Net Plus instructions for Windows XP

These instructions cover the connection of a Windows XP laptop to Net Plus.

Before you start

You must ensure you have up to date anti-virus software before connecting to Net Plus.
You will need to have a Web Browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape to access the Net Plus login screen.
You must either be in range of the wireless network or have your network port connected to a Net Plus wired access point using the network cable provided.
You will not be able to connect to the Net Plus network until you have been issued with an initial User id and Password
To make configuration changes on your computer you must be logged in as an Administrator on your computer.
Wireless SSID is NETPLUS

Accessing the Internet from the UWE network

Before you can access any web pages that are not on the UWE web site you will need to configure your browser to use the UWE proxy server.

To configure Internet Explorer go to your main browser window, click on Tools on the menu bar and select Internet Options

In the Internet Options window Click on the Connections Tab and then click on the LAN Settings button.

Check the box marked Use automatic configuration script and type:

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/proxy.pac in the Address field. Then click on OK

Click OK on the Internet Options window

Logging into the Net Plus system

Net Plus requires that you are logged into the system before you can access any resources on the UWE network. The login screen can only be accessed via your web browser.

The instructions given here are for Internet Explorer 6.0

Open your browser by clicking Internet Explorer icon on the Start Menu

When you first open your browser, providing you have any valid home page set, you will be presented with one or more Security Alert windows. If you do not have a valid home page set you can still type any valid address such as http://www.uwe.ac.uk in the address field to start the login process.

In Internet Explorer you may be presented with the following Alert.

Click on OK to clear it.

Note: You can check the box marked In the future, do not show this warning to stop these warning messages. It can be re-enabled in the security settings within Internet Explorer at any time should you wish to do so.

The next Alert will always be shown before you login on the Net Plus system.

Click on Yes to proceed.

You will now see the Net Plus login page.

In the blue Registered Users login box enter your User Name and Password then click on Log In

If you have entered your User Name and Password correctly you will automatically be redirected NET PLUS Utilities page followed by the UWE home page.

You will also notice that another window has opened at the bottom right of your desktop. This indicates that you are currently logged in and provides a link to allow you to logout if you wish.

Congratulations!

You are now connected to the UWE network via the Net Plus system.

Documents on accessing various resources such as the UWE mail system and your network files can be found on the IT Services Knowledge Base. The instructions below are for accessing the Internet.

You should now be able to access external web pages using your browser.

If you experience problems please check the following settings.

Checking your network card is configured correctly.

First check that the Ethernet card is correctly installed. To do this:

From the Start menu click on My Computer

Click on View system information

In the System Properties window click on the Hardware tab then click on the Device Manager… button.

Click on the + sign to the left of Network adapters, Right click the appropriate adapter then Click on Properties. If you are attempting to connect via wireless, your wireless card will be displayed under Network Adapters.

Check that Device status in General says "The device is working properly". If not, refer to the installation instructions that came with your network card