Normally, when your laptop comes in range of a wireless hot spot, Windows XP will notify you that there is one and give you the option to connect to it. Some computers will connect within moments. When a computer doesn't do this, you most likely need to tell the computer to automatically connect to wireless hot spots.
Note: Make sure your wireless network card is plugged in and enabled before you do this. Laptops with a built-in wireless card usually require you to manually turn the card on (Usually the [Fn] key and a button near the top of the keyboard). The reason for this is wireless network cards consume significant power and reduce the battery life of the laptop.
To configure Windows XP to connect to wireless networks automatically, click on the Start button, move your cursor to "Connect To", and click on "Wireless Network Connection."
The "Wireless Network Connection" window should come up. Click on the "Advanced" button.
On the "Wireless Network Connection Properties" dialog box, make sure "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings" is checked. Then click on the "Advanced" button.
Make sure that your computer will access any available network, and that "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks" is checked.
