Network Setup for WinXP

Most computers we have seen can connect to a dorm wall jack right out of the box with no additional configuration needed.  All you should need to do is connect your computer's Ethernet port to the wall jack and turn it on.  However if you purchased a system without an Ethernet card, then bought one to put in, you MAY need to go through the additional steps below. Keep in mind, that there are several editions of Windows based on the XP platform so the screen shots might not exactly match ours - but they will be close.

FIRST DISABLE WIRELESS
The simplest and most reliable way of connecting in the dorms is by using a wired connection.  Turning off wireless will greatly simplify connecting to the network.  Laptop manufacturers vary on how they want the user to do this.  Some computers also have switches on the keyboard or on the side of the computer to turn WiFi on or off.  For the following instructions, WiFi should be turned off.

TRY GOING TO THE BLUESOCKET TO LOGIN
If you open a browser, you should be automatically taken to the login screen located at https://10.3.11.10.  You may see some popup certificate windows appear first. Just accept them.  Then, you should see a screen with a login on the upper left of the screen.  Use your email ID and password to sign in.  It is possible that your computer might become de-registered for various reasons.  This is always the first thing to check. 

If you cannot register, do the step below, then try logging in using the bluesocket again.

NEXT, TRY RESETTING YOUR COMPUTER ADDRESS
If your computer was working on another LAN (or a cable modem), but doesn't work at Wells, you might just need to get a fresh address specific to the Wells network.  Any time you change the location of your computer, this could be an issue.  Here's a simple way to get a fresh address:

From the "START" button, click on "RUN" then type "command" (no quotes).  A black window should appear with a prompt to enable you to type commands.. 
Type "ipconfig /release" (no quotes)
Among other stats, you should see your IP address assigned to 0.0.0.0
Type "ipconfig /renew
Among other stats, you should see your IP address assigned to 10.3.x.x
(where each x will be some number - eg 10.3.50.62 )

Then, type "exit" to get rid of the window.  You do not need to reboot.. You might need to try this more than once.  If, after 3 or 4 attempts, you don't get a 10.3.x.x number, then you will then need to re-configure your machine further using the steps below. 

As administrator, locate the   Icon on the desktop.

Make sure the bullet in front of Obtain IP Address Automatically is highlighted and Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected. Then Click OK on all open dialog windows and reboot.  Hopefully your connection will now work..

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If your connection still doesn't work...

You may have a modem AND an Ethernet card.  If you do, you may need to do the following to tell the system which connection (phone or Ethernet) to use.  Here's how...

Go to START, then Control Panel..  Click on the  Icon. 
You will see the screen below.  (if you don't, click on the Connection tab). 

If there are settings listed in the listbox above, ignore them.  Just press the LAN Settings button.  You will see the screen below.. 

Make sure everything is unchecked, then click OK .  You will return to the previous screen.  Now, press the SETUP button to launch the internet connection wizard.

click the "NEXT" button...

Select the option shown, then press "NEXT" button.

Select the option shown, then press "NEXT" button.

You may or may not get this box.  If you do, type in "STUDENT" in the box and press "NEXT" button.

Press "NEXT" button.

Press "NEXT" button.

Select the option shown, then press "NEXT" button.

Click the "YES" button, and you're done! 

Note: There is no need to go to the additional mail configuration screens since mail is available through webmail.wells.edu.

Advanced users may want to use their own email clients such as Netscape or Outlook Express to connect directly to our servers..  If so, we have provided a link to the settings below.