Windows XP Networking

Below you will find steps for manually checking and setting the network configurations for an Ethernet (wired) connection in Windows XP.

Windows XP Network Configuration

1. Click the Start button and select Control Panel.
2. Click on Network and Internet Connections.
3. Click on Network Connections.
4. Double click on the Local Area Connection. If this icon is not present, it may be due to your network card not being present or detected by Windows. A new window for the status of the connection will appear. Click the Properties. button.
   
   
   
   
   1. A new window will appear with a list of installed protocols. Only two of the items should be checked: Client for Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
      
      
      
      
      • Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is installed by default and cannot be removed. If for some reason it is not listed, click the Install button and add it.
      • QoS Packet Scheduler can remain checked if needed, but all others should be unchecked.
   2. Double click the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) item, or select it and click on the Properties button. A window will appear for setting the TCP/IP properties.
      1. On the General tab, make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
         • Since IPs are assigned by the network registration system, manually setting an IP address can cause connection issues not just for you, but others if you manually set the IP to one someone else was assigned.
         • While it is preferred that the DNS server is obtained automatically, you can set it to the values found on the additional network settings page.
      2. On the Alternate Configuration tab, make sure that it is set to Automatic IP address.

Checking to make sure the settings are correct

1. Click on the Start button and select Run....
2. A dialog will appear. Type either command or cmd and click OK.
3. A DOS window should appear. Type ipconfig to check the settings for your network connections.
   • If the IP address looks like 129.1.xxx.xxx, then your computer is configured for, connected to, and registered on the network.
   • If the IP address looks like 10.1.xxx.xxx, then your computer is configured for and connected to the network, but still needs to be registered. You will need to visit http://ns2.bgsu.edu to register.
   • If any other IP address appears, you may still have a setting misconfigured or could be connecting to a router that another student has connected to the network. Please contact RCC for further assistance.