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Configuring Your Windows XP/Vista Computer

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Note: These instructions apply to students. If you are a faculty or staff member, please see Setting Up Windows XP/Vista for the Dartmouth Network.

Windows XP

Note: The following instructions for Windows XP refer to the default Windows XP interface. If you have changed your copy of Windows XP to use the Windows Classic interface, the instructions will be slightly different.

  1. Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, then System. In the System Control Panel window, click the Computer Name tab. In the Computer Description field, enter your name and the location of the computer (e.g., John Doe’s Dell in 25 Berry). Click the Change button next to To rename this computer or join a domain, click Change. In the Computer Name field, enter the first initial of your first name, then your last name with no spaces or period (e.g., JDoe). Click the button next to Workgroup. Enter the workgroup for your dorm. If you don't know the workgroup for your dorm, see Work Groups for Windows Computers. Click OK twice.
  2. Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, then Network Connections. Right-click Local Area Connection, then Properties. Make sure that Client for Microsoft Networks is found in the This connection uses the following items box on the General tab. If it is not there, install it by clicking Install, Client, then Add. Click Client for Microsoft Networks, then click OK. Check the box that appears in front of the Client for Microsoft Networks listing if one does not already appear there.
  3. Click Client for Microsoft Networks to highlight it, then click Properties. Change the Name Service Provider to Windows Locator. Click OK.
  4. Check to see if Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) appears in the This connection uses the following items box on the General tab. If it is not there, install it by clicking on Install, Protocol, then Add. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then OK. Check the box that appears in front of the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) listing if one does not already appear there. Click OK.
  5. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then Properties. Make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS Server Addresses Automatically are selected. Click OK twice to close the Local Area Connection Status window.
  6. Restart your computer. Log on to your computer using the administrator name and password you established for your computer.

Windows Vista

  1. From the Start menu, select the Control Panel, then System and Maintenance, then System. Under the heading Name, Domain, and Workgroup settings, select Change settings. Select the Change button next to Rename this computer or change it's domain. In the Computer Name field, enter the first initial of your first name, then your last name with no spaces or periods (e.g., JDoe). Click the button next to Workgroup. Enter the workgroup for your dorm. If you don't know the workgroup for your dorm, see Work Groups for Windows Computers. Click OK twice.
  2. Click Start, Control Panel Settings, then the Network and Sharing Center icon. Click Manage Network Connections. Click to select the Local Area Connection, and then right click and choose Properties from the menu choices. Make sure that Client for Microsoft Networks appears in the Components Checked are used by this Connection box. If it is not there, install it by clicking Install, Client, then Add. Click Client for Microsoft Networks, then click OK. Check the box that appears in front of the Client for Microsoft Networks listing if one does not already appear there.
  3. Click Client for Microsoft Networks to highlight it, then click Properties. Change the Name Service Provider to Windows Locator. Click OK.
  4. Check to see if Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) appears in the This connection uses the following items box on the General tab. If it is not there, install it by clicking Install, Protocol, then Add. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then OK. Check the box that appears in front of the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) listing if one does not already appear there. Click OK.
  5. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then Properties. Make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS Server Addresses Automatically are selected. Click OK twice to close the Local Area Connection Status window.
  6. Restart your computer. Log on to your computer using the administrator name and password you established for your computer.

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06/02/08

Last Updated: 6/3/08