Free Public Wifi that says "computer to computer" I can't get it to aquire a network address?

Question

I can connect to any unsecured network, but when it says computer to computer, I cannot. It says Free Public Wifi but it is unable to aquire a network address. I have tried in several different places. This is not at places like the airport where you have to pay. When you connect at the airport you can at least pull up the screen that offers to sell you the service.

Why can't I connect to Free Public WiFi on my laptop? I know I am not the only person with this problem. When answering, please keep in mind the only time I cannot connect to an unsecured network is when it says "computer to computer"

Thank you

Answer 1

First, I will tell you computer to computer "Public" networks are extremely dangerous. You will be directly connecting to another computer.. if you don't know who that is you can't tell what they will do with your connection or the data you send through it. So generally these are not safe and should be avioded.

These are called peer to peer and you network card has to be set to AD-HOC mode to connect. Once in that mode you should be able to connect and get an IP. Windows will allow you to configure these but once again BE CAREFULL best if you know exactly who the AD-HOC network belongs to.

Just click on your wireless adapter go to properties at the bottom. Click on the wireless network tab at the top. Then click on "Advanced properties at the bottom" Then click the button that says ANY or Ad-HOC and you can connect.

The safest connections will be infrastructure which will not allow direct computer to computer connections.