ResNet
Connect and Register
There are 3 basic steps to connecting your computer to the UMD network over an Ethernet connection.
- Step 1: Verify installation of an Ethernet adapter and driver
- Step 2: Verify network access
- Step 3: Install any required security programs and register your computer
Please note these instructions are for on-campus residents only. Students living in off-campus housing (include the Edgewater and Campus Park Townhomes) should see Using Other ISPs.)
Step 1: Verify Ethernet adapter and drivers
Most newer computers come with built-in Ethernet adapters (wired and/or wireless). If you are unsure whether or not you have an Ethernet adapter, see Checking for an Ethernet Adapter. Please note that you will need a wired Ethernet adapter for network access as there is no wireless access in the residence halls rooms.
If you don't have an Ethernet adapter installed, check the following basic instructions for installing an Ethernet adapter into a desktop or laptop computer. Refer to the operating manual that came with your computer and the instructions that came with your Ethernet adapter for details on opening up and installing adapters into your computer. If you need assistance installing the adapter, contact our Maintenance department (x7973) for a service estimate.
- Desktop Windows Computer - ISA/PCI adapter
- Desktop Windows Computer - USB adapter
- Laptop Windows Computer - PCMCIA adapter (wired)
- Laptop Windows Computer - Wireless adapter
Step 2: Verify network access
Most newer computers are preconfigured for Ethernet network access. To check your computer, plug one end of your Ethernet cable into the computer and the other end into one of the Ethernet jacks on the wall (usually labeled with a computer). Then follow the steps below for your operating system (WinXP/2000):
Win2000/XP: Run IPCONFIG
- Select START - Run.
- At the command line, type in: cmd and click OK.
- At the windows prompt, type in: ipconfig and press ENTER.
The IP Configuration window should be displayed as shown:

Check the IP address listed, and compare it to the IP address table below.
| IP address | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 10.5.xxx.xxx | Your computer is properly configured. To initiate full Ethernet access, register your connection. |
| 10.0.xxx.xxx | Your computer is attempting network access via a nearby unauthorized (non-UMD) access point. Temporarily disable your wireless access, then rerun IPCONFIG. For Windows 2000/XP:
|
| 0.0.0.0 or error message "Media disconnected" |
Check the Ethernet cable. Make sure you are using a valid Cat5 twisted-pair Ethernet (TPE) cable - phone or modem cables will not work for Ethernet connections. Check that the TPE cable is plugged tightly into the RJ45 jack on the Ethernet adapter and into the Etherjack in the wall. Click the Release All and then Renew All buttons.
If you still don't have an IP address in the format 10.5.xxx.xxx, go to Check the Ethernet Adapter properties. |
| 169.xxx.xxx.xxx | Win2000/XP: Type ipconfig /release, press Enter, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter again.
If you still don't have an IP address in the format 10.x.xxx.xxx, go to Check the Ethernet Adapter properties. |
| 131.212.xxx.xxx | You have a valid, registered IP address. If you are having problems accessing web sites, you may have a virus or corrupted network files. See: Web access denied with valid IP address for tips on how to correct this problem. |
| Anything else - for ex: 192.x.x.x | You need to reconfigure your network software. Click on the appropriate link below for detailed information on how to configure the network settings for your operating system: |
Step 3: Register your computer
Once you have verified network access (10.5.x.x IP address), you will have limited access to the UMD network. To initiate full access, you will need to register your connection as follows:
- Open a web browser (Firefox, IE, Opera, Safari). (You will have limited network access at this time.)
- Type in the following web address (URL) and press ENTER: http://register/
The UMD ResNet Registration site should be displayed as shown below.

If you get a message that "Page can not be displayed," first verify that you have a 10.5.x.x IP address (see Step 2: Verify network access) and then:
- Try using the full address: https://netreg.d.umn.edu/register.html
- Disable any firewalls you may have running on your computer.
- Lower the security settings on your Internet Explorer.
- Try a different web browser (use Mozilla on the Security CD from KPlz 175).
- Remove any "spyware" on your computer (use Spybot on the Security CD).
- If the problem persists, call the ResNet Help Desk.
If you keep getting the "Click here to register" web page, you may need to temporarily turn off your Windows Firewall
- If you are running Windows XP or 2000, you will be required to install UMD's version of Symantec Antivirus. This program is available at no cost to you, and may be downloaded from the registration site.
- If you are running Windows XP, you will be required to run the QuickStart Security Wizard, which will ensure that your computer receives automatic Windows Updates, is firewalled, and that options like printer and file sharing that leave your computer vulnerable to attack are turned off.
- Review the ResNet Terms and Conditions. Click Next.
- Review the Computer Security Requirements. Install Symantec Anti-virus if you do not have a current anti-virus program on your computer. Click Next.
- Complete the online registration form.
In the fields indicated, type in your University Internet ID and password (the same ID and password you use for University email and class registration).- Use all lowercase and only the first 8 characters for your Internet ID username (for ex: carl9999).
- Remember that your password is case-sensitive.
- Passwords with spaces in them or that are longer than 16 characters may not work. Please call the ITSS Help Desk (x8847) to get assistance with changing your password.
- If you don't know your Internet ID or password, call the ITSS Help Desk (x8847).
- Click on the Accept and Register button. By clicking Accept and Register, you signify that you have read and will abide by the terms of the UMD ResNet Terms and Conditions. As part of the registration process, your computer will be scanned for security problems.
If no security problems are found: You will get a message indicating that you have successfully registered. You will be prompted to restart your computer. After restarting it you should have full network and email access.
If security problems are found: A ResNet Security Alert web page will be displayed that indicates which problems were found on your computer and how to correct each of them. Follow the instructions on the web page carefully and then try registering again. You will not be able to register your computer until you have resolved the problems.
If you need assistance updating your computer, please contact the ResNet Help Desk (x6116).
