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Wake Forest University

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Help Desk: 758.HELP · E-mail Us

R51 ThinkPad Technology Guide
Frequently Asked Questions

About passwords…
How do I change my e-mail/network password?
Press the Ctrl-Alt-Del buttons and select the Change Password button. “Log on to DEACNET” must be selected before you enter your new password. For assistance changing your password, bring your WFU ID card to the Help Desk.

Do I have to change my e-mail/network password?
Yes, you will be periodically prompted to change your password for security reasons. You cannot reuse the same password. Password changes take up to one hour to synchronize across all WFU systems. It is recommended you change your password frequently.

Can I make my e-mail/network password anything?
Passwords are 6 to 8 characters long. Passwords must contain a combination of letters and numbers but not special characters like *@#.

Why is my WIN password different from my e-mail/network password?
Your WIN password is separate from your e-mail/network password for security reasons. You will be prompted to change your WIN and network/e-mail passwords, so it is important to remember both of them. It is recommended you change your passwords frequently.

How do I change my WIN password?
Log on to WIN. The “Change WIN Password and Clue” service is found under the “Personal” link.

About the network…
Do I need to log on to the campus network?
Yes. Log in on a regular basis. Software fixes and upgrades that Wake Forest has received from software vendors are sent to the ThinkPad through the login script. Logging on also offers access to network printers and shared files.

Is the ThinkPad protected against viruses?
Yes. Virus-protection software is loaded when Windows XP starts. If you disable this software, you will no longer be protected. This could mean the loss of the entire contents of the hard drive. Viruses can spread through e-mail, shared files and instant messaging.

Can I load other software on the ThinkPad?
No. Other software can potentially cause problems. If a problem is caused by non-standard software, the Help Desk will reload the ThinkPad with the standard software load. A reload erases the hard drive and re-installs the standard software. Exception: Software required for coursework that your professor has instructed you to load can be installed.

How do I move between the wired/LAN and wireless/WLAN networks on campus?
First, be sure you are in a wireless zone then click the Access Connections icon in the System tray and select the wireless network you wish to connect to (Student Wireless for all students). You can then unplug the Ethernet cable from the ThinkPad. To go back to a wired connection, plug the Ethernet cable back in then click on the Access Connections icon in the System tray and select Wired LAN.

How many network (data) jacks are active in my residence hall room?
It depends on the number of students living in the room. There is one active data jack per student.

How can I create my home page, forward my e-mail, or change other preferences?
Go to www.wfu.edu/update.html

About protecting my data…

How do I prevent data/file loss?
When you create a file, name and save it immediately. Save often! Make backups. Turn off the ThinkPad properly. Scan for viruses.

Why should I make a backup of my data/files?
Data/files can be lost as a result of a stolen machine, viruses, faulty hard drives, and power outages, among other reasons. Backups will prevent the loss of irreplaceable data/files and valuable time spent trying to re-create data/files.

How do I store data/files on the server space available to me?
Students are allotted 25 MB of file server space on the Academic Computing (AC) file system. While connected to the campus network, to access your space on the file server, go to My Network Places and open the Shortcut to Academic File Server (Acfiles) icon and then put files in the MyBackups folder.

Why should I put all my data/files in Userdata?
It makes it easier for you to find your data/files and to make backups.

Why won’t the Help Desk backup media files if the ThinkPad needs to be reloaded?
To avoid possible infringement of copyright laws, the Help Desk is unable to backup media files.

About troubleshooting…

How do I prevent hard drive failure?
Moving the ThinkPad while it is on can damage the hard drive. Always wait for the ThinkPad to completely power off before moving it.

What are some simple ways I can troubleshoot computing problems?
Performing a shutdown or restart will reset memory and software on the laptop. Turn off the ThinkPad, wait 30 seconds, restart. If the problem persists, record any/all error messages or malfunctions to report to your RTA or the Help Desk. When contacting the Help Desk, please give your name, user name, phone number, and problem description.

What is Microsoft Remote Assistance and why might the Help Desk ask me to run it?
Using Microsoft Remote Assistance can help you get more extensive computing assistance over the telephone. With this tool, you can often get a solution over the phone that otherwise would require bringing the ThinkPad to the Help Desk walk-in area.


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Wake Forest
Wake Forest University • Winston-Salem, North Carolina • Information: 336.758.HELP | Feedback
Page Last Updated On: Wednesday, 13-Apr-05 16:19:39