4-679-929-11(1)

Wireless LAN PC Card

(2.4 GHz/5 GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g )

Quick Start Guide

Before reading this guide, be sure to read the “Read This First” supplement.

This guide explains how to install the software required to use the Wireless LAN PC Card (2.4 GHz/5 GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g) PCWA-C800S and the necessary settings to establish a connection with the access point.

PCWA-C800S
© 2004 Sony Corporation Printed in JapanOverview

The Wireless LAN PC Card (2.4 GHz/5 GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g) PCWA-C800S is a wireless network PC card that allows your computer to connect to a wireless network and the Internet. With this card, you can build a wireless LAN.

This guide explains how to use the supplied CD-ROM to install the Wireless LAN PC Card device driver and Wireless Panel software.

Step 1 Installing the Software

Step 1 Installing the Software

The installation procedure is performed with an easy-to-use wizard. Before you start, verify the following.

•The wizard is located on the CD-ROM supplied with the Wireless LAN PC Card. Make sure that your CD-ROM drive is ready for use.

•When using the Wireless LAN PC Card in the Access Point Network connection mode, you must install the access point and make the necessary settings before proceeding. For details about these procedures, refer to the documentation provided with your access point.

Notes

•To install the supplied software on a computer running the Windows 2000 operating system, log on as a user listed in “Administrators”. To install the supplied software on a computer running the Windows XP operating system, log on as a user with administrator access privileges. You cannot install the software or modify settings when logged on as any other user.

•To change any of the Wireless Panel software settings on a computer running the Windows 2000 operating system, log on as a user listed in “Administrators”. You cannot modify settings when logged on as any other user.

•Exit all other programs.ImportantComputer Firewall FunctionsWhen using the Windows XP “Internet Connection Firewall” function

Enabling the Windows XP “Internet Connection Firewall” function may prevent your computer from accessing a wireless network. (By default, this function is disabled on computers running the Windows XP operating system.) If this function is enabled, your computer may not be able to connect to your network when you change your access point settings. If this happens, disable the “Internet Connection Firewall” function, connect to the network, and then re-enable the function. For details, refer to Windows XP Help.

Note

Network security is an important issue. Consider carefully how best to protect your computer.

When using a personal firewall function provided by virus scanning or network security software

Virus scanning and network security software sometimes includes a function called a “personal firewall” that prevents illegal access by outside entities. Depending on the software, the security level of this function may be initially set to a high level. If this high security level setting is left in effect, it may be impossible for an outside entity to access your computer. This can cause problems such as not being able to connect to the network when changing the access point’s settings. In this event, lower the security level to permit the network connection. For details, refer to the documentation provided with your software.

Notes

•Pay special attention to security issues.

•For questions regarding firewall functions, contact your firewall software manufacturer.

1When using the Wireless LAN PC Card in the Access Point Network connection mode, turn on the access point.

zHint

The Access Point Network connection mode is used when building a network around an access point (sold separately). The Peer to Peer Network connection mode is used when a network is composed mainly of computers with wireless capabilities (i.e. that do not need to connect through an access point).

2 Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your computer.The Easy Installation Wizard starts automatically.

4 If your computer is equipped with an internal CD-ROM drive, click “Built-in”. If not, click “External”.

If you are using an external CD-ROM drive, follow the instructions on the screen and copy the contents of the CD-ROM to your hard disk. When the copy is complete, click “Main Menu”.

The Main Menu of the Easy Installation Wizard appears.5 Click “Install Driver”.6 When prompted, insert the Wireless LAN PC Card in the PC card slot.

You do not need to turn off your computer when you insert the Wireless LAN PC Card.

Insert in the direction of the arrow

To PC card slot

Notes

•If your computer has two PC card slots, insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into the top slot. If inserted into thebottom slot, the antenna of the Wireless LAN PC Card will block the top slot.

•Depending on the depth and configuration of the PC card slots on your computer, you may not be able to fully insert the Wireless LAN PC Card.

Push the Wireless LAN PC Card into the slot until it is firmly seated. If the card does not fit easily, do not force it in. Take the card out, and then try reinserting it.

When you insert the Wireless LAN PC Card, the device driver is installed automatically. Wait until the installation is complete.

7 When installation is complete, the following screen appears. Click “Continue” to install the utility software.

9 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

Once the Wireless Panel software is installed, appears on the Windows operating system taskbar.

What to do nextMake access point connection settings.When using the Windows 2000 operating system, proceed overleaf.

When using the Windows XP operating system, click “Main Menu” as necessary to return to the

first screen of the wizard, or click to close the Easy Installation Wizard, and then proceed overleaf.

To remove the Wireless LAN PC Card1Quit any software accessing the wireless LAN (e.g. Internet Explorer).2Click on the Windows operating system taskbar.

3Click “Safely remove Sony 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Adapter” or “Stop Sony 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN Adapter” on the shortcut menu that appears.

If your computer has several PC card slots

If you insert the Wireless LAN PC Card into a slot other than the one you usually use, the computer treats the card as a new device and automatically begins installing device drivers for it. Completing the driver installation makes it possible to use the Wireless LAN PC Card in that slot. Installation is performed automatically by the installation wizard.

zHint

If you are using the Windows 2000 operating system, you can register up to 32 networks for each PC card slot, but you have to register each network individually. You cannot share the settings across slots.

Step 2

Customizing the Access Point Connection Settings

The procedure in step 2 varies according to your operating system. Refer to the section that pertains your operating system.

•Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States of America and/or other countries.

• Sony, VAIO,

,

, and the Eco Info logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

•In this document, the Wireless LAN PC Card (2.4 GHz/5 GHz IEEE 802.11a/b/g) PCWA-C800S is referred to as the Wireless LAN PC Card.

•In this document, Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional is referred to as Windows 2000, Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional and Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition are referred to as Windows XP.

Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.

zHint

If the Easy Installation Wizard does not appear when you insert the supplied CD-ROM into your CD-ROM

drive, double-click “Setup.exe” ( ) on the CD-ROM. Depending on the settings of your computer, the file name may be “Setup”.

3 When the following message appears, click “OK”.
8 Click “Install Software Utility”.The utility software installation starts.

Continued overleaf