How to make sure I am using ethernet not wireless?

Turn off the wireless on/off switch on your laptop if you want to use the Ethernet connection to ensure you are using the wired connection.

You can enter a command and see which Network Interface Card is active.

Run command prompt and enter:

/ipconfig

Check which card is running and is assaigned an IP address.

Only the active card will have an assaigned address.

Just disable the wireless network and re-enable it when you need it. That way you will only use the ethernet to connect. To do this: Network Sharing Centre - Manage Network Connections and you should see the wireless listed. You can uncheck it as default and disable it.

I do not do much Vista, but what I have done, open Network Settings, then the wireless clicky, disable all wireless.

In command line it is basic in all PCs or computing devices.

If a device has multiple connections, it will try to use ip routing to select the "best" router to the network. Generally, they prefer to use the hardwired connection if it is active.

If you want to insure that you are using the wired connection, just right-click the network icon on the toolbar and disable the connection.

Simple way to do is do disable the wireless. Your PC should have hotkey to disable it.