How do I setup DHCP on my Windows XP system?

Install your Ethernet card according to the manufacturer's directions. The following cards have been tested and are strongly recommended: 3Com (PCI or PCMCIA), or NetGear. Confirm your Ethernet card is installed properly, by clicking on the Start and Control Panel icon and selecting View System Information. Click the Hardware tab and then Click on the Device Manager. If there is no Network Adaptor listed, then your computer does not have a properly installed network card and you should contact your computer manufacturer for support. Begin by opening the Windows XP Control Panel. Click the Start button, then select Control Panel. Click on the link labelled Network Connections to see a list of your network connections. Double-click on the icon labelled Local Area Connection to configure your network connection. (Note: If you do not see this icon, your Network Interface Card may be improperly installed.) The following dialog box should appear: Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties. The following dialog box should appear: Select the Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically options. Click on Advanced . The following dialog box should appear: Ensure that the Default gateways box is empty; otherwise, select each entry and click on the Remove button. Select the DNS tab. The following dialog box should appear: Remove the check mark beside the Register this connection's addresses in DNS option. Ensure that the DNS server addresses, in order of use and Append these DNS suffixes (in order) boxes are empty; otherwise, select each entry and click the Remove button. Select the WINS tab. Ensure that the WINS addresses, in order of use box is empty; otherwise, select each entry and click the Remove button. Click OK to close the Advanced TCP/IP Settings dialog box. Click OK again to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings dialog box. Click Close to close the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box. Windows may copy some files and then ask to restart your computer. Click Yes to do so. http://www.columbia.edu/acis/faq/254.html