My University residential network requires you to 'validate' your computer when using it for the first time. Basically it ties your login details to your computer.

I'm guessing it does this by looking at your MAC address. However, I've just got a new laptop and it won't let me validate this - I'd like to be able to use the network from my room on either my original computer or my desktop, but it seems you can only have one computer validated.

I'm assuming that by spoofing the MAC address of my laptop to that of my desktop I could connect. However, I was told MAC spoofing could be detected (this is a wired network).

Any ideas/suggestions before I'm forced to go and consult the "Student Helpdesk" who know only how to print and use Word