Expert Setup.
3. Click Add Location.
4. Type a name for the location in the Location Name box (eg Router), then click Next.
5. Choose Broadband (High-Speed, cable, DSL, or other ISP), then click Next.
6. Tick Automatically reconnect me and ignore interruptions... then click Next.
7. Select Automatic Connection, then click Next.
8. Click Sign on to AOL now, then sign on to AOL as usual using any of your screen names.

The next time you start the AOL software, you'll notice 'Router' (or whatever name you gave the location) is available as one of the options in the Location box. This allows you to easily switch between using a modem router connection and a different connection (for example, a dial-up modem) if you wish.