If you would like, feel free to use whatever DC client software you prefer, however, the only instructions for connecting to the hub are those listed below. Beyond that, you're on your own, or you can request assistance through email.
Download and Install DC++
The client we recommend is DC++. It is available for download on the right sidebar.
If at any point during the installation a UAC window appears, allow all to run.
If you have not updated Windows in a while you may first be prompted to install an included windows update that is necessary for the DC++ installation to continue. It is included in the installer provided on the right and you need only follow the simple on-screen instructions. After the update has been installed your computer will need to be restarted, and the install file run again. Select your language and click OK.
On the next two screens, click I Agree and Next, then choose a directory for DC++ and click Install. After the installation completes in a few seconds, click Close.
DC++ Software Setup
Start > All Programs > DC++
To run the software you just installed, go to the Start Menu, select Programs (or All Programs), select DC++, and select DC++.
If Windows Firewall blocks DC++, you must select "Allow Access" to be able to use the program. You must allow DC++ to communicate on public networks if your ResNet connection has been set to public, similarly for private networks.
File > Settings > Personal Information
When DC++ first starts up, the Settings window will pop up. If you exited that window, just click on File (in the upper left corner), and go to Settings. Personal information will be selected by default.
Here, you must enter a username to proceed. It must be the username from your registration email – including the [UMN] – if you plan to log on manually, otherwise, it will be overridden as designated.
Under "E-Mail" and "Description," you do not need to enter anything. You may enter whatever you want, for they will be displayed to all users on the hub. You may want to choose a description fit to describe the content you are sharing.
Selecting anything for "Line speed (upload)" will not limit or boost your speeds; it shows what you choose to display to all users as your connection speed.
File > Settings > Downloads
Select the Downloads tab. You must specify the "Default download directory" (the place where your finished downloads will go) and the "Unfinished downloads directory" (the place where the files you are downloading will go). Click "Browse..." and navigate to the location you would like your files to go. If desired you can click "Make New Folder" if you need a new directory.
The directories listed must exist and be accessible. If either is on an external device not connected to your computer, you will not be able to download.
File > Settings > Sharing
Under the Sharing tab, you need to set the folder(s) that you want to share by clicking "Add folder." It's a good idea to share your default download directory. After adding your shared folders, set your upload slots to at least 2.
Once you have selected a folder, it will appear under "Shared directories" with its name, the location of the directory on your computer, and its total shared amount under "Size." The size will be updated once the client has hashed the files in the folder.
When similar folders are in different locations, you may choose to merge them in your file list by choosing the same "Virtual name."
File > Settings > Connection Settings
Under Connection Settings, clear "Enable automatic incoming connection type detection," select "My computer is directly connected to the Internet (no router)" unless you have a router, and leave the "External WAN / IP" box blank.
If this does not work, you will not be able to view file lists or search, and you will have to configure your options manually. You will most likely have to choose "Manual port forwarding." In which case, you are behind your router and have to configure it. Help is available at portforward.com where you choose your router model and pick DC++ as the program.
Click OK to save your settings. Continue to the next section to store your login information and connect to the hub.
Login
View > Favorite Hubs > Manage groups
Optionally, you may choose to automatically connect to the hub whenever you start DC++. To do this, go to View->Favorite Hubs. Click "Manage groups" at the right side (for reference, look at this screenshot). The following window (without any groups) should pop up:
Type any name for the group under "Group properties" – depicted above as "Auto Connect Group." Make sure "Connect to all hubs in this group when this program starts" is selected. Then click "Add to the list" and you should see the group displayed at the top of the window. Close this window and continue.
View > Favorite Hubs > New...
While in Favorite Hubs, click the "New..." button. In the following window, which should look like the next screenshot, enter the information in maroon from your registration email:
Hub
Name: UMN Hub (or whatever you want)
Address: (The hub address is: ... )
Identification (leave blank for defaults)
Nick: (Your username is: ... including the [UMN] )
Password: (Your password is: ... )
- We recommend you copy and paste your password from your email, but make sure not to copy any extraneous spaces.
Select the previously made group's name in the selection near the bottom if you want to automatically connect. Now click OK, and you have stored all your information necessary for login.
You may select the hub and choose "Properties" to change anything you want later. Double-click the hub or select the hub and click "Connect" to connect and start sharing.
- If you are new to DC++, read the FAQ to get situated by learning how to search, download and share.
- If you encounter any problems, check out the FAQ as well.
Don't be a baddie.