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Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Usage - Security - Platform Support - Errors - Miscellaneous

Connectify is running in the Notification Tray next to the system clock. It might not be visible, because Windows 7 has cleaned up the Notification Tray to hide the icons that you don't frequently use. If you click on the small white triangle it will show all of the icons, including the Connectify radio wave icon.

To ensure that Connectify stays visible, select "Customize". Find Connectify in the list of programs and select "Show icons and notifications".

Now what? How do I share my connection?

To get started, click on the Connectify logo in the Notification Tray.

Select the Internet connection you wish to share
Choose a name for your new wireless network
Choose a wireless password
If the Mode box is visible, select "Access Point" if it is in the menu, otherwise, use "Ad Hoc".
Press the Start Hotspot Sharing button to turn on your wireless network
Now, from your other devices, you can see your wireless network. Choose to join it, and enter the wireless password to connect.

Can I still join a WiFi network while my computer is acting as a WiFi Hotspot?

Yes, as long as you are in "Access Point" mode. You can join a WiFi network and run the Connectify Hotspot on the same WiFi card, at the same time. The Connectify Hotspot is always on the same channel as the WiFi network that you join, but WiFi networks can share the same channel. Ad Hoc mode cannot do this, unless you use a second WiFi card to connect to the other wireless network.

Security

What kind of security does it have? Is it encrypted?

Yes, your wireless Access Point hotspot is encrypted with WPA2-Personal (AES) encryption. Your security is as strong as the Password that you select. The Ad Hoc mode hotspots are protected with WEP encryption.

How do I turn off encryption?

Encryption is required with Connectify, we take your safety and security seriously.

Platform Support

What versions of Windows does Connectify run on?

Connectify runs on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, both in either 32 or 64 bits. Windows 7 Starter Edition is not supported, as it lacks some of the features Connectify utilizes.

Does it run on Windows Vista or Windows XP?

Sorry, not at this time. Connectify depends on improvements made in Windows 7 to operate. Frankly, Windows 7 is such a big improvement, that we suggest you're better off upgrading than waiting for us to get all this working on an older version of Windows.

For more information on upgrading to Windows 7, see the comprehensive Upgrade Guide on our web site.

Do my friends need Windows 7 in order to connect to my Connectify hotspot?

Absolutely not, any WiFi enabled device can connect to your network without any additional configuration or software.

Will it work with my cellular Wireless Internet service?

It should, we have tested successfully with several. Please tell us if it doesn't.

Why does the installer tell me it only runs on Windows 7, even though I have Windows 7?

One of the features of Windows 7, is that it has a "Compatibility Mode" where pretends to be an older operating system to installers. If you right click on the installer, and select "Properties", there is a "Compatibility" tab. Make sure there are no checks in any of the checkboxes on this screen.

Errors

Nothing happens when I press the button to start the hotspot. What gives?

There are 2 main reasons for this.

You have multiple network connections bridged. Connectify needs these to be disabled
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is disabled by your administration. Contact your local network/system admin to see if they can turn it on.

I get a message that 'Internet Connection Sharing is currently unavailable.' What should I do?

First make sure that Internet Connection Sharing service is running. You can check this in the Services tab of the Task Manager. If restarting the service doesn't fix the issue, disable any shared connection by clicking on Change Adapter Settings in the Network and Sharing Center, open the Properties dialog for the shared adapter, then uncheck the Sharing checkbox under the Sharing tab

I get a message that 'Windows reported an error while configuring Internet Connection Sharing.' What should I do?

First make sure that Internet Connection Sharing service is running. You can check this in the Services tab of the Task Manager. Also make sure that the Windows Firewall service is running. Internet Connection Sharing is dependent on Windows Firewall to operate. You can configure the Firewall to not operate on any of your connections, but the service still needs to be running.

It doesn't work for me! Help!

Send us an email at support@connectify.me and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Miscellaneous

What's new in this release?

See the Release Notes for the latest release

Is this just WiFi's ad hoc mode?

When it is run in "Access Point" mode, Connectify is a real WiFi Access Point running on your computer. Any device that can connect to a regular access point, can connect to a Connectify Hotspot, with no special setup or software required. When Connectify is run in "Ad Hoc" mode it sets everything up for you (Wireless card, Internet sharing, firewall, etc.) in one click. It also provides advanced features like showing you what computers are connected to your network, and letting you right click them to Explore their shared drives and printers.

Am I allowed to share my Internet?

This depends on the terms of service of your Internet Service Provider. Many have terms against reselling the connections; however sharing with friends, family and your other computers is generally fine.

How can I help spread the word about Connectify?

Funny you asked! We have conveniently provided links to several popular social media sites in the sidebar. Don't hesitate to use them all!