Common Connection Issues
Typical TCP/IP settings
To get to the TCP/IP settings, go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel, once in the Control Panel double-click on Network Connections. Right-click on the appropriate connection and go to Properties. This should bring up another window with tabs. Click on the General tab. Scroll to the bottom of the list of items. The last item on the list should be Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), highlight the item and click Properties. Now another window should pop up, in this window click the General tab. Make sure that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are both selected.
Network Bridge - why they occur and how to remove
Network bridges can sometimes be created when taking your computer off campus. They are created automatically without you changing anything. In order to remove the network bridge you need to go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel, once in the Control Panel double-click on Network Connections. In this window simply select the item named Network Bridge and hit delete, this should remove the network bridge and allow you to access the network again.
Viewing your IP Address
Your IP address is the address that is supplied to your computer in order to connect to the network. It is important because sometimes you computer will be reset to a default address that will not allow you to connect to the network, it is important to be able to see this when contacting the help desk to help you with your problem. To view this go to Start -> Run, type in cmd and hit <enter>, and then in the window that pops up type in ipconfig and hit <enter>, this should show your IP address.
Renewing your IP Address
Sometimes your computer will reset the IP address, which will disable your connection to the network. In order to fix this problem, go into your Network Connections, right click on the appropriate connection and select Repair.