Overview
This document will help you set up MSU ethernet access on your on-campus PC running the Windows XP Operating System.Note: These instructions include screen shots specifically from a Dell Latitude running XP - Pro, but may be used as general instructions for any computer running either Windows XP Home or Professional. Some of the screen shots may vary slightly from what you see.
Before you begin
Windows may ask if you want to restart your computer; you do not need to restart your computer unless you are told to do so in these instructions.Windows may request your Windows XP installation CD or software drivers for your Ethernet card during this setup process. If this happens, please insert the requested media into your computer.
These instructions assume your computer is in good working order. If it is not, you may not achieve the desired results.
Minimum Requirements
- A valid MSU NetID
- A computer with Windows XP installed
- Windows XP CD
- 128 MB of RAM
- 250 MB free hard drive space
- An Ethernet card installed
- Driver disk for Ethernet card
- RJ-45 Ethernet cable
Step 1: Start Menu
From the Windows Desktop, click on the "Start" button, then click on "Control Panel."
Step 2a: Control Panel
You may see one of two different views of the Control Panel:
1. If you see the Classic view (white background), then double click "Network Connections" and skip to "Step 3: Network Connections"
2. If you see the Category view (blue background with "Pick a category" at the top), then click "Network and Internet Connections" and proceed to "Step 2b: Category View."
Step 2b: Category View
If you are using the Category View, then click "Network Connections" and proceed to "Step 3: Network Connections."
Step 3: Network Connections
Inside the Network control panel, click on "Create a New Connection" (located in blue bar on left).
If you already have a "Local Area Connection" icon under the "LAN or High Speed Internet" section, please proceed to "Step 9: Back to Network Connections."
Step 4: New Connection Wizard
The New Connection Wizard Welcome Screen will appear. Click "Next."
Step 5: Network Connection Type
The Network Connection Type screen will appear. Select "Connect to the Internet," then click "Next."
Step 6: Getting Ready
The Getting Ready screen will appear. Select "Set up my connection manually," then click "Next."
Step 7: Internet Connection
The Internet Connection screen will appear. Select "Connect using a broadband connection that is always on," then click "Next."
Step 8: Completing the Wizard
The Completing the New Connection Wizard screen will appear. Click "Finish."
Step 9: Back to Network Connections
The Network Connections screen will now show your new Ethernet connection. Right click on the new connection and select "Properties."
Step 10: Connection Properties
The Connection Properties screen will now appear. Make sure "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" is checked and highlighted, then click on "Properties."
Step 11: TCP/IP General Properties
The Internet Protocol General Properties screen will appear. Verify that "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are both selected. Click "OK" to be returned to the Connection Properties screen, then click "OK" again. You may close any windows that remain open and return to your Desktop.
Step 12: Registering with DHCP
Once you have configured your network settings, you can use a web browser to register your computer with DHCP for full network access. If you do not register with DHCP, you will not be able to access off campus Internet sites. To register your computer, follow the instructions below.NOTE: To register your computer with DHCP, you must be on campus. Do not attempt to dial-in to register your computer. If your computer has been properly configured, you will be able to access the DHCP server over ethernet.
- Launch your web browser.
- Browse to http://dhcp.cl.msu.edu.
- Log in using your MSU NetID and NetID (E-mail) password.
- Click on "Register your Computer."
- Fill out the form with your information and click on "Register."
