Most students don't need to do anything special to connect to the wired network. The default network settings are typically to use DHCP and the network card driver is usually already installed by the computer manufacturer. However, if students do not have the network card installed or do not have their computer configured to use DHCP they can follow the instructions below to make the configuration changes to connect a Windows computer to a wired network.
STEP 1: Windows CD & System Properties
Find the Windows installation CD for your PC. You may need it later in this process. Plug one end of your network cable into your PC's Ethernet jack and the other end into the network jack in the wall. If it's not on already, start up your PC. Locate the My Computer icon on your desktop (or click Start and find My Computer there). Right click My Computer, then click Manage from the pop-up menu. The Computer Management window will appear.
STEP 2: Device Manager Window
Click the Device Manager on the left-side of the Computer Management window. Look for the Network adapter option and click its +/- box (see illustration). When it branches out, look for your network card by name. (Your network card name may differ from the one pictured.) Ignore the Dial-up adapter if it's listed. Make sure the card is there by name and does not have a yellow triangle icon on it. If so, go to Step 3.
However, if your network card ...
- shows up by name with the yellow triangle
or
- is not listed under Network adapters, or
or
- the network adapters option doesn't appear at all
then Windows did not correctly configure the card.
To arrange for a technical support appointment, call the IT Services Help Desk at (414) 288-7799.
STEP 3: Network Connections
Close the Device Manager window. Click the Start Menu and select Control Panel
- For Vista select View Network Status > Tasks or Network and Sharing Center >Manage Network Connections on the left-side.
STEP 4: Local Area Connection (or LAN Connection) Properties
The Local Area Connection or LAN Connection window will appear. In the General tab, a list of network components will appear. If Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) appears in the installed components list, you're ready to go to Step 5: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties.
If Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) does not appear in the installed components list, then complete the following steps:
1. Click Install.
2. Select Protocol icon.
3. Click Add.
4. Select TCP/IP icon.
5. Click OK.
You may be prompted to insert a Windows disk or CD-ROM. Insert the media and click Have Disk.
STEP 5: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties
Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Click the Properties button. In the General tab, select Obtain IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically. Click OK > OK in the Local Area Connection Properties window.
STEP 6: Final Steps
When done, restart your computer. Test your network connection by launching a web browser such as Internet Explorer. If you are not successful, call the IT Services Help Desk at (414) 288-7799 to arrange for assistance.
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