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Getting a Valid IP Address - Vista and XP

In order to connect to the campus network and/or internet, you must have a valid IP (internet protocol) number. Here at Carthage, all usable IP numbers begin with 10.something. Check your IP number as follows:

Windows XP:
1.      Click Start -> Run
2.      Type in cmd and press Enter
3.      In the black DOS window, type ipconfig and press Enter.

Windows Vista:
1.      Click the round Windows button at the lower left
2.      Type cmd into the “Start Search” box. Press Ctrl-Shift-Enter to run the command line as an administrator.
3.      In the black DOS window, type ipconfig

You may need to scroll up. Look for the number listed for your Ethernet Adapter Local Area Connection and/or your Ethernet Adapter Wireless Connection, depending on which you are using. Each IP number has four parts, separated by periods (dots.) See below to interpret the number(s) you have.

169.anything – Your computer is NOT connecting and is “talking only to itself”. It will NOT work on the Carthage network or the internet with this number. Check your connections and/or your wireless signal. Follow the instructions below to try to get a new IP number.

192.168.anything – Your computer is connected to a rogue (illegal, unsupported) wireless router or other router in your building. It will NOT work on the Carthage network or the internet with this number. If you or someone you know has a router, you/they MUST turn it off and unplug it. It will cause problems for multiple users.

10.anything – This is a valid Carthage IP number. The second number indicates the building where you are connected:
            10.12.anything – Tarble                      10.21.anything – South
            10.16.anything – Johnson                   10.18.anything – Denhart
            10.40.anything – Oaks                        10.13.anything - Swenson
            10.8.anything – Library wifi-resnet wireless
            10.10.anything – gonefishing wireless anywhere on campus
            And there are others for academic buildings

If you have a 10 number in a residence hall, look at the THIRD part. If this number is UNDER 128, you have already registered with Netreg, and you will be able to connect to the internet. If the third number is OVER 128, you have not yet registered; you must complete your registration with Netreg and re-start in order to get a workable number under 128.

Renewing Your IP number (Getting a New One)
Access the command line or DOS window as explained above. In that black window, first release your current IP number by typing   ipconfig /release

Then, renew your IP number to get a new one by typing   ipconfig /renew

Watch for the message you get back. If all is well, a new, valid IP number beginning with 10 will be displayed for at least one interface on your computer (local area or wireless.)

If you get a message saying the operation cannot be performed while the connection is unplugged, then check your connections or your wireless configuration. If you get another 169 number, also check your connections. You may also want to test your computer in another location such as in a friend’s room or in the Hedberg Library. If it works there, report your connection problem to the Information Desk.

If you still get a 192 number, then there is definitely a rogue wireless router in your area. Try to find out where it is and report its existence to the Information Desk.

If the process takes a long time and the message reads something like “Cannot contact DHCP server” for an interface, then either: your connection is not working, your wireless is not configured properly or the DHCP server is very busy at that time. Try again later or try a different location.

Checking for Static IP numbers
Sometimes, computers that were set up at home or in a work environment have a static (permanent IP number) set. This will not work at Carthage. Check for and remove any static IP numbers as follows:

IP Settings in Vista
1.      Click the Windows button->Control Panel
2.      Double-click Network and Sharing Center
3.      Click Manage Network Connections at the left
4.      Right-click the wireless or wired connection, and to go Properties. Click Continue.
5.      Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
6.      Check that the options for Obtain an IP address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically are checked. Uncheck options for any IP numbers that are specifically listed there.
7.      Click OK to exit

IP Settings in XP
1.      Click the Start->Control Panel
2.      Double-click Network Connections
3.      Right-click the wireless or wired connection, and to go Properties.
4.      Scroll down. Double-click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
5.      Check that the options for Obtain an IP address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically are checked. Uncheck options for any IP numbers   that are specifically listed there.
6.       Click OK to exit

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