Account Services on the Web

When a computer is registered to use the campus network and the internet the computer must have a "domain name" that is unique among all computers on campus. A domain name looks like:
    something.stures.iastate.edu

With Microsoft Windows your "computer name" must match the first part of your domain name, for example:     something

If the name you have choosen is found to be not unique then you will need to change your computer name in Windows before you can complete registering your computer.

To change your computer name under Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows Me:

  1. Right-Click on the Network Neighborhood icon on your desktop.
  2. Click on the Properties menu item that pops up.
  3. You should see a tab labelled Configuration which will say: The following network components are installed: and in the list of installed network components you should see: Client for Microsoft Networks. If it does not you will need to install it before continuing:
    1. Click on the Add... button.
    2. Click on the Client type of component.
    3. Click on the Add... button.
    4. Click on the Microsoft manufacturers name.
    5. Click on the Client for Microsoft Networks Network Clients.
    6. Insert your Windows CD into your drive.
    7. Click on the Have Disk... button and install the client.
    8. Reboot and return to the instructions below.
  4. Click on the Identification tab.
  5. Enter your choice of name into the Computer name text box (your Net-ID would be a good choice).
  6. Click on the OK button.
  7. Reboot and return to registering your computer.

To change your computer name under Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP:

  1. Right-Click on the My Network Places icon on your desktop.
  2. Click on the Properties menu item that pops up.
  3. Click on the Network Identification link.
  4. Click on the Properties button.
  5. Enter your choice of name into the Computer name text box (your Net-ID would be a good choice).
  6. Click on the More... button.
  7. Clear the Primary DNS suffix of this computer: text box.
  8. Un-Check on the Change primary DNS suffix when domain membership changes box.
  9. Click on the OK button.
  10. Click on the OK button.
  11. Reboot and return to registering your computer.