Installing the Client for Microsoft Networks component on Windows 2000 or higher

The Client for Microsoft Networks is an essential networking software component for the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems. A Windows computer must run the Client for Microsoft Networks to remotely access files, printers and other shared network resources. These step-by-step instructions explain how to verify that the client is present and, if not, how to install it.

1. Navigate to the Windows Control Panel (Start } Settings } Control Panel).

2. Right click on the "Local Area Connection" item and select Properties. This will bring up the `Local Area Connection Properties' dialog.

NOTE: If the computer runs any older version of Windows, like Windows 95 or Windows 98, locate and right click on Network Neighborhood, then choose Properties. Alternatively, navigate to Control Panel and open the `Network' item.

Screenshot 140 - Local Area Connection Properties dialog

3. From the General tab which opens by default, select the checkbox next to `Client for Microsoft Networks' and click on Install... to begin the installation process.

NOTE 1: If `Client for Microsoft Windows' checkbox is already selected, then the component is already installed.

NOTE 2: If the network is currently active, you may not see any checkboxes in the window. In this case, click the Properties button one more time to reach the full General tab.

NOTE 3: If the computer runs any older version of Windows, view the Configuration tab and verify if `Client for Microsoft Windows' is present in the displayed list. If not, install the component by clicking on the Add... button.

4. From the new dialog on display, select `Client' and click on Add... to continue.

5. From the list of manufacturers at the right of the active window choose `Microsoft'. Then, choose "Client for Microsoft Windows" from the list of Network Clients on the right side of the window. Click on the OK button to continue.

6. To finalize the installation, click on the OK button and reboot the computer. After the computer has restarted, Client for Microsoft Windows will be automatically installed.