Why do I need to check if I have a Network Bridge in Windows XP?

A bridge can be created in Windows XP linking 2 network segments together, as if they were one segment.  Some computers with both a Wireless and Wired adapters come set up this way, assuming that the computer will be used in a home environment.  This causes a disruption in a normal network environment however, by effectively establishing a loop in the same network segment.  Therefore, a Windows XP Network Bridge is not allowed on the campus network.

Go to Start, then the control panel and the network connections icon.  You might have to select the network connections icon again, and then you should come to this screen:

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Right click on the "Network Bridge" network icon as shown here, and select "delete":

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Windows XP will then inform you the bridge is being removed, as shown below.  Once that is complete, simply disable either the Local Area Connection or the Wireless Connection depending on which one you don't want to use at the moment.  Keeping only one adapter enabled at a time, either wired or wireless but not both, will prevent you from having connection difficulties.

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You are done!  You should now be able to logon with Clean Access Agent.  If you need further instruction, please call computer services during business hours.

Why disable Internet Connection Sharing and Internet Sharing?

Internet Connection Sharing and Internet Sharing are features in their respective operating systems that allow the computer to act as a network router and DHCP server if it has two or more types of networking devices. These devices could be Ethernet cards, modems, or Firewire (IEEE 1394) ports. If Internet Connection Sharing is actively running while the computer is connected to any part of the University's network, that computer and other computers nearby may lose all connectivity to the network. If you have been previously connected to a home network, know that Internet Connection Sharing was used in your previous network setup, or suspect you have done something to turn Internet Connection Sharing on please go through this guide to help prevent loss of network services for you and others.

***Thanks to the University of Minnesota for the above instructions.