Inside Tufts University Information Technology

Network Engineering

Windows XP Professional Configuration for Faculty/Staff

These instructions are technical and intended for FSPs. If you are a do-it-yourself type, please read these closely and remember that you may call your FSP for assistance.

You will need:

Configuration:

  1. Proceed to the Network Connections screen. This can be found in the XP mode by going through the Start menu to Control Panel, then selecting Network & Internet Connections, and within that screen Network Connection. Right click on the Local Area Connection icon then Properties.

    2. Network Connections

  2. In the Local Area Connection Properties screen, check that Connect using: points to a NIC card. Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties.

    3. Protocols tab

  3. The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties screen appears. Check the radio buttons for Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically. Next select the Advanced button.

    4. IP Properties

  4. Within the Advanced TCP/IP Settings, verify that the IP address and Gateway boxes are emtpy. Move on to the DNS tab.

    5. IP Settings tab

  5. In the DNS tab screen, the most important step is to uncheck the box next to "Register this connection's address In DNS". This disables DDNS which is not compatible with our TCP/IP data network. Remove entries from the "Append these DNS suffixes" field. Any entries in this field will override information obtained via DNS, and may cause difficulties in accessing the network. The DNS server addresses should also be blank. Next select the WINS tab.

    6. DNS tab

  6. In the WINS tab screen, select the radio button for "Use NetBIOS settings from the DHCP server". Click OK.

    7. WINS tab

  7. Windows XP Professional will re-map its network bindings but unlike Windows NT you do not need to reboot. Your computer will recieve a Pelican Registration page and you may self-register your computer on the Tufts Data Network by using your Trumpeter Email Account and Password, then reading and accepting the Responsible Use Policy. If you are authorized to self-register, a second screen redisplays your information and a registration button to click. The last screen advises you to power off your computer, wait 15 mintues and then login.