Add a network component

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To add a network component

  1. Open Network Connections.

  2. Right-click the connection to which you want to add a network component, and then click Properties.

  3. Do one of the following:

    • If this is a local area connection, click Install.

    • If this is a dial-up, VPN, or incoming connection, on the Networking tab, click Install.

  4. In the Select Network Component Type dialog box, click either Client, Service, or Protocol, and then click Add.

  5. Do one of the following:

    • If you do not have an installation disk for the component, click the appropriate client, service, or protocol, and then click OK.

    • If you have an installation disk for the component, click the appropriate client, service, or protocol, click Have Disk, insert the installation disk into the selected drive, and then click OK.

Notes

  • To open Network Connections, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network Connections.

  • You should only install the network components that you need, for the following reasons:

    • Network performance is enhanced and network traffic is reduced when only the required protocols and clients are installed.

    • If a problem with a network or dial-up connection occurs, your computer attempts to establish connectivity by using every network protocol that is installed and enabled. By only installing and enabling the protocols that your system can use, the operating system does not attempt to connect with protocols it cannot use, and returns status information to you more efficiently.

    • Excessive services can hinder performance on your local computer.

Information about functional differences

  • Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.

See Also

Concepts

Remove a network component
Disable a network component
Enable a network component
Add optional networking components