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How To Set Up A Windows Vista Dorm Ethernet Connection

NOTE: Before you follow these instructions for creating a networking connection, please take a couple minutes to check the following pieces of hardware.

1. Make sure the network cord fits snug into the wall jack and into the network card itself.
2. With your computer on and cord plugged in, check to make sure a green light is lit up on the back of the network card. If you do not see a green light, try switching the cord with a new one.
3. Make sure the network card has correct drivers loaded. If you do not know how to check your drivers, consult our web page on using the Device Manager at http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/documents/3/3517/ (you will need to go on-line to check that document.)

Establishing a Network Connection

1. To ensure that your connection's settings are correct, click Start (Vista icon in lower left) and click Control Panel.

   

2. The Control Panel window will appear; click Network and Internet.

   

3. Click Network and Sharing Center.

   

4. Along the left of the Networking and Sharing Center window are several Task links; click Manage Network Connections.

   

5. In the Network Connections window, locate your Local Area Connection icon and right-click on it. Note: Ignore any icons that say VPN or Wireless.

   

6. Click Properties.

   

7. The Local Area Connection Properties window will appear. Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button. Note: Depending on your security settings, windows may need your permission to continue.

   

8. The Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window will appear; verify that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are both selected. Keep these default settings and towards the bottom of the window, click the Advanced button.

   

9. Now click the DNS tab. With the DNS opened, make sure you UNCHECK Register this connection's addresses in DNS. All other settings stay the same.

   

10. Click the WINS tab.
11. Under the WINS tab, make sure Enable LMHOSTS lookup is checked and that Default is checked under the NetBIOS setting.

    

12. Click the OK button on the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
13. Click the OK button on the Local Area Connection Properties window.
14. Now you should be looking at your desktop. Open Internet Explorer (or your preferred browser) and the University of Maryland's Network Registration Page should appear. Follow the instructions to register your jack. Once your jack is registered, you will have full access to the Internet.