By default, the Windows Vista operating system is configured not to connect to Wi-Fi wireless networks in which the SSID is not broadcast. SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the unique name that identifies a particular Wi-Fi (802.11) wireless network.

Follow these steps to enable a computer running Windows Vista to connect to a particular Wi-Fi network in which the SSID is not being broadcast.

1. Click the Windows Start button, then click Control Panel.

2. Click Network and Internet.

3. Click Network and Sharing Center.

4. Click Manage wireless networks (one of the Tasks, at left).

5. Right-click the Wi-Fi wireless network you wish to connect to (in the Networks you can view and modify list). Click Properties in the pop-up context menu.

6. The Properties page shown below will appear. Click to place a checkmark in the box labeled Connect even if the network is not broadcasting, then click OK.

It should now be possible to connect to this particular Wi-Fi network even though it does not broadcast its SSID. This change applies only to the network selected in step 5 above . You may repeat the procedure for any other available Wi-Fi network.

For further information on this topic, see these Microsoft TechNet articles:

Non-broadcast Wireless Networks with Microsoft Windows

Connecting to Wireless Networks with Windows Vista 

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