How to Back-up Wireless Networks in Windows 7

Perhaps, one of the most annoying thing when you set-up a wireless network is having to remember the pass key (security key) and typing it perfectly correct so you can connect your laptop or netbook to it. Just imagine if you need 2 or more of your portables to connect to a wireless network. Well, Windows 7 may have a pretty convenient solution to this. You can now easily export your wireless settings from one computer to another.

Backing up the wireless networks settings from Windows 7 is easy, and the settings can also be saved to a USB drive. Moreover, you can import the settings on laptops & netbooks running Windows XP, Windows Vista and/or Windows 7.

Saving Your Wireless Network Settings

Open the Network and Sharing Center first. To do this, simply click on the wireless network symbol from the taskbar and choose ‘Open Network and Sharing Center’. Another way to do this is go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center.


Click the ‘Manage wireless networks’ link on the left side of the Network and Sharing Center window.


You will see a list with all wireless networks to which you have connected in previously under the Manage Wireless Networks window. Just double-click on those you prefer.


You will now see a window with all its properties. To save them on a flash drive: Click on the bottom link that says ‘Copy this network profile to a USD flash drive’.


The Copy Network Settings wizard will now begin. Next, insert the USB flash drive and wait until it is detected. The Next button now is no longer grayed out.


It will only take a few seconds to complete the copying process. Just hit on Close when finished.


If you will check your USB flash drive, you will now see a setupSNK.exe file and a SMRTNTKY folder. Don’t delete those files from the memory stick.


Importing Your Wireless Network Settings

Plug in the USB flash drive to the laptop where you need to import the settings and run the setupSNK.exe file. Click on Yes when the Wireless Network Setup Wizard launches.


The settings will now be imported and will complete in a few seconds. Click OK when you get the notification below. You can now start using the wireless network.


This process is very helpful for both public and hidden wireless networks. Instead of typing long and complicated authentication keys, it is much easier to plug in an USB memory stick and just run a setup file. If you have other useful techniques like this one, please don’t hesitate to share them by providing comments here.