My boss has two computers -- his office PC and a Windows XP Professional laptop that he uses while traveling and at home. Whenever he comes back from a trip, he has a bunch of data that he needs to transfer over to the office PC. Since we use static Internet Protocol addresses in our office, before he can transfer the files, I first have to configure his laptop to function on our network. Then, before he leaves the office again, I have to reconfigure the system to use the previous network settings, or he'll be unable to use the notebook at home (or in most hotels).
My question is this: Is there a way for me to configure the laptop with a static IP address so that it can participate on our company network, and then have it automatically revert back to obtaining an IP address automatically when used elsewhere? I've tried showing him how to do this manually a few times, but like most executives, he's having trouble doing it correctly.
This is a common problem faced by many IT managers, and in the past there wasn't a very simple or straightforward way to resolve it. Pre-Windows XP solutions typically involved utilizing a third-party utility or, for more creative tech-support staff, setting up custom script files for implementing the new settings. While this worked, it was often problematic and typically caused confusion with employees.
One of the lesser-known features in Windows XP is Automatic Configuration for Multiple Networks. Past versions of the operating system required you to remember complex network settings and change them each time you moved your computer from one LAN or WLAN to another. Fortunately, Win XP's automatic configuration makes it easy for you to move a mobile computer from a home network to the office LAN without having to manually reconfigure TCP/IP settings and other trivia. The feature is useful whether you move between wired networks, WiFi networks, or any other networked environment.
The concept is simple: If your PC can't find your usual network, it automatically tries a specified alternative configuration. The trick works on networks using either a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server or static IP address settings. To configure Automatic Configuration, just follow these simple steps.
Open Network Connections. If it isn't displayed on your desktop, it can be found in the Control Panel (using Windows XP's Category View, it's under Network and Internet Connections).
Right-click the network connection that you want to configure, and then click Properties.
On the General tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click the Properties button.
On the General tab, click Obtain an IP address automatically. This will allow the laptop to work on your boss's home network.
On the Alternate Configuration tab, click User configured and then enter the appropriate settings for your office environment, including the:
IP address
Subnet mask
Default gateway
Preferred and alternate DNS server
Preferred and alternate WINS server
Click OK.
You'll need to be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to complete this procedure. A network that's using policies might prevent these settings from working, but in this case I don't foresee that being an issue.
Automatically Configuring Wireless Clients
As mentioned, this technique can also be used to automatically configure wireless network clients. In fact, you can create a list of multiple wireless networks and specify the order in which to attempt connections.
To configure settings on the Wireless Networks tab, you must be logged on as an administrator, and you must use a wireless network adapter that supports the Wireless Zero Configuration service. Check with the manufacturer of your WLAN equipment to see if your wireless adapter is compliant with this standard, then just follow these steps:
Open Network Connections.
Right-click Wireless Network Connection, and then click Properties.
On the Wireless Networks tab, do one of the following:
To enable automatic wireless network configuration, select the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box (it's selected by default).
To disable automatic wireless configuration, clear the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box.
Windows XP will alert you when your network card detects signals from an available wireless network. In the Available networks list, click the desired network name, and then click Configure.
Your wireless network card will be automatically configured to match the settings of the available network, and a connection attempt will be made. Note that a network that does not broadcast its network name won't appear under Available networks; to add a network that you know is available, under Preferred networks, click Add, then use Wireless Network Properties to specify the network name (Service Set Identifier) and, if necessary, wireless network key settings. The list of available networks can be updated at any time by simply clicking Refresh.
If you're connecting to multiple wireless networks, your preferred WLAN might not be at the top of the list. The order in which Windows XP attempts to connect with the preferred networks can easily be modified: Under Preferred networks, select the network that you want to move to a new position on the list and then click the Move up or Move down button.
That's all there is to it. Once you implement these configuration changes, your boss should be able to move his laptop between his home and office without any network difficulties. Now go and ask for a raise!
