Frequently Asked Questions
About passwords…
How do I change my e-mail/network/WIN 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. If you are off campus, connect to VPN first. For assistance changing your password, bring your WFU ID card to the Help Desk.
Do I have to change my e-mail/network/WIN password?
Yes, you need to periodically change your password for security reasons. You cannot re-use the same password. Passwords must be 6 to 8 characters long. Passwords must contain a combination of letters and numbers but not special characters like *@#. Password changes take up to one hour to synchronize across all WFU systems. Passwords expire and cease to work after six months.
If I am away from campus can I change my password?
Yes. You will need to connect to VPN. Then connect to the Internet and change your password.
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About the network…
Do I need to log on to the wired campus network?
Yes. Log in on a regular basis (weekly). Software fixes and upgrades that Wake Forest has received from software vendors are sent to the ThinkPad through the wired network. Logging on also offers access to network printers and shared files.
Can I add myself to a Workgroup?
No. This will remove you from the DEACNET domain. Once removed from the DEACNET domain you will no longer be able to log into the ThinkPad. To rectify this issue bring the ThinkPad to the Help Desk.
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 and this could mean the loss of the entire contents of the hard drive. Viruses can spread through e-mail, shared files and instant messaging.
How do I move between the wired and wireless networks on campus?
Be sure you are in a wireless zone. You can then unplug the Ethernet cable from the ThinkPad. Wait for the login prompt.
How many network (data) jacks are active in my residence hall room?
There is one active data jack per student per room.
How can I create my home page, forward my e-mail, setup a vacation message or change other preferences?
Go to the WFU Preferences Web page.
How do I add/connect to a network printer?
Under certain circumstances, you may be required to connect to a network printer. Go to Start>Run and type \\printerac. This will bring up a list of network printers. Double-click on the printer you have been instructed to use.
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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. Don’t store or transport backups with the ThinkPad in the event of theft. Turn off the ThinkPad properly. Wait for the ThinkPad to completely shutdown or hibernate/stand-by before moving the ThinkPad. Scan for viruses. Don’t install other software applications.
Why should I make a backup of my data/files?
Data/files can be lost as a result of a stolen ThinkPad, 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?
All files you create using Wake Forest standard software, when saved, are automatically stored in a folder called Userdata, located at C:\Userdata. There is a shortcut to this folder on the desktop and in the Start menu. Inside this folder are subfolders named after the programs (e.g., Word, Excel, and Thunderbird). When data/files are saved, they are stored inside their respective folders. Thus, if you create and save a file in Word, it is stored inside the Word folder in Userdata.
Can I load other software on the ThinkPad?
Software required for coursework that your professor has instructed you to load can be installed. No other software should be installed since it 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. Back-up your data before you bring the ThinkPad to the Help Desk walk-in area for repairs.
Why won’t the Help Desk transfer media files if the ThinkPad needs to be reloaded?
To avoid possible infringement of copyright laws, the Help Desk is unable to transfer media files.
Getting your WFU E-mail without the ThinkPad
WFU offers WebMail for checking new messages . Use this Web link when you do not have access to the ThinkPad and Thunderbird Mail.
Using Outlook/Exchange for your e-mail and calendar? Use this Web link when you do not have access to the ThinkPad.
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