Connecting securely to the Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi network with Windows XP SP2 and Windows 2000 SP4

This article is intended to get you quickly and securely connected to the Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi network with your Wi-Fi enabled computer running Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or 2000 SP4. After following the steps below, you will automatically connect to the Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi network with a secure connection any time you are within range of the network.

Note: Earlier versions of Windows XP and Windows 2000 are not verified to work with these instructions.

The images in this FAQ are from Windows XP SP2. Windows 2000 SP4 images and screens may show small variances.

1. Install a supported Wi-Fi card
   
   If your computer has built-in wireless or a wireless PC Card installed (802.11b/g/n card), and you are running Windows XP SP2 or Windows 2000 SP4, you're on your way to connecting to the Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi network.
   
   If you do not have a wireless card, see Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi's recommended equipment for more information. You can also purchase a Wi-Fi card from EarthLink by calling xxx-xxx-xxxx.
   
2. Enable your wireless connection and verify the Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi network is available
   
   First, disable/exit any 3rd-party application you use to connect to wireless signals (i.e. Intel ProSet, Dell WLAN, Boingo, Feather Secure Client, Total Access). Ensure the applications are not running in the background (if identifiable).
   
   Right-click on the wireless network icon found in the lower right-hand corner of your system tray and select 'View Available Wireless Networks'.
   
   
   
   
   
   OR
   
   From the Start Menu, click Settings, then click Control Panel, then click Network Connections. Select your wireless connection. Right-click on the wireless connection, and select View Available Wireless Networks.
   
   
   
   You should now see the Wireless Connections screen.
   
   
   
   If you are currently within range of the Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi network, the network names FeatherByEarthLink or earthlinkwifi will appear on this screen. If you do not see either of these networks listed, select Refresh network list. If the networks still do not appear, ensure you are in a Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi coverage area.
   
   (Optional) If you are already connected to a wireless network, highlight that specific network, then click the Disconnect button.
   
   
   
   Click the Yes button in the popup dialog box that appears to confirm your request to disconnect from your wireless network.
   
   
   
3. Configure a secure connection to the Feather network
   
   Select Change Advanced Settings.
   
   
   
   On the next screen, select the Wireless Networks tab.
   
   
   
   Ensure Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings is checked. Click Add. (The Wireless Network Properties dialog box will open.)
   
   
   
   For Network Name (SSID), enter FeatherSecure.
   
   For Network Authentication, enter WPA.
   
   For Data Encryption, enter TKIP.
   
   
   
   Click the Authentication tab.
   
   For EAP Type select Protected EAP (PEAP).
   
   Verify that the two boxes on this screen are NOT checked.
   
   
   
   Click Properties. (The Protected EAP Properties dialog box will open.)
   
   Verify that the Validate Server Certificate box is checked.
   (Optional - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED but may cause compatibility problems for some systems if the Server Certificate specified below is not available).
   
   Ensure that the Connect To These Servers box is not checked.
   
   In the Trusted Root Certification Authorities list, scroll-down the list and check the box next to Secure Server Certificate Authority.
   (Optional - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED but may not be supported by all installations. If Secure Server Certificate Authority is not listed, you must uncheck the 'Validate Server Certificate' box to connect to FeatherSecure).
   
   For Select Authentication Method:, choose the Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP v2).
   
   
   
   Click the Configure button.
   
   On the next screen, verify the Automatically use my Windows logon name and password box is NOT checked. Click OK.
   
   
   
   (You will return to the "Protected EAP Properties" dialog box.)
   
   Click OK.
   
   Select the connection tab. Enable/Disable the check box for Connect when this network is in range depending on whether you want to automatically connect to the network when your computer detects the Feather Wi-Fi signal is available.
   
   Click OK to continue.
   
   
   
   FeatherSecure should now appear in the list of Preferred Networks. Click OK to continue
   
4. Connect to the Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi network
   
   Place your cursor over the wireless network icon found in the lower right-hand corner of your desktop tray.
   
   
   
   Click on the dialog box when it appears.
   
   
   
   Enter your Login Name and Password in the window that appears next.
   
   
   
   Your User Name is either your Feather Login Name (i.e. username@featherwifi.net), EarthLink Email Address (i.e. your_address@earthlink.net), or the login credentials provided by your wireless internet service provider.
   
   Click OK.
   
   CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE NOW CONNECTED TO THE FEATHER / EARTHLINK WI-FI NETWORK.
   
   If the authentication failed, verify you input your Login Name and Password correctly in the fields above. If you continue to have difficulties connecting, please contact Feather Customer Support at 1-866-WIFI-CITY (1-866-943-4248), or contact your service provider (see http://www.feather.com/support for more information).
   
5. Disconnect from the Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi network
   
   To disconnect from the Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi network, double-click or right-click on the wireless network icon found in the lower-right-hand corner of your desktop's system tray.
   
   Select View Wireless Networks. Click on FeatherSecure, and then click Disconnect. Your connection to Feather / EarthLink Wi-Fi is now closed.