It is important to ensure that Windows XP computers' network properties are set so that the computer may properly connect to our network.  The components of the network properties in XP are the same as in Windows 9x/ME.  TCP/IP is the protocol, and IP, DNS, and WINS will be the components of TCP/IP that will be configured.  The dialog boxes look different, and you need to be familiar with them.  Click below to see how we will configure TCP/IP in Windows XP.

Right click on My Network Places

The Network General Properties Dialog Box

TCP/IP General Properties

Advanced TCP/IP settings:  IP

Advanced TCP/IP settings:  DNS

Advanced TCP/IP settings:  WINS


Simulation:
(requires Flash Player 6)

Windows XP Network Properties
 

Right click on My Network Places
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- Right-click on My Network Places and choose "Properties".
- Make sure to choose the connection in question. Usually, it will  be called "Local Area Connection".
- Right click the "Local Area Connection" and choose "Properties".
- If the icon is grayed out, the connection is disabled.
- If the icon has an "X" though it, it is down.

The Network General Properties Box will open
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- Notice the following familiar components:  Adapter, Client for MS Networks, TCP/IP. 
- The Add/Remove buttons have been replaced by Install/Uninstall buttons, but these perform the same functions.
- In order for the component to be installed, the box next to it must be checked.
- Double click on "Internet Prototcol (TCP/IP)" (or single click it and click "Properties").

The TCP/IP properties will open up
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- The dialog defaults to the "General" tab.
- Note the settings in the General tab.
- The radio button labeled "Obtain an IP address automatically" should be filled in.
- The radio button labeled "Obtain DNS server address automatically" should also be filled in.
- To check advanced TCP/IP settings, click the button labeled "Advanced".

The Advanced TCP/IP Settings dialog opens.  It defaults to "IP Settings"
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- The student's IP Settings tab should look like the dialog below.
- Make sure the caption "DHCP Enabled" is visible under "IP Adresses".

DNS tab
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- Note these settings, and make sure the student's computer has identical settings.
- The radio button labeled "Append primary and connection specific DNS suffixes" should be filled in.
- The check box labeled "Append parent suffixes of the primary DNS suffix" should be filled in.
- The check box labeled "Register this connection's addresses in DNS" should be filled in.
- Click the WINS" tab to view WINS configurations.

WINS tab
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- The check box labeled "Enable LMHOSTS lookup" should be filled in.
- The radio button labeled "Default: Use NetBIOS setting from DHCP server." should be filled in

Once you have made changes to the settings, you will NOT need to restart the computer.

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