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30/07/2010 Does "Windows is checking for a solution..." actually do anything?

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14/07/2010 Should I Install Windows 7 Service Pack 1?

Computer Tutorials and Guides

16/04/2010 How to turn your iPad into a digital picture frame

Table of Contents

How to make the iPad into a digital picture frame
iPad Picture Frame settings

How to make the iPad into a digital picture frame

A nice feature of the iPad is its ability to also become a digital picture when it is locked. Due to the sharp and vibrant screen of the iPad this feature will turn the iPad into one of the nicest digital picture frames that I have ever seen. While the picture frame is active, the iPad will scroll through the available pictures and, by default, display them randomly.

To enable the iPad digital picture frame, you first need to be at the lock screen as shown below.

iPad Lock Screen

To start the picture frame, tap on the picture frame button designated by the blue arrow shown in the picture above. Once you tap on that button, the iPad will start displaying random pictures from your selected albums. When you are ready to start using your iPad again and stop the picture frame, just tap the screen to get back to the lock screen and unlock it.

iPad Picture Frame settings

How the images are displayed in the picture frame can be changed through the Picture Frame Settings screen. To access this screen, tap the Settings button and then tap on the Picture Frame category. You will then be presented with a screen similar to the one below.

Picture Frame Settings

The description of each of the settings can be shown below:

Transition - Dissolve: If this option is checked, each time a new the frame transitions to a new picture, the previous picture will dissolve while the new picture appears.

Transition - Origami: If this option is checked, the pictures that are displayed will be shown unfolding and in multiple sections like origami. Please note that when this option is selected, the picture frame will not zoom in on faces.

Example of Origami setting (My kids animals, not mine!)

Zoom in on Faces: If this option is checked, when a picture is displayed, the iPad may display the picture zoomed in on a face. This option is only available if you are using Dissolve transitions.

Shuffle: If this option is checked, the picture frame will display pictures randomly.

All Photos: If this option is checked, the iPad will display pictures from all the albums on the iPad.

Albums: If this option is selected, then you can specify the specific albums that you would like the picture frame to display pictures from.

Once you have the Picture Frame settings configured as you wish, you can press the Home button to get back to your home screen.

As always, if you have any questions regarding this process, feel free to ask in the iPad forum.

15/04/2010 How to change the name of your iPad, iPhone, iTouch, or iPod

14/04/2010 How to add new apps to your iPad or iPhone Dock

At the bottom of your iPhone or iPad screen are a series of icons that appear on every screen you switch to. This is consider the dock and can be used to hold your most used applications so that they are easily accessible from every screen. There is a limitation, though, as to how many icons you can dock at the bottom of the screen without using special apps. For the iPad you can dock 6 icons, while for the iPhone and iTouch you can dock 4 icons. This guide will explain how to remove and add icons to the dock so that they are accessible from every screen you are viewing.

Method 1: How to add an app to your dock through the iPad or iPhone

In order to move icons to your dock you need to press and hold an icon until all of the icons start to shake. Once you are in this mode, you can simply drag the icon to the dock at the bottom of the screen and let go.

Add an app to the dock on the iPad

Then press the Home button to stop your icons from shaking.

To remove an icon from the dock works the same way. Simply press and hold the icon and drag it out of the dock back onto your screen.

Method 1: How to add an app to your dock through iTunes

You can also add icons to your dock through iTunes. Simply start iTunes and under the Devices category, click on your device name. You should now be at your summary screen. Now click on the Apps tab so that you see your list of apps as shown in the image below.

Adding an app to the dock through iTunes

To add an icon to the dock, click on the screen where the icon you want is located and then drag it to the position on the dock that you want it. To remove an icon from the dock just drag it off the dock to somewhere else on the screen. When done making changes, click on the Apply button. The next time you sync your iPad, iTouch, or iPhone the changes will appear on your device.

14/04/2010 How to rearrange icons or move icons from one Home Screen to another on the iPad and iPhone

As you install new apps on your iPad or iPhone, the real estate on your home screen can quickly fill up or you may find that you want one home screen to be used for your most often used apps. Therefore it is important to know how to rearrange your icons and move them from one home screen to another.

Method 1: How to rearrange and move your icons between home screens through the iPad or iPhone

In order to move icons, you need to press and hold an icon until all of the icons start to shake. Once you are in this mode, you can simply drag the icons around the current home screen till they are arranged how you want them.

If you would like to move an icon between different home screens, simply drag the icon left or right off the screen until the new home screen appears. This can be seen in the image below.

Drag icons between home screens

Then release the icon where you wish it to be on that screen. When done rearranging your icons, press the Home button on the iPad or iPhone to stop the icons from shaking.

Method 1: How to rearrange and move your icons between home screens through iTunes

By far the easiest way to organize your icons is to do it through iTunes. Simply start iTunes and under the Devices category, click on your device. You should now be at your summary screen. Now click on the Apps tab so that you see your list of apps as shown in the image below.

Device's App Tab

On this screen you should see a list of all your apps on the left, a picture of the first home screen to the right, and underneath the screen, a list of all of your other screens. To rearrange your icons, simply click on one of them with your mouse and move it to the desired location on the selected screen in iTunes. If you wish to rearrange icons on different screens, just click on the home screen you want to manage to view it and its icons.

Moving an icon from one home screen to another is just as easy. Simply drag an icon you wish to move to another home screen and then place it where you want to on that screen.

When done, simply click on the apply button and the next time you sync your iPad, iTouch, or iPhone the changes will appear on your device.

14/04/2010 How to enable and disable the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Administrator account

Right-click on the Computer icon on your desktop and select Manage as shown in the image below. If you do not have this icon, you can click on the Start button and the right click on the Computer menu option.

Manage Computer option
If prompted by a User Account Control screen, click on the Yes button.
The Computer Management screen will now open. Expand the System Tools folder, then the Local Users and Groups folder, and finally single-click on the Users folder so it becomes highlighted. In the right hand pane you will now see a list of the accounts on your computer, including the Administrator account.
Right-click on the Administrator account and click on the Properties menu option as shown in the image below.

Properties menu option
The Administrator Properties screen will now open as shown in the image below.

Administrator Properties screen

Uncheck the Account is disabled checkbox if you would like to enable the Administrator account. If you wish to disable the account, then put a checkmark in this box instead.
Press the OK button and then close the Computer Management screen.
If you have enabled the Administrator account, please assign it a password as it does not have one by default. It is also suggested that you rename the account using the instructions here.

Method 2: Enable the Administrator account through the Local Policy Editor

Please note this method only works in Windows Vista & 7 Professional, Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise.

In Windows Vista or Windows 7, click on the Start button and type Local Security Policy and press Enter on your keyboard.
If prompted by a User Account Control screen, click on the Yes button.
When the Local Security Policy screen opens, expand the Security Settings folder, then the Local Policies folder, and then click on the Security Options folder so it is highlighted. You will now be at a screen showing the local security options for Windows as shown below.

Local Security Policy screen

Scroll through the list and double-click on the policy named Accounts: Administrator account status as shown in the image above.
The policy properties screen will now open as shown in the image below.

Accounts: Administrator account status Properties screen

Either select Enabled or Disabled depending whether or not you wish to enable or disable the built-in Administrator account. When done, click on the OK button to save your changes.
You can now close the Local Policy Editor.
If you have enabled the Administrator account, please assign it a password as it does not have one by default. It is also suggested that you rename the account using the instructions here.

Method 3: Enable the Administrator account through an Elevated Command Prompt

Open an Elevated Command Prompt and enter the following commands in the prompt. After you enter each command you need to press Enter on your keyboard.

To enable the Administrator account type the following command in the Elevated Command Prompt and press Enter on your keyboard.

net user administrator /active:yes

An image of what this should look like is:

Enable the Administrator account

If you have enabled the Administrator account, please assign it a password as it does not have one by default. It is also suggested that you rename the account using the instructions here.

To disable the Administrator account type the following command in the Elevated Command Prompt and press Enter on your keyboard.

net user administrator /active:no

An image of what this should look like is:

Disable the Administrator account

You can now type Exit and press Enter on your keyboard to exit the Elevated Command Prompt.

14/04/2010 How to rename the built-in Administrator account in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

The built-in Administrator account is one of the most targeted account names by malicious programs and hackers that are attempting to access your computer without your permission. It is therefore a wise security precaution to rename the Administrator account to another less common name so that it can no longer be targeted. By default, the Administrator account in Windows Vista and and Windows 7 are disabled, while in Windows XP it is enabled. Regardless, of your Windows version, if you choose to use the Administrator account, you can use the following tutorial to rename the account to make it less susceptible to hacking attempts.

A word of caution, if you rename your Administrator account and forget the name or the password, then it can be quite difficult regaining access to the account. Therefore, be sure to write the name and password down and store it somewhere so you can access it if needed. It is also suggested that you rename the account to include the word admin, such as Super-Admin & MyPCAdmin, so if you bring it into a repair shop or consultant, they would have a good idea that it was the renamed account.

Please note that methods 1 and 2 will only work on Windows XP, Windows Vista Professional, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise, and Windows 7 Professional, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise. For users of Windows Vista and Windows 7 Home and Home Premium, please use method 3.

Method 1: Rename the Administrator account through the Computer Management Console (Windows 7 and Windows Vista only)

Right-click on My Computer, if in Windows XP, or Computer, if in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, and select Manage as shown in the image below.

Manage Computer option
If prompted by a User Account Control screen, click on the Yes button.
The Computer Management screen will now open. Expand the System Tools folder, then the Local Users and Groups folder, and finally single-click on the Users folder so it becomes highlighted. In the right hand pane you will now see a list of the accounts on your computer, including the Administrator account.
Right-click on the Administrator account and select Rename as shown in the image below.

Rename Administrator via the Computer Management screen

Once you click on the Rename option, you will be able to edit the Administrator name. Simply type in the name that you would like to rename the Administrator account to and press Enter on your keyboard.

Your Administrator account has now been renamed to the one you entered.

Method 2: Rename the Administrator account through the Local Policy Editor (Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP)

In Windows Vista or Windows 7, click on the Start button and type Local Security Policy and press Enter on your keyboard. In Windows XP, click on the Start button and then Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, double-click on the Administrative Tools group and double-click on the Local Security Policy icon.
If prompted by a User Account Control screen, click on the Yes button.
When the Local Security Policy screen opens, expand the Security Settings folder, then the Local Policies folder, and then click on the Security Options folder so it is highlighted. You will now be at a screen showing the local security options for Windows as shown below.

Local Security Policy screen

Scroll through the list and double-click on the policy named Accounts: Rename administrator account as shown in the image above.
The Accounts: Rename administrator account Properties screen will now open as shown below.

Accounts: Rename administrator account Properties screen

In the field type in the new name for the Administrator account and then press Enter on your keyboard.

Your Administrator account has now been renamed to the one you entered.

Method 3: Rename the Administrator account using Renameuser.exe

This method will work on all versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7

First you need to download SystemTool's RenameUser from the following location:

SystemTools RenameUser Download Link
Once it is downloaded, extract the zip file and copy the renameuser.exe into the C:\Windows\System32\ folder.
Now we need to get the name of your PC. To do this, click on the Start button and then right-click on the Computer option and select Properties as shown in the image below.

Select Computer Properties
A screen will now open showing information on your computer. Under the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings category look for the information called Computer Name. An example is shown below.

Basic information about your computer screen

Write down your computer name as you will need it in a future step.
Now open an Elevated Command Prompt.
When at the elevated command prompt, to rename your Administrator account enter the following commands:

renameuser.exe Administrator >

When issuing the command replace with the name of your computer and with the new name for the administrator account.

For example if we are using the computer name from the screen above and wanted to change the Administrator account to Super-Admin, we would type the following and press Enter on the keyboard.

renameuser.exe Bleeping-PC Administrator Super-Admin

An image of what this should look like is:

Using the renameuser.exe command

Once you renamed your Administrator account, you should type Exit to exit the command prompt.

Your Administrator account has now been renamed to the one you entered.

12/04/2010 How to start an Elevated Command Prompt in Windows 7 and Vista

A Command Prompt allows you to run programs, manipulate Windows settings, and access files by typing in commands that you wish to execute. To start a Command Prompt you simply need to type cmd.exe in the search field in the Start menu or click on Start, then Accessories, and then click on the Command Prompt icon. A window will appear, called the Command Prompt, that will open in your user profile folder and wait for you to issue commands. An example of this Command Prompt can be seen below:

Default Command Prompt Window

The problem with the standard Command Prompt is that any commands you run in it operate as if you do not have Administrative privileges. So you won't be able to run any commands or access any files that require these privileges.

It is for this reason, that we need to be able to open what is called an Elevated Command Prompt, which is a Command Prompt that allows you to access files and programs as an Administrator of the machine. There are three methods that can be used to open an Elevated Command Prompt and I have outlined them both below.

Method 1: Run As Administrator from shortcut

The first method is to launch the Command Prompt as an Administrator. This can be achieved by clicking on the Start menu, then selecting All Programs, and then Accessories. You will now see a shortcut labeled Command Prompt. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator as shown below.

Run as administrator

When you select Run as administrator a User Account Control prompt will appear asking if you would like to allow the Command Prompt to be able to make changes on your computer.

User Account Control Prompt

Click on the Yes button and you will now be at the Elevated Command Prompt as shown below.

Elevated Command Prompt

Please note that the Elevated Command Prompt starts in the Windows System32, for example C:\Windows\System32\, folder rather than the User Profile. In this Elevated Command Prompt you can now launch programs or access files that require Administrative privileges.

Method 2: Use Ctrl+Shift+Enter to launch Cmd.exe

It is also possible to launch cmd.exe from the Start Menu search field by using the Ctrl+Shift+Enter keyboard combination. To use this method, click on the Start menu and in the search field enter cmd as shown in the image below.

cmd.exe in the Start Menu search field

Once you type cmd, press the Ctrl+Shift+Enter keyboard combination and cmd.exe will be launched as if you selected Run as Administrator. You will then see a User Account Control prompt asking if you would like to allow the Command Prompt to be able to make changes on your computer. Click on the Yes button and you will now be at the Elevated Command Prompt.

Method 3: Create an Elevated Command Prompt Shortcut

If you find that you use the Elevated Command Prompt often and would like an easier way to launch it, you can make a short cut to it on your desktop or pinned to your Taskbar. To do this you can click on the Start menu, then selecting All Programs, and then Accessories. You will now see a shortcut labeled Command Prompt. Right-click on it and either drag it to your desktop and copy it there, select Pin to Start Menu, or select Pin to Taskbar (Windows 7 only). Once the Command Prompt shortcut is where you want it, right-click on it and select Properties.

In the properties screen, make sure you are on the Shortcut tab and click on the Advanced button. You will now be at a screen similar to the one below.

As shortcut's advanced properties screen

At this screen put a checkmark in the box labeled Run as administrator, as shown above, and then click the OK button. Then click OK one more time to exit the shortcut's properties. Now whenever you double-click on this shortcut it will automatically run the Command Prompt with elevated privileges.

For more information on the Command Prompt and its available commands you can view our Introduction to the Windows Command Prompt tutorial. As always, if you have any questions regarding this procedure please ask us in our Windows 7 forum.

08/04/2010 How to uninstall or delete an app from an iPad or iPhone

Table of Contents

Remove an app via the iPad, iTouch, or iPhone
Remove an app via iTunes
Permanently delete an app from your iTunes library and iPad, iTouch, or iPhone

Remove an app via the iPad, iTouch, or iPhone

To remove an app directly from your iPad, iTouch, or iPhone, press the icon on the device for the particular app you wish to delete until all of the icons on the screen start to wiggle. Once they are wiggling you will also see the X symbol symbol appear in the upper left-hand corner of each icon as shown in the image below.

Apps in Delete/Move mode

The X symbol symbol denotes an app that can be removed from your device. Note how this symbol does not appear on any Apple apps as you are not able to uninstall these.

To delete an app from the iPad or iPhone, simply tap on the X symbol symbol and you will be presented with a screen asking you to confirm that you would like to delete the app.

Confirmation prompt when deleting an app

When you tap on the Delete button, you will then be asked if you would like to rate the app. You can either tap on No Thanks or the Rate button to finish removing the app. The app should now be removed from your iPad or iPhone. The next time you reconnect your device to iTunes, this app will also be unchecked in the devices Apps synchronization screen. In the future if you wish to add that app back to the iPad, simply put a checkmark in the Apps Synchronization screen in iTunes and synch again. When the synchronization process is finished, the app will be restored on your device.

Remove an app via iTunes

It is also possible to remove apps from an iPad, iTouch, or iPhone from within iTunes. Simply start iTunes and click on your device's name under the Devices section and then click on the Apps tab. You will now be at a screen similar to the one below that shows all of your installed apps.

Apps synchronization screen

To remove an app from your iPad or iPhone, simply uncheck the app you wish to uninstall. The next time you sync iTunes will prompt if you wish to remove that app from your device as shown by the image below.

Remove apps from device confirmation

If you wish to continue removing the app then click on the Remove button. Otherwise click on the Cancel button to cancel the synchronization. Once the app is removed you can always add it back by putting the checkmark back next to the app that you removed previously and performing a sync.

Permanently delete an app from your iTunes library and iPad, iTouch, or iPhone

When you remove an app through your iPad, iTouch, or iPhone or through the device's Apps synchronization screen in iTunes it does not delete the application off of your computer. In order to permanently delete an app from your hard drive you need to delete it through the iTunes library.

To do this, start iTunes and under the Library category click on the Apps section. You will now be at a screen similar to the one below that shows all of the apps installed in the iTunes library and thus on your computer's hard drive.

iTunes Apps Library

To remove the app permanently you should right-click on the icon for the app you wish to remove and select delete. iTunes will then prompt if you wish to delete the App from your library as well as delete it off of your hard drive. Answer yes to both of these questions and the app will be removed from your library and computer.

If this app is also installed on your iPad, iTouch, or iPhone and you perform a sync, iTunes will ask if you would like to add these apps back into your library as shown below.

Prompt asking if you would like to add the apps back to the library

If you wish to add the apps back on to your computer, click on the Transfer button. Otherwise, click on the Don't Transfer button to remove the apps from your device as well.

Your apps will now be remove from both your computer's hard drive as well as your device. As always if you have any questions about this procedure, please do not hesitate to ask in the iPad forum.

07/04/2010 How to lock your iPad

As the iPad is a touch screen, there may be times that you would like to lock it so that you cannot accidentally start applications, or even more important, so your kids can't play with it. The iPad will automatically go to sleep and lock itself after 5 minutes of being idle, but there may be times that you would like to lock it immediately. This guide will explain how to lock your iPad, including the ability to have it prompt you for a password before it allows you to unlock the device and access the home screen again.

Locking an iPad is simple. Just press and let go of the On/Off/Wake/Sleep button at the top right of the iPad. This button can be seen in the image below:

iPad image
iPad Lock Button image

Once you press the button the iPad will be locked, go into sleep mode, and shut off the screen. To unlock it, simply press the Home button and you will be at the locked screen as shown below.

iPad Locked Screen

Once the iPad is locked, you can unlock it by sliding the slider to the right. Once unlocked you will be at your home screen and can start using the iPad.

It is also possible to change some settings as to how your iPad locks and whether or not you wish to use a passcode to unlock it. To access these settings, tap on the Settings app. Once in the Settings app, and in the General category, tap on the Auto-Lock option. This will present you with a screen similar to the one below.

Auto-Lock time for the iPad

At this screen you can specify how long the iPad must be idle before it will auto-lock itself. The default time is 5 minutes, but you can set it to 2, 10, 15, or Never as well.

You can also set a passcode that must be entered before the iPad will unlock. To access these settings tap on the General Settings category again and then select Passcode Lock. This will bring you to a screen similar to the one below.

Passcode Lock screen

To enable the passcode, tap on the Turn Passcode On button and you will be at a screen asking you to input a passcode as shown below.

Set the Passcode needed to unlock the iPad

Enter your four digit passcode and then enter it once again to confirm it. Once you have entered the passcode that you wish to use twice, you will be shown the Passcode Lock screen with new options available to you.

Passcode Lock options screen

These new options are explained below.

Turn Passcode Off	This option disables the passcode requirement when you unlock your iPad. In order to turn passcode locking off you must know the current passcode.
Change Passcode	This option allows you to change the current passcode. In order to change the passcode you will need to know the current one.
Require Passcode	This option determins how much time after the iPad was locked will the iPad require you to enter a passcode to unlock it. For example, if this setting is set to 5 minutes, then if you attempt to unlock the iPad within 5 minutes of it being locked, you will not be prompted for the passcode. By default this setting is set to Immediately.
Picture Frame	This option will turn on and off the ability to use the iPad as a picture frame while it is locked with a passcode. By default this setting is set to On, which means that while your iPad is locked you can still turn on the picture frame and view your pictures. Whether you consider this a privacy concern is up to you.
Erase Data	This option provides the ability to erase all of the data on your iPad if someone enters the wrong passcode 10 times. This will cause your settings to be reset to their original values and all of your information and media are erased by removing the encryption key to the data. By default this setting is set to off.

On a last note, please be sure to remember your passcode because if you forget it you will need to reset or restore your iPad to remove it.

As always if you have any questions about this procedure, please do not hesitate to ask in the iPad forum.

06/04/2010 How to connect an iPad to a Wireless or Wi-Fi network

Table of Contents

Introduction
How to connect to a Wi-Fi or Wireless Network
How to connect to a Wi-Fi or Wireless network that is not broadcasting its name or SSID
How to configure your iPad Wi-Fi connection to use a static IP address
How to configure your iPad to use a Proxy Server
Deleting a Wi-Fi connection profile so the iPad wont automatically join it
Troubleshooting
Conclusion

Introduction

The iPad is ultimately a device create to allow you consume content in an easy and portable manner. As there is no better location for consumable content than the Internet, being able to connect to a Wi-Fi network so you can access the Internet is a necessity. This guide will walk you through all of the steps required to connect to a Wi-Fi network using your iPad. We have also outlined steps that will allow you to access almost all types of Wi-Fi networks as well as using proxy servers if your particular scenario requires it.

How to connect to a Wi-Fi or Wireless Network

This section will explain how to connect to a Wi-Fi or Wireless network that is broadcasting its name or SSID. For most public, and many private, Wi-Fi networks the name, or SSID, of the network is broadcast so that anyone who tries to connect to it will be able to do so. This guide will walk you through the steps of connecting to a Wi-Fi network that is broadcasting its name. If you wish to connect to a wireless network that is not broadcasting its name, then please see the steps here.

Start the iPad
Tap on the Settings app. The Settings icon looks like the following:

Settings Icon

Once in the settings application, you will be at the General Settings screen as shown below.

General Settings screen
Tap on the Wi-Fi category to get to the screen where you will connect to a wireless network as shown below.

Choose an available wireless network screen

When you reach this screen, the iPad will start searching for Wi-Fi networks that are in range and that are broadcasting their names. As it discovers available networks it will list them under the Choose a Network... label. Please note that it may take some time for the iPad to see all of the available networks, so please be patient while it searches. You can tell that it is searching as there will be an animated symbol next to the Choose a Network... label while it is searching. If it does not find anything, it will pause for about a minute and then attempt to search again.

When you see the Wi-Fi network that you would like to connect to, simply tap on it to attempt to join it. If it has a lock next to the name, then it will require you to enter a wireless encryption password in order to connect to it as discussed in the next step.
Once you Tap on a network name, it will try to connect to it. If the network is not using encryption, then you can just skip to this step. If the network is using wireless encryption, though, you will be presented with a screen asking you to enter the wireless encryption password as shown below.

Enter wireless security password screen

In the password field, enter the wireless encryption password that is required to join this network. This password was originally set on your wireless router, and if you do not remember this password anymore, you can logon to the router and change the password to a new one. Please note that if you change the password on the router, then any other devices that connect to this device wirelessly will also need to have their settings changed to use the new password.
The iPad will now attempt to connect to the network, and when finished, will display the Wi-Fi settings screen again, but this time with the joined network listed and with a checkmark next to it as shown below.

Screen showing the iPad connected to a wireless network

This checkmark designates that your iPad is connected to the network. You can also see that your iPad is connected to a wireless network as in the upper left-hand corner you will see the word iPad with the Wi-Fi symbol ()next to it. You can now go back to your home screen and use any apps that require Wi-Fi connectivity.

How to connect to a Wi-Fi or Wireless network that is not broadcasting its name or SSID

There are many networks that do not advertise their network name, or SSID, for extra security. Due to this, the only way for an iPad to connect to these types of networks is to manually enter the network information that is required to make a connection. This section will explain how to manually connect your iPad to a wireless network.

In order to accomplish this please follow these steps:

Start the iPad
Tap on the Settings app. The app icon looks like the following:

Settings Icon

Once in the settings application, you will be at the General Settings screen as shown below.

General Settings screen
Tap on the Wi-Fi category to get to the screen where you will connect to a wireless network as shown below.

Wi-Fi Settings screen
Determine the correct Name, or SSID, that you will be connecting to and Tap on the Other... button. You will now be at the Other Network screen where the iPad will ask you to enter the settings required to connect to the network.

Enter SSID screen

In the Name field, enter the network name or SSID.
Then tap on the Security button and you will be at the screen show below.

Select Security Encryption Type screen

At this screen you need to select the wireless encryption that the network that network you wish to connect to is using. It is important that you select the correct encryption type, as if you do not, you will not be able to connect to the wireless network. After selecting the encryption type, tap on the Other Network button.
You will now be back at the Other Network screen where the iPad is now prompting you to enter the password as shown below.

Enter Security Encryption Password screen

In the password field, please enter the password that is required to connect to the Wi-Fi network. This password was originally set on your wireless router, and if you do not remember this password, you can logon to the router and change the password to a new one. Please note that if you change the password on the router, then any other devices that connect to this device wirelessly will also need to have their settings changed to use the new password.
Once you have entered in all the required information, tap the Join button on the iPad keyboard. The iPad will attempt to connect to the network, and when finished, will display the Wi-Fi settings screen again, but this time with the joined network listed and with a checkmark next to it as shown below.

Screen showing the iPad connected to a wireless network

This checkmark designates that your iPad is connected to the network. You can also see that your iPad is connected to a wireless network as in the upper left-hand corner you will see the word iPad with the Wi-Fi symbol () next to it. You can now go back to your home screen and use any apps that require Wi-Fi connectivity.

How to configure your iPad Wi-Fi connection to use a static IP address

If the wireless network you are connecting to does not use DHCP to assign IP addresses to wireless devices, then you will need to configure your iPad with static IP addresses and other information in order to connect to the Internet or a network. To do this first find out the info, such as the static IP address, IP subnet mask, DNS servers, and router IP address, and proceed with the following steps. Please note, you must first create the wireless profile that you will be assigning static information to.

Start the iPad
Tap on the Settings app. When the Settings app loads, you will be at the General Settings category.
Tap on the Wi-Fi settings category and you will be at a screen as shown below.

Screen showing the iPad connected to a wireless network

You should now tap on the to access the specific settings of the wireless connection.
You will now be at the Wi-Fi network settings screen for the connected network.

Wireless settings for a Wi-Fi network
Now tap the Static button to enter the static settings screen as shown below.

Screen showing the iPad connected to a wireless network

In this screen you can enter the IP address, IP subnet mask, router IP address, DNS server, and search domains as necessary. At a minimum you must enter information in the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Router, and DNS fields for the iPad to be able to properly work on the wireless network. If you do not know this information, you should ask the router owner or administrator.

When you are done entering the information, tap on the Wi-Fi Networks button and then go back to your Home screen to start using the iPad with these new settings.

How to configure your iPad to use a Proxy Server

Some networks require you to use a proxy server to access the Internet. A proxy server is another computer or device that acts as an intermediary between you and the Internet by relaying your requests to a server and the servers responses back to you. Unfortunately, this type of setup requires you to specify certain settings in order for you to use the Internet properly. This section will provide information on how to configure your iPad to use a proxy server.

Start the iPad
Tap on the Settings app. When the Settings app loads, you will be at the General Settings category.
Tap on the Wi-Fi settings category and you will be at a screen as shown below.

Screen showing the iPad connected to a wireless network

You should now tap on the to access the specific settings of the wireless connection.
You will now be at the Wi-Fi network settings screen for the connected network.

Wireless settings for a Wi-Fi network

At the bottom you will find three proxy server options that you can choose from. The first option is Off, which is the default option and means that the iPad will not use a Proxy Server. The second setting is Manual, which means that you will enter the specific information about proxy server in the specified fields. The last option is Auto, which allows you to enter a URL that contains the configuration information as to what proxy settings the iPad should use.
If you need to specify manual settings, then simply tap on the Manual button and fill in the appropriate fields as shown below.

Screen showing the iPad connected to a wireless network

If your proxy server requires you to login to it before it allows you to use it, make sure you slide Authentication to ON and input your login credentials.

If you have a configuration URL that contains your proxy settings, then simply tap on the Auto button and you will see a screen similar to below.

Screen showing the iPad connected to a wireless network

Simply fill in the URL field with the proxy autoconfiguration URL.
When you are done setting up your proxy server, tap on the Wi-Fi Networks button and then go back to your Home screen to start using the iPad with these new settings.

Deleting a Wi-Fi connection profile so the iPad wont automatically join it

At times you may find the need to delete a Wi-Fi connection profile that has previously been configured on your iPad. Whether this is because the profile belongs to a hotel that you are no longer staying at or you have changed your wireless password and need to re-enter it, this section will explain how to delete the profile from your iPad.

Start the iPad
Tap on the Settings app. When the Settings app loads, you will be at the General Settings category.
Tap on the Wi-Fi settings category and you will be at a screen as shown below.

Screen showing the iPad connected to a wireless network

You should now tap on the next to the Wi-Fi profile that you wish to delete.
You will now be at the Wi-Fi network settings screen for the connected network.

Wireless settings for a Wi-Fi network
Tap on the Forget this Network button.
When the iPad asks you to confirm that you wish to forget the network, tap on the Forget button.

You will no longer automatically connect to this network. Do not be concerned, though, if you go back to the Wi-Fi settings and still see the network you just specified should be forgotten. Once you power off the iPad, and start it again, the network will no longer be listed.

Troubleshooting

When working with computers and networking problems invariably happen. This section will offer steps that can be tried to resolve Wi-Fi connectivity issues with your iPad.

What to do if your iPad can't access a visible network:

The first step is to make sure that the wireless connection does not require a password. You can determine this by seeing if there is a lock symbol next to the wireless network name. If there is, then make sure you know the correct password to the network before attempting to join it. If that still does not resolve your issue, try moving closer to the wireless router and seeing if you are able to connect then.

What to do if you cannot access a network that is not broadcasting its network name or SSID:

Diagnosing connections to Wi-Fi networks that are not broadcasting their name or SSID can be difficult. The first suggestion, if the wireless router is under your control, is to allow the router to broadcast the name. If you can then connect, then you may have entered the name incorrectly, selected the wrong wireless encryption type, or entered the wrong wireless encryption password. You should then confirm these settings by looking at the configuration of the router, and if necessary, changing those settings to new ones. Then try connecting again.

What to do if you cannot access the Internet when connected to a wireless network:

If it shows that you are connected to a network, but you still cannot access the network, you should first make sure that your Internet connection is actually working. Test the connection from another computer and device to confirm that it is working. If it is working, go into the Wi-Fi settings for this particular connection on the iPad and under the DHCP settings, make sure that you have an assigned IP Address, Subnet Mask, Router, and DNS. If you do not have these fields populated, then tap on the Renew Lease button, and then tap on the Renew button when it asks if you with to continue. This will make the iPad request new connection settings. Once that is done, if you now have settings in the DHCP fields, try connecting to the Internet again.

If this still does not work, then you may want to confirm that you do not need to enter a static networking configuration into the iPad. To determine this, you should ask the owner or administrator of the wireless router.

Last, but not least, if the iPad shows its connected, but cannot access the internet, it could be because you entered the wrong wireless encryption password or it was changed after you initially created the Wi-Fi profile. To test this, simply Forget the network profile and try recreating it and entering the password again.

How to fix slow iPad Wi-Fi speeds or low quality wireless connections:

Unfortunately there have been a lot of reports that the iPad wireless range and sensitivity is not as good as it could, or should, be. That means that Wi-Fi connections that work fine with other devices or computers may not work as well with the iPad. To determine the quality of your Wi-Fi connection, you can look in the upper left-hand corner of the device. The three quality levels are shown from best to worst as , with the lower the level being the worst connection speed.

Unless Apple releases an update, or a software hack is released to increase the power of the antenna, we will need to use other methods to make the Wi-Fi connection quality better. To do this you can first try and use the iPad closer to the wireless router to increase your connection quality. This, though, is a ridiculous thing to have to do considering how much you spent on the iPad. Another option is to purchase a wireless extender that can extend the range of your wireless device so it is strong throughout your entire house or apartment. Popular extenders are the Linksys WRE54G Wireless-G Extender, Belkin Wireless G Universal Range Extender, or the Netgear WGXB102 Range Extender. When you add an extender to your wireless network, it will increase the range of your wireless router so that you can connect to your network in locations that previously you could not.

Conclusion

As you can see there are many Wi-Fi configuration options available to suit your specific needs. By knowing how to connect to a wireless network you can now connect to the Internet from locations such as a public Wi-Fi hotspot, a friends house, or a hotel. No matter what the specific requirement of your location, hopefully the information in this guide has shown you how to work around them. If you have any questions with the information here,s or need some help with the steps, please do not hesitate to ask in our iPad forum.

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