Getting an IP address automatically on Campus via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for Windows XP

Before you begin, you need to be logged onto the local machine with administration privileges. The configuration may require your Windows XP CD.

Make a Networking Connection

When it first detects your network card, Windows XP will install most of the necessary network software components automatically. It's a good idea to go through the installed components described below to be sure that everything is set up correctly.

Begin by opening the Windows XP Control Panel. (Click the Start button, then Control Panel).
Double-click on the icon labeled Network Connections to configure your network settings. If you are using Category View, click on Network and Internet Connections and then click on Network Connections in the lower right.
Double-click on the Local Area Connections and select Properities. You should see a Properities dialog with your network card named at the top under Connect Using.

Configuring the Connection

Adding Network Components

You need to have both Client For Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) installed for a network connection to work.

Installing Client For Microsoft Networks

Click the Start button and then click on the Control Panel and double-click the icon labeled Network Connections. If you are using Category View, click on Network and Internet Connections and then click on Network Connections in the lower right.
Double-click on Local Area Connections and select Properities.
In the list under "This connection uses the following items:", be sure that Client for Microsoft Networks is in the list and has a check mark in the box to the left.
If Client for Microsoft Networks is NOT in the list, click on Install. Then select Client and click on Add. Select Client for Microsoft Networks and click OK. It should then be added to the list. Make sure that there is a check in the box to the left of the entry which ensures that this component is being used by this connection.

Installing Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

This should have been added when installing Client for Microsoft Networks above, but if it is not…

Click on Install in the Properties windows.
Select Protocol and click on Add.
Select TCP/IP and click OK.
Ensure that the box is checked, and press OK.

Configuring Network Components

Double-click on the Local Area Connection icon (Control Panel/Network Connections), and select Properties.
In the Connect Using box, your Ethernet card should be listed.
In the box labeled "This connection uses the following items:", you should see Client For Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) listed with check marks in the boxes to the left.
Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the list and select Properities.
Select Obtain an IP Address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically. Click OK.
Close all windows, and restart you computer.

Connecting to the Network/Internet

Once the required network components have been installed and your computer has been restarted, Windows will automatically request network information from the DHCP server. You can now begin using the Internet by starting your browser or e-mail program.