Windows Connect Now FAQ

Published: December 6, 2006

Q: How do I configure my Windows Connect Now access point?

You can use these methods:

• Double-click the device in the Network and Devices folder.

• Use the Add a Wireless Device Wizard in the Network and Devices folder.

• Use the Setup a Wireless Router or Access Point Wizard in the Network and Sharing Center.

Q: How do I configure my Windows Connect Now wireless devices?

You can use these methods:

• Double-click the device in the Network and Devices folder.

• Use the Add a Wireless Device Wizard in the Network and Devices folder.

Q: What's the difference between Windows Rally and WCN?

Windows Connect Now is the configuration mechanism for wireless devices. It is a part of the Windows Rally technologies.

Q: My network is shown as a public network. Will that affect my device experience?

Discovery is turned off by default for networks with public profiles. Please ensure that either Discovery is turned on or that the network type is defined as Private in the Network and Sharing Center.

Q: Why does my configured device disappear from Network Explorer?

Please ensure that UPnP traffic is visible to the Windows Vista system. To do this, (1) change firewall settings, (2) enable discovery settings through Network and Sharing Center, or (3) both.

Q: How long will it take Windows Vista to discover my devices—both access points and others?

It can take up to 30 seconds for Windows Vista to discover devices. It can take up to 90 seconds for a proxied device to be discovered.

Q: Why do I get a prompt for User Name and Password while trying to connect to a configured access point?

Please ensure that the 802.1x flag is not present in the access point's (WPA PSK\WPA2 PSK) Internet Explorer.

Q: Why does my configured device disappear from Network Explorer?

I see my device as an UPnP device but not as a Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) device.
Windows Vista provides a way to configure an unconfigured access point. After an access point is configured, it no longer appears in the Network and Devices folder (or other entry points). However, the reset device functionality should provide users with an option to put the access point in an unconfigured state.

Q: What is the best practice for managing Reset Device behavior?

The device should reset all of its settings upon pressing the reset button. This includes putting the device into an unconfigured state. After the device is configured, Windows Vista doesn't show it in Network Explorer any more.

When you reset settings for the device, you should also put the device in unconfigured mode so that Windows Vista can reconfigure it. Windows Vista doesn't provide a way to configure a configured device at this point.

Q: How can I obtain an Instructions Sheet for my devices?

Contact your Microsoft representative to obtain an updated Instructions Sheet for your devices. Using the recommended instructions will help your customers navigate through the UI with simple steps.

Q: Where can I find more information and help for WCN implementations?

These are your key resources:

• Rally Website (Specs and Documentation and pointers)

• Rally Questions and Resources

• General Windows Connect Now Questions and Answers

• WCN Specific Program Manager alias

• Simple Config (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
  More details on Simple Config\Wi-Fi Protected Setup is available in the specifications on the Windows Rally Web site and directly from Wi-Fi Alliance.

• Wi-Fi Alliance

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