In order for a student's computer to connect to our network, certain network properties settings must be correctly configured.  Use this training as a basic guide to ensuring correct network settings.

Windows 9x and ME - NIC Install and System File Directories

Basic Settings

Windows 2000 and XP

Simulations: basic network settings in the various operating systems
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Windows 9x/ME | Windows XP | Mac OS 9 | Mac OS 10

Windows 9x and ME 
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Install the NIC Card

-  Insert the adapter into the computer.
-  Turn the computer on.  Allow the computer to detect the adapter.
-  If the computer recognizes the specific adapter model, you will see its name.   If not, you will be asked to provide a driver.
-  Point the system to which ever drive the driver files are on.
-  If the system tells you it cannot find the files in c:\windows\system, simply point the system exactly to where you pointed it before.


System File Directories

-  When the computer asks for the system files, provide any of the following three directories:

c:\windows
c:\windows\system
c:\windows\options\cabs

-  If the progress bar stops in the middle of this process, type in another one of these directories. 
-  Switch between any of these three directories until the progress bar reaches the end of the line.
-  Restart the computer. 
 

BASIC SETTINGS: You must always make sure of the following:
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In the network neighborhood settings:
 

In the configuration tab, the primary logon should be CLIENT FOR MICROSOFT NETWORKS.  The only protocol present should be  TCP/IP.  The following may be removed from the configuration window:

- Any reference to NetBeui
- Any reference to IPX/SPX
- Any reference to the Banyan Vines protocol
- Microsoft Family Logon

In the TCP/IP properties :

-  The IP address tab should show “Obtain an IP address automatically”. 
-  The WINS  tab should show “Use DHCP for WINS resolution”. 
-  The DNS tab should show “Disable DNS”.

 In the Identification tab:

-  The Computer Name should be the student’s usercode. 
-  The Workgroup should be the name of the residence hall in ALL CAPS. 
-  The Computer Description may be left blank.
 

In the Internet Options in the Control Panel:

-  In the Connections tab, the button by “Never dial a connection” should be filled in. 
-  When you press the “LAN settings” button at the base of the Connections tab, you should make sure that ALL BOXES AVAILABLE ARE UNCHECKED.
-  If you press the “Setup” button at the top of the Connections tab, you will enter the Internet Connection Wizard.  Make sure to fill in all references to connecting through a LAN.  - - - Make sure to answer NO to the proxy server option.  Make sure to answer NO to setting up a mail and news account.

Win 2000 and XP 
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Network settings for Win XP and Win 2000 are identical, as are the methods for accessing them:

-  Right click on "My Network Places" and choose "Properties"
-  Right click on the network connection in question and choose "Properties".
-  In the Network Properties dialog, double click "TCI/IP".

Make sure the following settings are present in the Network Properties:

-  General Tab: The radio buttons "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain a DNS server address automatically" must be filled in.
-  Click the "Advanced" button.
-  IP Settings:  Under "IP Addresses", you should see "DHCP Enabled".  Under "Default Gateways", there should be nothing.
-  DNS: The radio button labeled "Append primary and connection specific suffixes" should be filled in.

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