Connect via wifi after changing BIOS?

Question

One of my mates' laptop needed a change in BIOS from a VISTA to an XP.

I am not familiar with WIFI so how do I:

connect to a router using WIFI?

turn the WIFI feature on/configure the function on XP?

explain to my mate whether WIFI is compatiable with XP?

Note1: I can't seem to find the wireless network dialog box (the laptop sign with green flashy waves e.g. in icon tray) anywhere on his laptop (suggesting the XP system does not recognise WIFI; can someone confirm this for me please?)

Note2: I am the nearest and savviest PC-whizz my mate could find (go figure).

Note3: Any unhelpful comments or stupidly unconstructive remarks are thumbed down

Cheers in advance

Answer 1

One of the main issues with moving to XP from Vista is that the DRiVERS needed are a pain to find!  You need XP Drivers for the wifi card!   Generally you can find them on the Manufacturers website. If this is a laptop go to the website for that laptop and search support for wifi drivers (by model number)   If it is an add on wifi card, go to the card manufacturers web site and get the drivers.  

You can use any machine, download the driver, put it on a memory stick and install it. Once the drivers are installed the wifi connection will be available.

Answer 2

OK, I think you mean Xp replaced Vista as the operating system rather than BIOS.  The wifi dongle (or card) needs to be installed so it is recognised in Xp. Check to see its in device manager, right click my computer, properties, hardware, device manager, network adaptors. If not, install the drivers, either from the CD that came with it, or download them (to another pc on the network and put them on a usb drive or something..)

If the adaptor is recognised, use the "wireless network setup wizard" in control panel to connect.