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Overview
This article explains how to complete the first-time login on a Northwood Tech checkout laptop.
The steps vary depending on whether you picked up your laptop on campus or received it by mail. You may need to connect the laptop to a Wi-Fi network before signing in.
Key Information
- Your Northwood Tech account must be activated before you can sign in.
- You will need your Northwood Tech ID number and password.
- Laptops picked up on campus should be logged into before leaving campus whenever possible.
- Laptops mailed to you must be connected to your home Wi-Fi before the first login.
- After completing the first login, you can use the laptop from your home or another location with an internet connection.
📝 Note: The first-time login process is required before you can use your checkout laptop normally.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, you'll need:
- An activated Northwood Tech account
- Your Northwood Tech ID number and password
- The Northwood Tech checkout laptop
- Access to a Wi-Fi or internet connection
- For mailed devices: Your home Wi-Fi network name and password
Instructions
Checkout Laptop Picked Up on Campus
- Stop by iTLC or the IT Service Desk to pick up your laptop.
- Enter your Northwood Tech ID number and password.
- Press Enter.
Once you get home, you can connect the laptop to your home internet.
⭐ Best Practice: Complete the initial login while you are still on campus. This allows IT staff to assist you if you experience an issue before leaving campus.
Checkout Laptop Mailed to You
Connect to Your Home Wi-Fi
- From the laptop login screen, click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower-right corner.
- Select your home Wi-Fi network.
- Enter your home Wi-Fi password.
- Verify that the laptop is connected to your home network.
Connect to Northwood Tech
- From the laptop login screen, click the icon shown below.
- Enter your Northwood Tech ID number and password.
- Click OK.
- Return to the laptop login screen.
- Enter your Northwood Tech ID number and password.
- Press Enter.
You should now be logged in to your Northwood Tech checkout laptop.
Troubleshooting
I can't log in with my Northwood Tech account
Try the following:
- Verify you're entering your Northwood Tech ID number, not your email address.
- Verify your password is correct.
- Confirm that your Northwood Tech account has been activated.
- If you recently changed your password, make sure you're using your new password.
- If you're still unable to sign in, contact the IT Service Desk.
I can't connect the laptop to my home Wi-Fi
Try the following:
- Verify Wi-Fi is enabled on the laptop.
- Verify you're selecting the correct home Wi-Fi network.
- Re-enter your Wi-Fi password carefully.
- Restart your home router if other devices are also unable to connect.
- Try connecting the laptop to another available Wi-Fi network, if possible.
I picked up my laptop but didn't log in before leaving campus
If you have already taken the laptop home, connect it to your home Wi-Fi and attempt to sign in using your Northwood Tech ID number and password.
If you're unable to complete the first-time login, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you're unable to complete the first-time login after following the steps above, submit an IT Service Desk ticket for assistance.
Include any error messages or screenshots, if available, to help the Service Desk troubleshoot the issue.