The Network You Are Looking For is Set to Not Broadcast its Network Name (SSID)

If Windows does not detect a network that you think is in range of your computer, it could be because the network you are looking for is set to not broadcast its network name (SSID).

Wireless routers and access points can be set up so that they don't broadcast the network name. In this case, you cannot detect that the network is in range (in order to connect to it) unless you have previously connected to the network or you manually connect to the network using the service set identifier (SSID). To connect to a network that is not broadcasting, follow these steps:

  1. From the Windows Vista default Start menu, click Connect To.

    Note: Alternatively you may right-click the Network icon in the system tray and then select Connect to a network.
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  2. In the Connect to a network dialog box, click Set up a connection or network.
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  3. In the Choose a connection option dialog box, click Manually connect to a wireless network.
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  4. In the Enter information for the wireless network you want to add dialog box, enter the appropriate information, and then click Next.
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  5. In the Successfully added dialog box, click Connect to.
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The network will be added to your list of networks and will be available to connect to in the future when your computer is in range of the network.

Note: This information provided by Microsoft.