Solved How to connect to existing Hidden Wireless Network

easelpad

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I successfully setup Windows 8 Consumer Preview and correctly setup and connected to an existing and working hidden wireless network. This network is hidden for a reason and working with all other devices.

How can I configure W8 to automatically connect to this network when in range?

I was successfully connected yesterday after the install and when the system went to sleep it dropped the connection. Now I am unable to 'see' the network and connect to it.

When I try to manually connect to this network, by opening Network and Sharing Center > set up a new connection or network > manually connect to a wireless network > enter correct network info

it tells me that the network already exists. When I hit use the exiting network - it does not pop a connect to a network dialog so I can connect.

Help - please??? Thank you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
It sounds like it connected but dropped the connection when your machine went to sleep.

There is a setting for your network adaptor that can tell it to disable the connection when your machine sleeps, shutting off the power saving feature for your network adaptor might help.

The setting can be accessed by going to the Control Panel>Device Manager, expand "network adaptors" then right click on the adaptor and choose "properties".

Go to the power management tab and uncheck the setting to turn off this adaptor to save power then hit ok, picture below. This might work until an updated driver comes out for Windows 8.

As for the auto connect, if you go into "Wireless network settings" in the network and sharing center you should be able to set up the auto connection for your adaptor, you will need to type in the SSID, password, and type of connection and security there.
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
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    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
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    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
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    1680x1050
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    Gskill 120GB SSD
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    Thermal Take 1000watts
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    Thermal Take Xtreme
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True - I've fixed that previously. But I also discovered that you can pop the wireless network management tool using the following:

Run

explorer.exe shell:::{1fa9085f-25a2-489b-85d4-86326eedcd87}

from a command prompt which brings back the manage wireless networks UI. Tip of the hat: Win 8 Client (Dev Preview): Manage Wireless Networks, Where Art Thou? | ADdict

From there I was able to set the existing network I had created to the settings I wanted. As always, if you don't know how to pop or manage a cmd shell, you probably shouldn't be doing this.....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
True - I've fixed that previously. But I also discovered that you can pop the wireless network management tool using the following:

Run

explorer.exe shell:::{1fa9085f-25a2-489b-85d4-86326eedcd87}

from a command prompt which brings back the manage wireless networks UI. Tip of the hat: Win 8 Client (Dev Preview): Manage Wireless Networks, Where Art Thou? | ADdict

From there I was able to set the existing network I had created to the settings I wanted. As always, if you don't know how to pop or manage a cmd shell, you probably shouldn't be doing this.....

I'm using a wired network connection so wasn't sure where the Manage Wireless Networks link might be. It use to be in the Network and Sharing section. It may have been missing in the WDP but I'm sure it's there in the WCP.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
Hi there
probably an easier way is to use the Charms and just double click on the Wireless / Tv screen shape
you should see one or more "Unidentified Network" --that's because it's hidden.
click on it and if you'll be prompted for the SSID etc. If there are a few you'll have to do it by trial and error to pick the right one.

There normally shouldn't be a whole lot of hidden networks in a location.

Select Click Connect Automatically and problem then solved.

Using W8 I try and see if there's a W8 solution first rather than using the Old W7 / XP method of doing it -- generally there IS and it's a good way of learning to use W8 too.

I'm not against using scripts etc but this is WINDOWS rather than Linux so we shouldn't have to use those except as a last resort.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
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    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
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