Managing your network connections
Published: August 15, 2006
The network connections settings in Microsoft Windows XP specify how your computer will connect to a network. If you use a laptop, you might need to change your network connections to adapt to different environments. For example, you might want to use your wired network connection to conserve battery power while sitting at your desk and your wireless network connection when you're at the local coffee shop. You might also need to change network settings if you add a network adapter or change Internet service providers (ISPs).
To manage your network connections, first open Network Connections
1. | Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 
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2. | In Control Panel, under Pick a Category, click Network and Internet Connections. 
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3. | Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Network Connections. 
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Windows XP displays the Network Connections window. In this window, you can perform several network management tasks:
| • | Disable a network connection. Disable a network connection if you aren't using it. For example, if your computer has a built-in wireless connection, and you're currently connected to a wired network, you should disable the wireless network connection to make sure your computer doesn't use the slower wireless connection. You'll save power, too. To disable a network connection, right-click the network connection, and then click Disable. 
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| • | Enable a network connection. To enable a previously disabled network connection, right-click the network connection, and then click Enable. 
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| • | Repair a network connection. Windows XP can solve common network problems automatically. To repair a network connection, right-click the network connection, and then click Repair. For detailed instructions, read Repairing network connections. 
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| • | Configure your Internet Protocol (IP) settings. Though you rarely need to change the default settings, your employer or your ISP might request that you specify your IP address and Domain Name System (DNS) servers. To configure your IP settings, follow these steps in the Network Connections window 1. | Right-click your network connection, and then click Properties. 
| 2. | On the General tab, under This connection uses the following items, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Then click Properties. 
| 3. | In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box, configure your network settings, and then click OK. Click Close to return to the Network Connections window. 
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If you run into any difficulties, read Troubleshooting network connection problems.
