Windows XP: Step 1: Installing and Configuring your Network Card
If you are installing an Ethernet card yourself let me guide you through all the step to install the network adapter in the computer, before you can continue you must discharge yourself to avoid damaging the network card. To discharge yourself touch the outside of the computer for a few seconds until you are completely discharged.
Here are the steps to install the network card:
- Disconnect all cables connected to the computer and open the case.
- Locate an available PCI slot (white slots) and insert the network card and secure the card with the screw that came with it.
- Once the adapter has been installed and secured close the computer case, connect all the cables and turn it on.
- Once your computer is on install the adapter driver by inserting the CD that came with the Ethernet adapter.
- After installing the adapter driver it should be working find, now lets configure the card for use on a network.
Before you continue with the installation check in the Control Panel to ensure that the card is working correctly:
- Click on the Start button and select Settings then Control Panel.
- Double click on the System icon.
- Click on the Hardware tab.
- Click on Device Manager.
- You will see a list of devices installed in your computer.
- If necessary, click on the + sign next to Network Adapters to expand the list.
- Ensure that there is no yellow exclamation mark (!) next to the Network Adapter. This indicates a possible problem with the card or configuration.
- Double click on your network driver (e.g. NE2000 Compatible).
- In the Device Status box you should see the message:
This Device is working correctly.
If you do not see this message or if there is no Network Adapter displayed, then your Ethernet card will probably need configuring.
Windows XP Step 2: Network (TCP/IP) Configuration
You must have an installed and configured network (Ethernet) card in your computer before you configure your computer to use the network.
If you are a previous user of the Hall Network Service then you are advised to check that your P.C. is configured correctly for this year’s service.
Ensure that your Ethernet cable is plugged into your computer and the network socket on your wall.
- Click on the Start button and select Control Panel then Network and Internet Connections.
Note: These instructions assume that your control panel is in the default “category view”. If the control panel is in “classic view” please click “switch to category view” in the top left-hand corner of the control panel window.
- Click Network and Internet Connections.
- Right click on the Local Area Connection icon and select Properties.
- If you don’t have the Local Area Connection icon it is probably because your network card is not installed and configured correctly. See Step 1:
- Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
- Click on the Properties button.
- Check that Obtain an IP address automatically, and Obtain DNS server address automatically are both selected.
- Click on the Advanced button and select the DNS tab in the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window.
- Ensure that Register this connection’s addresses in DNS is not selected.
- Click OK, OK, then Close to close all boxes.
- Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.
- Click on Performance and Maintenance.
- Click on See basic information about your computer.
- Select the Computer Name tab.
- Click the Change button.
- In the Computer name box enter hallnet- followed by your username e.g. hallnet-ccuxb.
Note that if you have more than one computer, you should use hallnet-username-1, hallnet-username-2, etc. for subsequent computers.
Note: You must use this name for your computer when it is used on the network. The computer name you enter is important because this is the unique name your computer will advertise itself as on the network. You must not advertise yourself under any other name. We will disconnect your network socket if you do not comply with this.
- Change the Workgroup to HallNet.
- Click OK.
- Reboot when prompted.
Your computer is now configured to use the TCP/IP protocol on the network.
Windows XP: Step 3: Configuring your Browser
To complete the Hall Network Service set-up, a web browser is required to connect to the web pages. Internet Explorer is installed on Windows computers by default, but you may have upgraded it or installed another browser e.g. Netscape / Mozilla.
Start your web browser – Internet Explorer by default, or Netscape Navigator, or another. Check that it works via the network by entering www.lboro.ac.uk in the Address entry.
If you haven’t used your web browser before, the first time you run it an ‘Internet Connection Wizard’ may start-up. Select options as follows:
- Manual set-up (not automatic),
- Connect to the Internet through a local are network (LAN),
- Do not use Windows Messaging for Internet E-Mail,
- Do not set-up an Internet mail account, and
- Do not overwrite any current DNS settings.
If prompted, there is no need to select a ‘Proxy server’, or select ‘automatic discovery of proxy server’.
You may have previously used your computer connected to a modem on a telephone line. If so, you may need to change some settings so that your web browser will work on the network. Carefully check your TCP/IP settings and check your connection settings in your web browser. These settings are normally available in your Windows Control Panel, Internet(or Internet Options) section.
In the displayed Internet Properties window click on theConnection tab and ensure the Dialing option is not set. (You do not require a modem and ‘dial-up’ connections to access the Internet when using HallNet).
Windows XP: Step 4: Patch your Operating System
You should ensure that your computer is as up to date as possible when using your computer on the Hall Network service. Doing so will help keep your system more secure and stable. Failure to do so may mean that your computer is compromised or infected with a virus which may result in your service being suspended.
You can do this by downloading the service packs and patches for your operating system from the links below, and by visiting the Microsoft Windows Update websitehttp://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.
The latest update to Windows XP is Service Pack 2, which you must install if you do not already have it. Please select the relevant option:
- Service Pack 2 www.lboro.ac.uk/computing/hallnet/downloads/WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe.
- Service Pack 2 Chinese (simplified) language version www.lboro.ac.uk/computing/hallnet/downloads/WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-CHS.exe.
- If you have a 64-bit computer with a 64-bit Operating System, please visit Microsoft’s web site http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.
Finally, you may want to regularly visit the Microsoft Windows Update website http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ to get the latest updates and security patches for your computer.
Windows Vista network installation coming soon….
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