Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get connected to the network? 
What do I need to get my Windows XP computer registered on the network? 
What do I need to get my Windows 2000 computer registered on the network?  
What do I need to register my Mac or Linux system? 
I How do I install McAfee Enterprise Anti-Virus? 
How to I keep McAfee Anti-Virus up to date? 
How do I uninstall free or trialware (downloaded) antivirus programs? 
What are DAT files? 
I installed all critical Windows Updates and now my computer doesn't work. What do I do? 
How do I Enter my user ID? 
I registered my computer successfully. Why is it still asking me to register? 
How fast is the Manhattanville College network? 
Is antivirus software required? 
What equipment do I need to connect to the network? 
What kind of support does the Help Desk provide? 
How can I contact the Help Desk? 

How do I get connected to the network?

When you first plug your computer into a Manhattanvillle ethernet port and launch Internet Explorer, your computer will go through a scanning process. This confirms that your computer has critical Windows updates and McAfee anti-virus software with an up-to-date DAT file installed. When your computer has passed all scans your network port (data port) will be enabled. The Dormitory Internet and Cable TV Installation Guide booklet will guide you through the steps to connect to the Internet.

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What do I need to get my Windows XP computer registered on the network?

You need all Microsoft Windows critical updates and service pack 2.
You can download this from: http://www.windowsupdate.com
In addition you will need McAfee Enterprise with the updated DAT file.

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What do I need to get my Windows 2000 computer registered on the network?

You need all Microsoft Windows critical updates and service pack 4.
This can be downloaded it from: http://www.windowsupdate.com
In addition you will need McAfee Anti-Virus and the updated DAT file.

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What do I need to register my Mac or Linux system?

Please visit Spellman Lounge the first week of the Fall semester,
call the Student Help Desk at extension 7230, or use a computer in the Library to complete a Tech Support Request Form.

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I How do I install McAfee Enterprise Anti-Virus?

When you first connect to a Manhattanville data port, your computer will be scanned to ensure that it meets the network's requirements. If you need to install McAfee Anti-Virus, follow the prompts on the Client Assessment Scan Tool.  See the Dormitory Internet and Cable TV Installation Guide for more information.

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How to I keep McAfee Anti-Virus up to date?

McAfee provides a regular update of the VirusScan virus definition files (usually weekly, but more often if new viruses appear). Each new set of virus definition data (.DAT) files detects new viruses and may add new features to VirusScan.

Visit the Configure Auto Updates for McAfee page for instructions.

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How do I uninstall free or trialware (downloaded) antivirus programs?

To remove programs such as:

  • BullGuard Antivirus
  • Panda Antivirus
  • AVG Anti-Virus
  • Norton AntiVirus
  1. On the Windows Task Bar, click Start > Settings > Control Panel
  2. In the Control Panel, select Add or Remove Programs.
  3. Follow the instructions to select and remove the desired program(s).


If you are having problems uninstalling Norton please call x7230.

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What are DAT files?

Virus definition, or DAT, files contain up-to-date virus signatures and other information that our antivirus products use to protect your computer against thousands of computer viruses and other potentially harmful software in circulation.
Hundreds of new threats appear each month. Every day, McAfee releases new DAT files. McAfee also releases new DAT files when any threat is assessed by AVERT to have a medium or higher risk.
To ensure that your antivirus software can protect your system or network against the latest threats, you must download and install the latest DAT files.

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I installed all critical Windows Updates and now my computer doesn't work. What do I do?

Either visit Spellman Lounge during the first week of school or use one of the public computers on campus, and submint a Tech Support Request Form.

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How do I Enter my user ID?

Enter your Manhattanville College ID located on the card issued to you by Security. Then enter your last name.

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I registered my computer successfully. Why is it still asking me to register?

If you are experiencing problems passing the Campus Manager scans or registering your computer; try all the links a second time, make sure you "RESCAN" (the rescan button is located at the bottom of the screen.)
You may have to restart your computer to automatically clear any errors and "rescan".

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How fast is the Manhattanville College network?

High Speed Internet and campus Intranet access is available in every dorm room for each student. Manhattanville has an OC48 fiber optics connection to the Internet providing access to the campus at 100 megabits per second! Incredibly fast…yes you’re right! The cost for Internet access is included in the student’s tuition along with cable TV services.

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Is antivirus software required?

Yes, an updated copy of McAfee Anti-Virus must be installed on your computer. Manhattanville College issues McAfee Anti-Virus to students without charge; the cost is included in tuition. Students are not allowed on the campus network without proof of up to date McAfee Anti-virus software protection! The Manhattanville College Information Technology department takes viruses and their potential proliferation very seriously and we require that students be of the same mindset.

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What equipment do I need to connect to the network?

  • A PC with at least a Pentium or compatible processor
  • Windows 98, XP or 2000
    Apple(G3, G4, G5, iMac or iBook) computers can also be connected. However, you should understand that the predominant computer platform at Manhattanville is Windows and services generally reflect this reality.
  • An Ethernet network card, if not already built in to your computer.
    (Apple computers are designed with a built in Ethernet network card.)

    We support the following cards for Pentiums and compatibles:
    Desktop: 3Com 3C905B-TX-NM or Netgear FA310TX or FA312
    Laptop: 3Com 3CCE589ET or Netgear FA410

    We can install the card for you if necessary. Please call Network Operations at ext. 7230 to make arrangements to get your computer properly configured.
    We cannot guarantee that unsupported cards will function correctly.
  • At least a 25-foot category 5 or 5e (CAT – 5 or 6) network patch cable.
    The Campus Bookstore carries a limited supply of networking equipment, but we suggest that you obtain the required components before you arrive.

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What kind of support does the Help Desk provide?

The Help Desk can help you with virus problems, Internet connection problems, and general computer questions. The Help Desk will also help to troubleshoot general hardware problems.

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How can I contact the Help Desk?

Visit the Manhattanville Help Desk page, or call extension 7230.
For faster service, fill out a Tech Support Request Form. If you are unable to connect to the internet in your dorm room, you can fill out this form from any computer with an Internet connection — on campus or off.

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