Network And Sharing Center

Improved Network And Sharing Center in Windows 7 provides a clear view of available wireless networks, a Network Map to show the surrounding network resources on a home or unmanaged network, and easy methods to create or join ad hoc wireless networks. Diagnostic tools built into Network And Sharing Center simplify troubleshooting connectivity problems. Users can also browse network resources with the new Network Explorer, which they can start by clicking the network.

If a network connection is not available, such as a failed Internet connection (even if the link connected to the computer is functioning), Network And Sharing Center detects this failure and displays it graphically on the abbreviated version of the Network Map. Users can troubleshoot the problem simply by clicking the failed portion of the Network Map to start Windows Network Diagnostics.

To open Network And Sharing Center, click the network icon in the notification area and then click Open Network And Sharing Center. Alternatively, you can open Control Panel, click Network And Internet, and then click Network And Sharing Center.