Network User's Guide for Windows Computers
Revised June 2008
- Windows Introduction
- Connecting to the Internet
- What you will need
- How Can I find out if my computer meets the minimum requirements?
- Establishing the physical connection
- Windows XP Ethernet Setup
- Windows XP Dial up Setup
- Windows Vista Ethernet Setup
- Still cannot connect?
The following contains the information that you will need in order to establish a Dial Up connection (using a modem) or an Ethernet connection (via direct connection) between your Windows based computer and Loyola University’s Internet gateway. Go back to top
At Loyola, computers connect to the Internet by way of either a dial up connection or via an Ethernet connection. All Residence Hall rooms are equipped with an Ethernet connection. Modems are not necessary to connect in the residential halls, but an Ethernet card is. Ethernet cards are available for purchase at the bookstore in the Danna Center. Please note: Cabra Hall is the only Residential Hall with wireless network connections. The Loyola’s network speed is 10 Mbps. Your card must support 10 Mbps for access. Go back to top
Information Technology recommends that those wishing to connect to the Internet adhere to the following minimum requirements:
Windows XP operating system or better. 512MB RAM; 80GB Hard Drive; 56k (or better) data modem for a Dial-UP connection, or an Ethernet installed card and an Ethernet cable (RJ45 category 5) for a direct network connection.
While it is possible to establish an Internet connection with less than the minimum requirements, this minimum specification is recommended for a healthier network performance. Go back to top
How Can I find out if My Computer Meets the Minimum Requirements?
To see the amount of RAM your computer has, go to the Start button. Go to Settings and select Control Panels. Then double click on the System icon. A dialog box will appear to show you computer type and the amount of memory.
To determine the hard drive space, open the My Computer icon on the desktop. Click once on the ‘C:’ drive icon. Use the right button on your mouse and choose “Properties” when the dialog box appears, The disk capacity is shown. This is the size of your hard drive. Go back to top
Establishing the Physical Connection
The first thing you need to do is make the physical connection. Plug one end of your Ethernet cable into one of the RJ45 ports on your wall jack. (Always try the Ethernet port on the left first.) It is very similar to a typical phone jack (RJI 1) except that the RJ45 module is wider. It should snap when you plug it in.
Next, plug the other end of the cable to the RJ45 port on the back of your computer. It should also make a small snap noise when you plug it in. These connectors should only be able to fit one way into the ports, so do not force it. It is possible to bend the pins located in the port.
If you have trouble with these connections, make sure you orient the cable so that the metal tabs at the end of the cable face the pins inside of the port.
If your computer is turned on, you should see a “link” light come on. It should be located on the back of the Ethernet card near the port you just plugged into. Some cards do not have a link light. If yours does not, then your physical connection is complete. If you have a link light, and it does not come on; make sure your computer is turned on. If it is turned on, remove the Ethernet cable and reinstall it making sure one end snaps into the port on the wall jack and the end snaps into the port on your Ethernet card. If your link light still fails to come on, call 865-2255 for assistance. Go back to top
Click the “Start” button. Select “My computer”. Under “Other places” box, select “My Network Places”. Under the “Network Tasks” box click on “View Network Connections”.
Right click on “Local Area Connection”.
Select “Properties”
In the “Properties” window, highlight “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)”
1.. Click on the “Properties” button.
On the “General” tab:
2. Select “Obtain IP address automatically”
3. Select “Obtain DNS server address automatically” Click on the “OK” button. Click “OK” again.
Click on the “Start” button, Click on “My Computer”. In the “Other Places” box, click “My Network Places”. Under the “Network Tasks” box click on “View Network Connections”. Under the “Network Tasks” box click on “Create a new connection”. Click “Next” on the “New Connection Wizard” window. Select “Connect to the Internet” and click “Next”. Select “Setup my connection manually” and click “Next”. Select “Connect using a dialup modem” and click “Next”. For the ISP Name, type “Loyola” and click “Next”. For the phone number, type “822-9333” and click “Next”. Type in your User Name and Password in the appropriate boxes and click “Next”. Select “Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop” and click “Finish”. To connect, double click on the shortcut. Go back to top
By default, your system came with a Local Area Connection already setup, so you may just need to connect your network card to the bottom left port on the wall jack. It should be set to automatically get a DHCP IP address from the Loyola server. Once this occurs, you should be able to click on Internet Explorer and access the network. If not, you will want to check to make sure your network card is setup to receive a DHCP address. Follow the instructions below:
- Click on your start button and select “control panel”.Double click on the “Network and Sharing Center” icon.Under Network (private network) click on “view status” of your Local Area Connection. Click on “Properties”. (You may be asked to give permission to open this window. Click “continue”.)Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4). Click on “Properties”. Make sure that “Obtain an IP address automatically” is selected. If not, select it.Make sure that “Obtain DNS server address automatically” is selected. If not, select it.
- Select ok. Go back to top
If you have gone through the Ethernet set up, but still cannot get to the network or you have moved your computer to another building, your computer may be having trouble getting an IP address.
When this situation occurs it is recommended that you follow the instructions below.
1. Go to the command prompt. Type ipconfig /renew if you are connecting via DHCP for the first time. If you have connected DHCP before and have just moved your computer to another building, type ipconfig / release. After it releases the old IP address type ipconfig/renew. A new IP will be assigned. If you still have difficulty connecting please call 865-2255. Go back to top
