How to Use Xbox Live With a Laptop Without a Wireless Adapter

Click "Start" on your laptop and type "ncpa.cpl" into the search box (If you're running Windows XP, you will need to click "start," then "run"). A list of available network connections will come up. Right-click your network connection and click "Properties." Select the "Sharing" tab on the screen that pops up. If there is no "Sharing" tab, that means either you don't have two network cards, which will negate the whole process, or the network you've selected is not enabled for sharing. In this case, repeat the process with another network.

Select "Allow other users to connect through this computer's network." Click "OK." The display for your network connection should say "shared." Start whichever web browser you use to make sure you can connect to the Internet. If you can't connect, double-check that the connection you selected previously is the right connection. If it is not, repeat Step 1 for the correct network.

Plug a network cable into your laptop. The ports (there may be more than one) for this connection can be in different locations depending on the laptop, but the orientation will only allow for that one connection so it should be easy to locate. Plug the other end into a similar port located on the back of your Xbox 360

Turn on your Xbox 360. If you are automatically signed on to Xbox 360, the process was successful. If not, you can test your connection. Go to "my Xbox," then select "System Settings." Select "Test Xbox Live connection." Wait while the test runs; if it is successful, the screen will say "Xbox Live is up and running."