Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is the configuration of your Internet Protocol (IP) address, subnet mask, DNS servers, domain name suffix and about 200 other possible options to let your computer communicate with a network automatically via a server or router. It sounds complicated, but once set up, it can make connecting to a network much easier.

1. Log into Windows XP with administrator rights. This makes setting up the network for you, and other users, easier as you can make all the necessary changes to settings.
2. Look for the Network Neighborhood or My Network Places icon in your desktop. If it is not there, try your Start Menu.
3. Right-click the Network Neighborhood/My Network Places icon. A drop-down menu will appear.
4. Choose the “Properties” option, generally found at the bottom of the menu.
5. Look for an icon named “Local Area Connection”. The icon looks like a pair of computer connected by a link. Double-click this icon.
6. Click the “General” tab, if it is not already selected. You will see a list of protocols to choose form.
7. Scroll down and choose Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click the button that is labeled “Properties”.
8. Again, click the “General” tab, it it is not alreay selected. You will see two choices:
   1. “Obtain an IP address Automatically”
   2. “Use the following IP address…”
9. Choose option 1.
10. You have effectively configured DHCP for your PC. When your computer obtains the IP address, it will also obtain DNS server information automatically. This is provided by your dhcp server.

Posted in How To   Tagged: How To, network   

If your printer has a built-in ethernet adaptor, adding your printer to your network is a snap. These instructions are appropriate for most HP printers with an ethernet adaptor. The instructions will differ slightly for those with an external print server. Here’s what you do:

1. If you use MAC address filtering on your wireless network, you will need to add your printer’s MAC address to your router configuration. If you don’t use MAC address filtering for your wireless network, you can skip to Step 4.
2. To get your printer’s MAC address, first print your printer’s configuration settings.
3. On the display menu, push the Menu button until you get to the Information Menu. Click the Item button to the right until you get to the Printer Configuration display. Hit Select.
4. Look for the printer’s hardware address on the configuration printout.
5. Using your web browser, login to your router’s configuration. Add your printer’s MAC address to the MAC address filtering area.
6. Perform a cold reset of your printer.
7. Remove the LAN cable.
8. Press & hold the Online/Go button while turning it on & continue to hold it until the display shows Cold Reset, then release it, wait for Ready, then turn it off again.
9. Connect the LAN cable and turn the printer back on.
10. Wait 2 minutes for your network to find your printer.
11. Print a printer configuration page (see Step 2). Note the IP Address for the printer.
12. Make sure your printer?s IP address is something other than 164.XX.XX.XX. Most routers use an IP address that looks like 192.168.XX.XX.
13. Install and run HP’s network printing wizard:
14. http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DriverDownload.jsp?pnameOID=19656&locale=en_US&taskId=135&prodTypeId=18972&prodSeriesId=27908&swEnvOID=228
15. Follow the screen prompts and either input your printer?s IP address or MAC address.

Posted in How To   Tagged: hardware, How To, network