Creating shortcut to Connect to a Network?

[Emily7]

This is a really basic question -- I apologize in advance for my ignorance!

I have set up a Personal VPN on my new Windows 7 laptop to use when I'm on public wi-fi. The thing I don't know how to do is to put a shortcut to the "Connect to a Network" on the desktop so I can more easily access this connection. As it is now, I have to go to the start menu -> control panel -> network and sharing center, and connect from there.

This used to be a breeze in WinXP. Enlighten me!

Thanks much!

 

[TimStitt]

Hi Emily,

METHOD 1: Open up your Network Connections folder and drag the VPN connection to the desktop (it will create a short-cut automatically)

METHOD 2: Open up your Network Connections folder and drag the icon in the address bar to the start menu (this pins it), you can then click the icon at any time to open the network connections folder and select your VPN.

What you might also consider is turning on the desktop toolbar (or creating a custom toolbar), so that you can click the taskbar for a menu of items (such as all the items on your desktop) and select the shortcut that you created in Method 1.

Have fun!

PS: All basic questions are more than welcome here. It makes me grin like a child when I learn something basic that I just didn't know before

 

[whs]

The easiest for me is to right click on the network icon in your notification area (next to the clock), then click "open network and sharing center" and you have the "connect to a network" right in front of you. This is not really a shortcut, but it is close.

 

[TimStitt]

The easiest for me is to right click on the network icon in your notification area (next to the clock), then click "open network and sharing center" and you have the "connect to a network" right in front of you. This is not really a shortcut, but it is close.

I was almost going to say that, because I thought it was the same as just left clicking on the network icon; but I wasn't sure if VPN networks show here. I'll set one up and check.

 

[TimStitt]

Yep confirmed, I guess I should have checked

Just left click on the network icon at the bottom right, your VPN is there.

 

[whs]

Good deal.

 

[Emily7]

Yep confirmed, I guess I should have checked

Just left click on the network icon at the bottom right, your VPN is there.

Oh, that's great, thank you! I had tried right clicking there, but still had to go through a few clicks to get to the menu of connections. Left clicking is the way to go!

Thanks all...good stuff and much appreciated!

Emily

 

[TimStitt]

It was a team effort .

Merry Christmas!

 

[whs]

It was a team effort .

Merry Christmas!

That's the seasonal spirit. Merry Christmas.