Registering a Computer with the Old DHCP System

Note: Not applicable for Walton College of Business or College of Engineering users who should contact their college's systems administrator. This is also not applicable for students who are trying to connect their computers in their residence hall rooms who should contact University Housing at 575-3951.

In order to connect a computer or printer to the University network, you must register the network card of the computer or printer with the campus DHCP server. When a computer's or printer's network card address is registered with the DHCP server, you will be provided an IP address that will allow you to connect to the network. Currently there are two DHCP systems in place as Network Services upgrades the campus network to a new DHCP system.

Before you register with the old DHCP system, please reference the U of A Network Subnets to determine if you are in a building with the new network registration system.  If you are in any of the buildings listing "New System" under Network Registration System, you should be using the new system.

Prior to submitting a request for a DHCP entry on the old system, establish whether or not your computer is currently in the DHCP system. If you are using Windows XP and your computer is getting a connection, but is unable to access the internet because of no DHCP, then you will get a message in the lower right corner of the screen. The message will read "Limited Connectivity". If you are using Mac OS X, the light next to the interface in the Network System Preferences will be amber or yellow.

Most departments on campus have a designated computer support coordinator. This person normally handles requests for access to the campus network. Contact your Department Computer Support Coordinator for assistance in networking your new computer.

If your department doesn't have a designated support coordinator, please submit an AskIT case using the Request Help option with the following information and ask for assistance with a DHCP registration request:

• Subnet number of the building
• Client's name (first name, last name)
• Four letter acronym for department (example: UITS)
• Four letter abbreviation for building ( example: ADSB)
• Room number where computer is located
• Network Interface Card Physical address or Ethernet ID
  (Example: 00-00-C5-59-8D-49)
• Optional: Request a Domain Name for your computer
  A domain name is an easy to recognize address for your computer on the Internet. Some programs use domain names to identify different computers on the network and require that a domain name be associated with your computer.

To find a Physical Address and connect a computer running Windows XP or Vista to the network:

1. Log in to Windows XP or Vista.
2. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories,  Command Prompt.
3. At the c: prompt type:
   ipconfig /all
   (Note: There must be a space before the switch /all.) and press Enter.
4. Make a note of the physical address, gather the required information as described above, and call 5-2905 to have the information entered in the DHCP server.

To find an Ethernet ID and connect a computer to the network running Mac OS X:

1. Log in to Mac OS X.
2. Open the System Preferences from the Apple Menu or the Dock.
3. In the System Preferences box, click the Network icon.
4. In the Network box, select the appropriate information:
   Location: for example, Office (names or settings may vary)
   Show: Built-in Ethernet
   TCP/IP (first tab under Built-in Ethernet)
   Configure: Using DHCP
5. Display the Ethernet ID by clicking the Ethernet tab within the Network box.
6. Make note of the Ethernet ID, gather the required information as described above, and call 5-2905 to have the information entered in the DHCP server.

Note: Early versions of Mac OS X don't have the Ethernet Tab. The Ethernet Address will be displayed within the TCP/IP tab.

Some users may have to click on the Ethernet / Airport tab. (Airport ID is the Ethernet ID [a.k.a. Mac address.)