Windows XP and Networking - Change the Order of Preferred Networks

SUMMARY: Change the order in which Windows XP will attempt to automatically connect to preferred wireless networks.

Windows XP may automatically connect to preferred networks unless you have configured a network in Windows XP for on-demand connection only. If you have several preferred networks and wish one of them to take higher priority over another one if multiple are in range, perform the following tip:

1. Right-click on the wireless network icon in the Windows Taskbar and choose "View Available Wireless Networks".

If this icon is not available, re-enable the network icon in the System Tray area of the Windows XP Taskbar.

2. When the "Wireless Network Connection" window appears, click "Change the order of preferred networks".

3. The "Wireless Network Connection Properties" or similar dialog box should appear. Note that if "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings" is unchecked, you may not be able to use this tip - refer to your proprietary wireless network connection software.

4. Underneath "Preferred networks", click on a network and then the "Move up" button to make connecting to it a higher priority, or click the "Move down" button to give the network a lower priority.

5. When done, click "OK" to close the wireless network connection properties dialog box.