Reformatting a laptop with wireless internet

LHC · Feb 13, 2006, 09:00 PM

(I think this would be the right place to put this. If not, just move it to the appropriate forum)

All right, I just have a quick question about what I should do about this.

Next week I'm reformatting my girlfriend's laptop, but I'm not exactly sure what I should do about her wireless internet. Before I reformat, should I copy down all the DNS records? Or once it's within reach of the router, will it automatically recognize the computer as part of the network? Just need advice on what to do, because I've never reformatted a computer with a wireless connection.

Thanks in advance

Grace · Feb 13, 2006, 09:03 PM

I think you will need to note the DNS records, the set workgroup and (if there is one) the network key.

And of course have the drivers of the wi-fi device handy.

LHC · Feb 13, 2006, 09:11 PM

And setting up the workgroup would just be the same as it would be if I were just plugging in an ethernet cable? Meaning that all I'll have to do is during Windows installation, just put in the name of the workgroup in when it asks for it?

Also, when will I have to input the DNS for the card?

Grace · Feb 13, 2006, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LHC

And setting up the workgroup would just be the same as it would be if I were just plugging in an ethernet cable? Meaning that all I'll have to do is during Windows installation, just put in the name of the workgroup in when it asks for it?

Also, when will I have to input the DNS for the card?

Yes, if Windows recognizes that there is an ethernet (wi-fi in this case) device during installation. If it does not, when the installation is done, you merely right click on 'My Computer', click 'Properties' and then 'Computer Name'. The domain name change should be there.

When the installation is done, get in the Control Panel and in the 'Network Connections', right click on your wi-fi connection and hit 'Properties'. Then click on the TCP/IP and again on 'Properties'. Set the DNS accordingly.

Although if you have a router, the router will automatically find the DNS server I think, so you may entirely skip that part.

LHC · Feb 13, 2006, 11:25 PM

Hmm.. all right, I'll probably need to do both of those because I'll be reformatting it at my house, but I'm pretty sure that she has a router

Thanks for the help

Yousaif · Feb 14, 2006, 10:48 AM

Windows won't recognize the wi-fi device unless the drivers are part of the image that came with it originally. If it was an onboard wireless device then it should put the drivers in again no worries.

If it is on a router using DHCP then there isn't any info that you will need to "write down," except for the WPA or WEP key. The only other thing that you may want to note is any workgroup and sharing settings that are in place currently.

If it is on a wireless WAN (area-wide type wireless, such as at a University), then you may want to check with the wireless ISP for any settings you will need to put in place after the reformat, and also make sure you have any set-up disks on hand.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Feb 14, 2006, 02:48 PM

You can always just plug in with a wire and get the info after.

Feb 13, 2006, 09:00 PM	#1
LHC Stingy and Stubborn Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,325 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Reformatting a laptop with wireless internet (I think this would be the right place to put this. If not, just move it to the appropriate forum) All right, I just have a quick question about what I should do about this. Next week I'm reformatting my girlfriend's laptop, but I'm not exactly sure what I should do about her wireless internet. Before I reformat, should I copy down all the DNS records? Or once it's within reach of the router, will it automatically recognize the computer as part of the network? Just need advice on what to do, because I've never reformatted a computer with a wireless connection. Thanks in advance __________________

Feb 13, 2006, 09:11 PM	Thread Starter #3
LHC Stingy and Stubborn Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,325 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	And setting up the workgroup would just be the same as it would be if I were just plugging in an ethernet cable? Meaning that all I'll have to do is during Windows installation, just put in the name of the workgroup in when it asks for it? Also, when will I have to input the DNS for the card? __________________

Feb 13, 2006, 11:25 PM	Thread Starter #5
LHC Stingy and Stubborn Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,325 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Hmm.. all right, I'll probably need to do both of those because I'll be reformatting it at my house, but I'm pretty sure that she has a router Thanks for the help __________________

Feb 13, 2006, 09:03 PM	#2
Grace HH's Tomboy Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Anywhere but in my house! Posts: 776 Rep Power: 56	I think you will need to note the DNS records, the set workgroup and (if there is one) the network key. And of course have the drivers of the wi-fi device handy.

Feb 14, 2006, 02:48 PM	#7
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	You can always just plug in with a wire and get the info after.