Finding your Ethernet Adapter Address on your newer

This situation seems to affect all new laptops running Windows Vista and XP

Simplified explanation: Plug in the AC adapter before trying to find the adapter address or you may not be able to find the correct address

If you have a new laptop and need to find the correct adapter address to register for a residence hall connection, please read this information carefully to prevent experiencing delays getting connected.

The industry has adopted a new feature or routine that has caused many students delays getting connected. This issue pertains mostly to PC laptops and involves many different brand laptops.

In order to save battery power, laptop manufacturers have created a built-in feature that disables the "wired" Ethernet Adapter when the AC power cord is NOT plugged in. The residence halls only use the Ethernet adapter in your computer that uses a wire to plug into the jack located in your room. Wireless is not an option in the residence halls.

Some laptop manufactures have not adapted this practice yet but many have. The result of disabling this wired Ethernet adapter while using battery power, is that you can not see the correct address that you need to correctly register for a residence hall connection. The Ethernet adapter we need for registration is called "Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection". If it says wireless, don't use that address to register.

Entering incorrect information during registration takes a business day to correct, so please use caution and try to be as accurate as possible through all the steps.

An example of what your screen display should look like can be found in step 2 of how to find the Ethernet Adapter Address. Please carefully follow the instructions under the link called Internet Connection Setup.

For information about The Pennsylvania State University Ethernet Request Form,
please contact: rescom@psu.edu.