Setting up your Windows XP computer's Ethernet adapter manually

Before you get started

This document contains a summary of instructions for configuring a Windows XP computer's Ethernet adapter and its wireless network adapter (laptop computers).
 

  • If your Windows XP computer has been connected to some other network (e.g., at another college, at an office, etc.) via Ethernet adapter or modem in the past, you must follow the directions below.
     
  • If you have used your computer on a home network, you may have turned on Internet Connection Sharing. Before using your computer on campus, you must make sure that Internet Connection Sharing is turned off for all network connections. If you try to connect your computer to our network with Internet Connection Sharing enabled, your computer's network access will be turned off immediately. To avoid this problem, follow these instructions.
     
  • If your Windows XP computer has an Ethernet adapter installed but has not yet been connected to a LAN (local network) and not yet been connected to the Internet via modem or Ethernet connection, it should work on UD's network without any other configuration. If your computer fits into this category, follow these instructions.
     
  • If you are a student and encounter any difficulties connecting to the University's network, contact the Residential Computing Consultants (831-8825).

Configuring your computer's Ethernet adapter

  1. From the Start menu, click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Network Connections.
  3. Right-click the Local Area Connection icon, and then choose Properties. 
  4. On the General tab, highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties.
  5. Choose Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain a DNS server address automatically.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Uncheck the File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks check box. Doing so will configure your computer so that no one can browse the contents of your computer over the campus network.
  8. Click the Advanced tab.
  9. In the Windows Firewall section, click Settings, and then choose On (Recommended).
  10. Click OK.
  11. In the Internet Connection Sharingsection, uncheck the Allow other users to connect through this computer's Internet connection check box if it's not already. (Note: Most desktop computer users will not see this setting.)
  12. Click OK to save the settings.
  13. Register your computer for full Internet access at The Network Page.

Configuring your computer's wireless network adapter

  1. From the Start menu, click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Network Connections.
  3. Right-click on the Wireless Network Connection icon and then choose Properties.
  4. On the General tab, highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on the Properties button.
  5. Choose Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain a DNS server address automatically.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Uncheck the File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks check box. Doing so will configure your computer so that no one can browse the contents of your computer over the campus network.
  8. Click the Advanced tab.
  9. In the Windows Firewall section, click on the Settings button, and then choose On (Recommended).
  10. Click OK.
  11. In the Internet Connection Sharing section, uncheck the Allow other users to connect through this computer's Internet connection check box. 
  12. Click OK to save the settings.
  13. Register your computer for full Internet access at The Network Page.