University Computer Help Desk

Configuring "isunet" wireless on Windows XP using MS-PEAP

Configure Windows XP to access "isunet," a secure wireless network that is accessible throughout campus.

Before You Begin

These instructions are for Windows XP. Follow these instructions to configure Windows XP to connect to the "isunet" wireless network on campus using MS-PEAP.

Configure "isunet" on Windows XP 

These instructions involve three main steps:

  • Step 1 - Install Entrust secure server certificates for Windows XP
  • Step 2 - Configure Windows XP to manage your wireless networks
  • Step 3 - Configure "isunet" using MS-PEAP

Step 1 - Install Entrust Secure Server Certificates for Windows XP

To install the required Entrust certificates for Windows XP, do the following:

  1. Establish an Internet connection. Here are some options:
    • Connect to the "isu-public" wireless network in Milner Library
    • Use an Ethernet cable to connect to the public Ethernet jacks in Milner Library
    • Use your Internet connection at home or in your residence hall
    • Use another Ethernet jack in a campus office (appropriate for faculty/staff)
  2. Download the Entrust Certificates for Windows XP.
  3. Double-click on the ZIP file you downloaded. This file is named Entrust Cert for Windows XP.zip.
  4. Double-click on the first certificate file inside the ZIP. It is named entrust_2048_ca.cer.
  5. Click the Install Certificate... button.
  6. Click Next.
  7. Select the first option: Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Click Finish.
  10. You will see the message, The import was successful. Click OK.
  11. Click OK on the certificate window.
  12. Repeat these steps for the second certificate file, entrust_l1b.cer.

Step 2 - Configure Windows XP to Manage your Wireless Networks

To configure Windows XP to manage your wireless networks, do the following:

  1. Click Start > Control Panel.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • In classic view, click Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections.
    • In category view, double-click Network Connections.
  3. Right-click on your Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
  4. Click the Wireless Networks tab.
  5. Put a check mark next to Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings.

Step 3 - Configure "isunet" using MS-PEAP

Continuing the instructions above, the section labeled Preferred networks: displays a list of wireless networks and the order in which your computer will try to connect to them. You will now create an "isunet" profile.

  1. Do one of the following:
    • If isunet is not already in the list of Preferred networks:, click Add.
    • If isunet is already present, make sure it is at the top of the list. Click once on isunet and click Move up until it moves to the top of the list. Then click Properties.
  2. Type isunet in the box labeled Network name (SSID).
  3. For Network Authentication, select WPA2. For Data encryption, select AES.
    • If you only have the option for Open or Shared, you must update your wireless driver before proceeding. You should be able to download updated wireless drivers from your computer manufacturer's website.
  4. Click the Authentication tab.
  5. Click the EAP type drop-down menu and select Protected EAP (PEAP).
  6. Click Properties.
  7. Put a check mark next to Validate server certificate.
  8. Remove the check mark next to Connect to these servers:.
  9. Scroll through the list labeled Trusted Root Certificate Authorities. Put a check mark next to Entrust.net Certification Authority (2048).
  10. Put a check mark next to Do not prompt user to authorize new servers or trusted certification authorities.
  11. Click the Select Authentication Method drop-down menu and select Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP v2).
  12. Put a check mark next to Enable Fast Reconnect.
  13. Click Configure....
  14. Uncheck Automatically use my Windows Logon name and password (and domain if any). Then click OK.
  15. Click OK three times to close the windows that are still open.

Logging on to "isunet"

To connect to "isunet," your computer's wireless radio must be turned on, and you must be on campus, within range of a wireless access point.

  1. When you are in range of "isunet," a notification bubble will appear in the lower-right corner of your desktop, next to your clock.
  2. Click on the notification bubble.
  3. Windows will present you with a log in window titled Enter Credentials.
  4. Enter your ULID and password. Leave the Domain box empty. 
  5. Click OK.

You are now connected to "isunet."

Windows XP saves your ULID and password (this is called "cached credentials"). The next time your computer is within range of "isunet" it will automatically connect.

After you change your password, your computer's cached credentials will be out-of-sync with "isunet" and you will see the same notification bubble as before. Click the notification bubble and type your ULID and password as you did the first time.

Article Information

  • Article ID: 1228
  • Last Review: Sep 15, 2009
  • Type: Instructions

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