Start Up:

Since you are able to view this file over the Internet, I will assume that you were able to turn on a computer and get logged into the Internet.  I will quickly run down starting up a new PC just for the heck of it.

When you first turn on a computer, you could experience many things.  The bulk of this page deals mainly with starting a computer connected to a network; however, I will cover some basic topics with a home computer.  Depending upon the computer you have, and how it was set up, you may simply turn it on, and go directly to your Windows.  If you are presented with a box asking for a "Name", "User Name", "Password" ect., ask the person who set up the computer, or your Network Administrator how to proceed.  If it is a new computer to you, but has a name already listed in the login box, try deleting that name, typing in your own name (it doesn't have to be technically accurate), and if you want a password ... type that in.  On Windows 9x computers that will create a new login just for you.  Note: the name can be anything (avoid spaces and special characters) ... mypc, bill, jane1 are all ok ... avoid My New #%PC for a name for example.

If you start your home computer, and you get boxes asking question, then remember to read what the screen says.  If it is a Windows 9x (95, 98, SE, ME) computer, then simply enter the name you wish to use in the name box, and if you wish to use a password, enter one in the password box.  If you are not sure what to do, but want to get started anyway, on a Windows 95, 9x computer, you can simply press the "Escape" key.  ("Esc" at the very top left of the keyboard).

If this is a network computer, and your first time using it, and all you seem to see is a moving logo, press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys togeather to bring up a login box.

If you get a login box and the Escape key does not take you to the windows screen, try putting in the name "guest" for a name, and nothing for the password.

Logging Into A Network:
While your computer will operate without logging into the network, you will not be able to print to any network printers, open any files saved to the network (such as shared databases), or run any network programs (there can be network versions of MS Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint, or any other program made for networking, or available on a network), if you do not log IN.

Logging In to A Network from DOS:
The Login proceedure can be run through a DOS based program setup for systems running Windows 3.x or DOS operating systems. In order to successfully log in to the network, you must be set up as a user on that network, this is usually done by a Network Administrator, or Systems Operator. You must also have a working network card in your machine, the proper files on your hard disk, and the proper setup in your start-up files (config.sys, and autoexec.bat), all depending upon 1. The type of NIC (Network Interface Card), 2. The version, make, model, and revision of card, and 3. The version of software used to access the network.

If your computer is setup to automatically log IN to the network then starting the computer is all that is involved in getting to the Log In screen.
 

What if you do not see a Log In Screen ?
 If you do not see a "login screen" after you start your computer, and it is set up for the network, you can "call up" the "login screen" by typing the path and login command (ex:" z:login, logon, etc. " (with out the quote marks)) and pressing the enter key. When you do this you may see a screen like the one below.  Check with your system administrator on the excact proceedure.

Here you will type in your login NAME (in some cases it may be your employee ID number such as a111111, or cSmith ). After you type in your name press the enter key. Now you will see a second line asking you to type in your password. Type in your password and press the enter key.

 What if you do not have a password or you have forgotten it.
If you do not have a password, or an account (often refered to as a user profile), or you do not know what your password is you can contact the Network Administrator and request that she / he either assign you a login password or reset your password. Often if it has been longer than 20 to 24 hours since that computer’s last login for that computer it will often automatically run through a virus scan. This can take from 2 minutes to 15 minutes depending upon how many programs and files are located on that particullar computers Hard disk, and the type of scanning that is performed.

After the login proceedure and virus scan are complete.
 Some computers are set up to automatically start Windows after the login proceedure. If your computer does not, - then you may be looking at a DOS prompt that looks something like:

c:\windows>_    OR  C:\>

 From here you can type " win " (without the quote marks) and press enter to start Windows.
 

 When Windows 3.1 starts up you should see the Program Manager and all the little groups that contain the programs. If the Program Manager is "Minimized" (looks like a little picture in the bottom left corner of the screen) you can open it back up by clicking on the icon once - (A menu will appear, see below) and choosing the restore menu option. OR - You can "DOUBLE-CLICK" on the Icon to open Program Manager backup.

If your computer is not connected to a network, then depending upon how is was configured (set-up) you may or may not automatically run through a virus protection program, Log IN through a DOS based program, start Windows, etc. However, if you end up at a "DOS" prompt after turning on a computer, then the < win > command will normally start a Windows session on that computer. This is assuming of course that Windows is installed on that computer.

Also: Sometimes a computer will display some sort of menu after it is turned on - read what is printed on the screen and follow the directions.
 

Logging In To A Network With Windows 95:
 Windows 95 is much different than the DOS or Windows 3.x machines.  Unless you are running a very unusual setup where the machine is running Windows 95 and the login proceedure is a 16-bit (DOS) application, the the "Log In" will be a graphical interface, where you enter a name and password. It is also quite possible to "Log In" to more than one thing, and even more than 1 thing at a time.  Perhaps you have a Windows password, Log In to a Novell Netware or Banyan server, AND access a Microsoft Networking system, (NT perhaps), all at the same time.  If you are having problems getting everything you need, or have questions about the proper proceedure - see your System Administrator, or SysOp, or Webmaster, or IS Coordinator, or whatever title your company designates to the person or people who assign computer access at your company.  They will want to know the EXACT message that you are asking about, so be sure to make note of what the error, or message said.  Remember, they may know about computers, but they (SysOp's) can not read minds, project graphical images of what was on your screen 10 minutes ago.  They have many other users, and probably were not tied in to or monitoring your efforts, and do not have a physic connection with your computer - so I can not stress enough: Make a note of the message, or error, write it down, and be as accurate as you can when you call your help desk.

file: help-02.html
created: 1997
edited: 2002