Help Desk - Allegheny College

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Step 1 - Installing Ethernet Network Card Drivers:

The Ethernet network card that is needed for GatorNet access also needs to have special software drivers in order to communicate over the Internet. If your computer came with a network card installed, the drivers may already be installed. To find out if the drivers are installed:

Login to Windows XP as Administrator. Click on the Start button, then select Control Panel. When the Control Panel window opens find the Network and Internet Connections and click it. Click with the right mouse button on the Local Area Connection icon and click on Properties. In the Connect using: box you should see the name of an Ethernet network card. If an Ethernet card is listed then you can proceed to Step 2 - Installing the TCP/IP Protocol.

If you do not see a network card listed then you must first install the network card according to the manufacturer's directions. Remember to turn off your computer before installing the network card. The manufacturer's directions may also tell you how to install the necessary drivers for the network card. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the network card and then proceed to Step 2 - Installing the TCP/IP Protocol.

Step 2 - Installing the TCP/IP Protocol:

In the Local Area Connection Properties window look for Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the This connection uses the following items: list and make sure it is checked. If it is listed you can proceed to Step 3 - Configuring TCP/IP Properties.

If Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is not listed then click on the Install button in the Local Area Connection Properties window and then double-click on Protocol in the next window.

Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click on OK.

Step 3 - Configuring TCP/IP Properties:

Once you are back to the Local Area Connection Properties window click on Internet Protocol TCP/IP and then click on the Properties button. If there is more than one TCP/IP select the one that has the name of your Ethernet network card after it.
Make sure the circle next to Obtain an IP address automatically is filled in. Make sure the circle next to Obtain DNS server address automatically is filled in.
Click on OK in the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.
Click on OK in the Local Area Connection Properties window. When you are asked if you want to restart your computer click on Yes.
You are now ready to Locate Your Data Jack.

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