Windows XP Home/Professional Network Setup Guide

How do I configure my network card in Windows XP?

Step 1
Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.

Step 2
From the control panel, click Switch to Classic View. This allows you to view all control panel icons. Choose Network Connections.

Step 3

In the Network Connections window be sure the computer has created a Local Area Connection once the computer was restarted after the installation of the network card. If the Local Area Network icon does not appear under Network Connections, select the Create a New Connection link and follow the on screen instructions.

Step 4

If a LAN icon is present, then highlight the Local Area Connection icon and from the File menu choose Properties.. The "Local Area Network" Window will come up.

Step 5
In the Local Area Connection Properties window:

Make sure you are connecting using the proper Ethernet Card.
Make sure you have Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) as a component.
Make sure that Internet Protocol TCP/IP is checked.

If you are missing the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) then follow these instructions to install it:

Click Install in the Network Window
Select Protocol
Click Add...
Select the TCP/IP protocol
Click OK, the install should be automatic
Click OK in the Network Window once you are done installing.
When prompted, RESTART your computer.

Step 6
Check your TCP/IP settings, by highlighting the TCP/IP protocol in the Local Area Connections Window in the Network and Dial-up Window, and then click Properties. Make sure that the "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain a DNS server address automatically" are selected. That is all you need under TCP/IP properties. MHC uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to provide all the other settings, such as DNS Configuration, Gateway, etc.

Not working? Try Troubleshooting

How do I know if I'm connected to ResNet?

Once the network card is installed and verified that it is installed properly, launch a web browser which should direct you to the ResNet Welcome Screen. You have to logon and your system must be verified before you can use the Internet. If you cannot access the ResNet Welcome Screen, you may not have a completed Ethernet connection. This could be caused by:

your adapter not being properly configured
your software not being properly configured
your Ethernet adapter not being connected to the proper data outlet with a working Ethernet cable
your wall jack (data port) not working correctly. (All ports are tested every summer to ensure activity.)

If you have difficulty getting your computer configured, you can check with a friend or floormate for assistance. You can also try the Troubleshooting steps.