How to stop XP from connecting to wireless networks

Windows XP by default is to connect to "any available network" and automatically connect to non-preferred networks, which helps to assure that you'll get a connection if there is a non-secured network available anywhere in range, but it's not so good for security (yours or the network owner's). You should configure the wireless feature so that you'll only connect to the network that you explicitly specify. Here's how:

1. Click Start | Control Panel.
2. Double click Network Connections.
3. Right click Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
4. Click the Wireless Networks tab.
5. Under Preferred Networks, click the name of the network to which you want to connect.
6. Click the Advanced button.
7. Click "Access point (infrastructure) networks only." This will prevent connecting to ad hoc wireless networks, which could be run by anyone in range with a wireless-enabled computer.
8. Click to uncheck the box labeled "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks."
9. Click Close, then OK, and close the Network Connections window.

Now your wireless laptop should be a little pickier about connecting to every network that comes along.