Windows 2000/XP ResNet Connection Guide
1. Connect your ethernet cable
With the computer off, locate the ethernet port on the back of your computer (see image 1). Note that you can tell the difference between an ethernet port and a telephone port (used for dial-up modem connection) by the number of pins inside the port. A telephone port will have 2-4 pins while an ethernet port has 8. Since some ethernet cables can fit into both types of ports it is very important to make sure you are inserting it into the correct one.
Image 1 - An ethernet jack (left) and a phone jack (right). Notice the ethernet jack has many more pins (small brass pieces of metal) than the phone jack.
Locate the ethernet port on your wall. It may be located on the same panel as your telephone jack. Again making sure that you are inserting the cable into the ethernet jack and not the telephone jack, plug the other end of your ethernet cable into the wall. Note that on the wall, the telephone jacks are red while ethernet jacks are blue.
2. Configure your computer
Start your computer. When it has booted, click Start, Settings, then Control Panel. Right click on the Local Area Connection icon (see image 2).
Image 2 - The 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)' connection is highlighted.
Select Properties from the context menu (see image 3).
Image 3 - The properties on your computer should be set as above, with 'obtain automatically' selected for all values.
Make sure that 'Obtain an IP address automatically' and 'Obtain DNS server address automatically' are selected. Click Ok and then click Ok in the Local Area Connection properties box.
3. Register
Open your web browser (usually Internet Explorer). A page titled 'Grinnell College Network Registration' should open automatically. If your browser window remains blank, type any url into the URL box (i.e. 'http://www.yahoo.com'). Fill in the blanks provided on the web page and click accept. Review the information you have submitted, and click Submit. Restart your computer to complete the registration process.
Image 4 - The corner of the ResNet registration page.
Need help? Call the helpdesk at x4400.