This week we're running a series of posts that tackle common Windows networking issues, and some tips and tricks that might speed up or improve your network stability. You can find more tech tips in our Tips index.
One small Windows XP feature I used to lean on frequently was "Connect To" -- it provided easy access to a computer's network connections right from the Start Menu. I also like being able to right-click on a connection icon in the system tray to access the same screen. In Windows Vista and Windows 7, however, neither of those options are available -- so what's the best way to open your network connections screen in a hurry?
Option 1: use the search box
I'm constantly amazed by how many Windows 7 and Vista users have no idea they can search right from the Start Menu. Click your Windows button (or hit the Windows Flag key on your keyboard) and type the word
connections in the search box. Wait a moment, and you'll see
view network connections appear. Click it, and you'll be shown every network adapter.
Option 2: remember the magic words
No, not open sesame -- in this case, it's
ncpa.cpl. A .cpl file is a Control Panel applet in Windows -- which you can see sprawled out if you turn on classic view when you have the screen open. Typing ncpa.cpl into either the search box or run dialog and pressing enter will also get you to your connections in a hurry. You can also enter
control netconnections... but that's so many more letters!
Tags: connect to, connections, ConnectTo, how to, HowTo, lan, ncpa.cpl, network, shortcuts, tips, vista, win7, windows, windows 7, windows vista, Windows7, WindowsVista, wireless, wlan
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Comments
8
Subscribe to commentsDrew GreenJan 17th 2011 12:00PM
The biggest PITA in Windows Vista/7. Thanks for the tips.
Martin-TJan 17th 2011 12:57PM
You can also create a shortcut for ncpa.cpl and put it in your toolbar or right on the desktop.
KalleJan 18th 2011 9:52AM
This is faster:
open start menu (preferably with windows key), type ip and hit enter!
SilverWaveJan 17th 2011 6:27PM
@Kalle
Cheers I will give it a shot :-)
blasztaJan 19th 2011 12:36PM
@Kalle won't work if you have a program started with "ip..." (like iphone explorer in my case)
DominicJan 17th 2011 4:55PM
I have found the simplest method with all Windows versions is to Win + R (run command) and then just type computer name with "\\":
example run command: "\\laptop" without quotes and then hit enter or OK
If you have static IP addresses setup you can also use IP ( \\192.168.0.105 )
Then, for Windows 7, drag in any network folder you want to access regularly just drag into explorer taskbar icon and it pins that network folder as jumplist item. Or put folder shortcuts on desktop.
szekelyaJan 17th 2011 5:28PM
Good tip, thanks.
Speaking of network shares, do you people happen to know if it is possible to access a workgroup share from a domain configured Vista?
SilverWaveJan 17th 2011 6:26PM
Nice one.
That had been bugging me :-)