Windows Vista Setup
These instructions assume you have a network-ready computer running Windows Vista and an Ethernet cable (available to buy at the UC Santa Cruz Baytree Bookstore). A network-ready computer has an installed Ethernet network interface card (NIC). Visually inspect the back of your computer for the RJ-45 port that indicates a NIC. An RJ-45 jack looks similar to a regular telephone jack used by modems and telephones, but it is slightly wider:
You must also have an Ethernet cable to connect your computer's NIC to the ResNet wall jack in your dorm room. The recommended cable length is about 15 feet.
Important: It is easy to confuse an Ethernet cable with a regular telephone cable. An Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connectors has wider clips with 8 tiny metal conductors, compared to the 4 tiny metal conductors for a telephone cable. A regular telephone cable will not work in place of an Ethernet cable.
Step 1: Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol
To connect your computer to a campus DHCP service, such as ResNet, you must verify that your TCP/IP settings and your DNS server settings are exactly as they appear below.
1. Click the “Start” button with the Windows logo on it.
2. RIGHT-click the “Network” button. A context menu will appear. Select “Properties” from the menu.
3. You will be taken to the Network and Sharing Center. In the Network and Sharing Center window, click the link labeled “Manage Network Connections”
4. In the Network Connections Manager window, you will see one or more network connections listed. Right-click the icon labeled “Local Area Connection” and select “Properties” from the menu:
5. A Local Area Connection Properties window will appear, to allow you to make changes to the properties of your network setup.
6. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”. Click “Properties”.
7. A TCP/IP configuration window will appear. On the General tab, make sure that “Obtain IP Address Automatically” and “Obtain DNS Server Automatically” are checked.
Any other settings will not work with the ResNet network.
8. Click “OK” on the Internet Protocol Version 4 window, and then click “OK” on the Local Area Connection Properties window. Close any other windows you have opened to configure your network connections.
Step 2: Verifying ResNet Connectivity
Wait a couple minutes to allow your NIC registration request to process. Insert one end of your Ethernet cable to an active ResNet data jack, and the other end to the NIC connector on your computer. Restart your computer. You should now have internet connectivity. Test this by visiting a website of your choice.
Troubleshooting: Common ResNet Setup and Connection Problems
After successful completion of the previous steps, the major reasons for unsuccessful connection may be one or more of the following:
Your NIC may not be installed.
You may be connected to an inactive data jack. Try another jack, one that is known to work if available.
Your cable connections may be loose. Make sure the Ethernet cable is securely connected at both ends.
The Ethernet cable may be bad. Ask a friend whose connection you know is working, to use your cable. If it fails, it's your cable. Purchase a new one, available at the UC Santa Cruz Baytree Bookstore. Alternatively, try using your friend's cable on your system (be sure you plug into a known active data port).
ResNet or the campus network is temporarily down. If your neighbors also are unable to connect, this is the most likely cause. Try again later.
TCP/IP is not configured properly.
Need Help?
If you are having difficulty connecting to the network contact the ResNet
office for help at 459-4NET (x9-4638).
| 
