Just got DSL - Laptop Won't Work

[georgiagirl47]

I am a complete idiot when it comes to this stuff, so please bare with me...

I just got DSL through my phone company and have installed the modem and service on my desktop. It works fine and is installed properly.


I have a Dell laptop that came with a wireless card that works properly. When I go to my aunt's house or any other wireless spot, all I have to do is turn it on, click on Explorer and I'm online. I assumed that would be the case with my new DSL hook up, but when I try it, it doesn't work. I tried to do a repair of the system and it says there is no wireless network to connect to.

I have no idea where to go from where! Any ideas?? Thanks!

[Pterocarpous]

I am a complete idiot when it comes to this stuff, so please bare with me...
I just got DSL through my phone company and have installed the modem and service on my desktop. It works fine and is installed properly.
I have a Dell laptop that came with a wireless card that works properly. When I go to my aunt's house or any other wireless spot, all I have to do is turn it on, click on Explorer and I'm online. I assumed that would be the case with my new DSL hook up, but when I try it, it doesn't work. I tried to do a repair of the system and it says there is no wireless network to connect to.
I have no idea where to go from where! Any ideas?? Thanks!
Hey georgiagirl47. Welcome to Short-Media (I'm a fellow southern belle myself - hailing from NC thankya'll very much! :wave: )

First of all you're not an idiot. The knowledge required to keep your head above water in this field (the world of computers) is not blessed on anyone at birth. We've all had to learn about it one way or another - most folks, like yourself, as the need arises. Now on to your problem....

Well, here's the rub w/ your situation. The 1st issue is w/ using a DSL (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/x/xDSL.html) Internet provider as opposed to one that provides an always on connection (e.g. cable service).

W/ your type of service (DSL), you must LOGIN w/ a USERNAME & PASSWORD in order to access their service - which, in turn, will pass you on to the Internet. This login information needs to be configured either on your computer or on your ROUTER (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/r/router.html). We'll get to that later (the login configuration). 1st things 1st.

The 2nd issue is, in order for you to be able to share your one Internet connection between two computers, you must purchase something called a (BROADBAND) (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/b/broadband.html) ROUTER. In the consumer market (folks like yourself), this is the primary reason folks use routers - to share Internet connectivity between two or more computers.

An added benefit of using a router is file and printer sharing between the computers that are connected to the router and added security in the form of a FIREWALL (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/f/firewall.html) that is built into your router.

So! Your 1st mission is to go out and purchase a WIRELESS ROUTER. A wireless router will support wireless connectivity for your laptop as well as ETHERNET (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/Ethernet.html) cable connectivity for your desktop computer.

LINKSYS (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C1&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416939789&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper) and NETGEAR (http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways.aspx?for=All) are popular brand names. Of the two, I'd recommend LINKSYS. Make sure the router supports the wireless 802.11G (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/8/802_11.html) standard at least. (This is a wireless standard. The folks at the store should be able to help you with that. It will also be indicated on the box.)

Once you have that critter, come on back here, and we'll step you through the rest... :smiles:

[georgiagirl47]

Thank you for the tip - that would make sense and thank you for the welcome! Are the routers expensive? Do I need to go to a computer store or could I get it at Target or Wal-mart?

Just a question - once I get this set up, if someone is on the desktop and someone is on the laptop will they be able to see what the other is doing or can they both be on doing something at the same time I guess is really what I mean?

One other thing - and I don't know if this makes any difference - my aunt has the exact same DSL hook-up and service that I have and I've never had to sign on or anything, like I said, I just go to her house with the laptop, click on Explorer and I'm online.

thanks again!

[Pterocarpous]

Thank you for the tip - that would make sense and thank you for the welcome! Are the routers expensive? Do I need to go to a computer store or could I get it at Target or Wal-mart?
Just a question - once I get this set up, if someone is on the desktop and someone is on the laptop will they be able to see what the other is doing or can they both be on doing something at the same time I guess is really what I mean?
One other thing - and I don't know if this makes any difference - my aunt has the exact same DSL hook-up and service that I have and I've never had to sign on or anything, like I said, I just go to her house with the laptop, click on Explorer and I'm online.
thanks again!
If you're comfortable w/ making purchases online, you might find better deals there (on the Internet). I don't think either of the stores you mentioned will carry one.

Take a look HERE (http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Category.asp?Category=41&name=Wireless-Networking-Devices). You can get a Linksys Wireless-G router for about 50 bucks.

[Pterocarpous]

...my aunt has the exact same DSL hook-up and service that I have and I've never had to sign on or anything, like I said, I just go to her house with the laptop, click on Explorer and I'm online....thanks again!
If she's using a ROUTER, the login is taking care of by the router (which has been configured w/ her user name and password). If she's just using one computer, then her computer is already configured w/ the login info. in her Internet settings. It is automatically logging her in to her DSL Internet service when she opens her Internet browser or other Internet application.

In any case, the login is taking place - she just might not be aware of it because it has been automated.

[Pterocarpous]

...Just a question - once I get this set up, if someone is on the desktop and someone is on the laptop will they be able to see what the other is doing or can they both be on doing something at the same time I guess is really what I mean?...
The person on the computer, w/out special software, etc. will not be able to see what you are doing. However, depending upon how your FILE SHARING is configured, they may be able to access files that are stored on your computer.

If you want to protect your computer from access by others on your network (which is what you'll have once you connect two or more computers to the router) then, we will need to configure your FILE & PRINT SHARING in such a way as to keep your files protected. You could disable FILE SHARING but keep PRINT SHARING enabled. In this way, you will be protecting your data but still be able to print from your laptop to the printer that is connected to your desktop computer if you like.

There's much to learn on these topics. Let's just get your laptop and desktop computers on the Internet 1st off.

[rockell333]

ok.. i am a real idiot i guess.. i have a problem (has nothing to do with this one) but i cant even figure out how to start a new thread here..

[Pterocarpous]

ok.. i am a real idiot i guess.. i have a problem (has nothing to do with this one) but i cant even figure out how to start a new thread here..
Hey, rockell333. Welcome to Short Media!

What's your problem and I'll direct you to posting on the appropriate thread?

[rockell333]

i think i figured it out.. my problem is Antivermin i posted a thread in networking and security..

[Pterocarpous]

i think i figured it out.. my problem is Antivermin i posted a thread in networking and security..
Actually, rockellww333, please, post to our Spyware & Malware Removal forum. To do so, please, follow these steps FIRST. Thankyou.

(1) Please, go HERE (http://www.short-media.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43902) to begin addressing possible malware infection on your computer:

(2) Refer to this HOW TO thread (http://www.short-media.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43918) for instructions re: how to perform tasks you will be presented with.

(3) Read through all of the remaining stickies HERE (http://www.short-media.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=57).

After you have performed steps (1) thru (3) above, post your new thread HERE (http://www.short-media.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=57). Be very detailed (specific) when describing your problem in the title of your thread. When you post to your thread, again, be very detailed re: what you have observed and what you have done so far. The more details you provide, the better the experts there will be able to help you.

Good Luck! :smiles:

[georgiagirl47]

Ok, I'm going to have to get the router tomorrow or Friday...I didn't think it would cost so much, but I WILL be back under this post!

I do have one more quick question though, don't know if you can help me or not, but I was surprised when I click to sign on the internet, it signs me on AOL still...that was my dial-up service...I haven't cancelled it yet, I've got my DSL through BellSouth. I'm guessing I won't be able to do that once I cancel AOL? I was pleasantly surprised though, I am not looking forward to teaching my mother how to check her mail and list things on ebay without the ease of the AOL welcome screen!! It took me long enough just to teach her how to get online!

[Pterocarpous]

...I do have one more quick question though, don't know if you can help me or not, but I was surprised when I click to sign on the internet, it signs me on AOL still...that was my dial-up service...I haven't cancelled it yet, I've got my DSL through BellSouth. I'm guessing I won't be able to do that once I cancel AOL? I was pleasantly surprised though, I am not looking forward to teaching my mother how to check her mail and list things on ebay without the ease of the AOL welcome screen!! It took me long enough just to teach her how to get online!
If your computer still dials (like making a telephone call) into AOL when you open your browser or otherwise attempt to connect to the Internet, then your Internet access settings need to be re-configured.

Is there a telephone line still connected to your computer (at the back).
If so, disconnect it (make note of which jack it was plugged into 1st).

Now, try to get onto the Internet.
If you are unable to connect to the Internet, restore the telephone line to the same jack at the back of your computer. Connect to the Internet and post back here. We'll tell you how to proceed.


If you are still able to connect to the Internet (with the telephone line removed), then you are using your DSL broadband service...

You need only change your browser's home page (if you like). Your Internet browser is likely one of the following: Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Mozilla Firefox.

Note: If you were previously using AOLs software to connect to the Internet, you may continue to do so IF you have an account with them. However, it will need to be configured differently. Let us know if this is the case.

Please, answer these questions and we'll know how to proceed with helping you.

[georgiagirl47]

oops, I should have added, it doesn't dial into AOL, it's already connected when I click on the Bellsouth internet icon...I can use the phone and be on AOL at the same time...so it's like I'm on the DSL but AOL is coming up, which is good, I just wonder why!

[Pterocarpous]

oops, I should have added, it doesn't dial into AOL, it's already connected when I click on the Bellsouth internet icon...I can use the phone and be on AOL at the same time...so it's like I'm on the DSL but AOL is coming up, which is good, I just wonder why!
If you like it that way, leave it as it is. It is just configured as your Internet browser's home page. I need to know which browser you are using in order to direct you to changing this if that's what you want to do.

In any case, the "Home Page" is simply the 1st page that appears when you open your Internet browser.

[georgiagirl47]

Well - when I click on Internet Explorer I am online and MSN is my homepage obviously, but if I click on the "Bellsouth Internet" icon that it installed when I installed the modem, I get AOL and it signs on like normal only not via the phone line...I'm planning to cancel AOL though and just use the Bellsouth thing...I guess when that happens, it will no longer sign on to AOL? I know they have some kind of "get it free" deal. I just thought it was kind of bizarre and though AOL could only come up via dial-up. Does this make sense? Thanks for your help...will be back with the router in the next day or two!

[Pterocarpous]

...Well - when I click on Internet Explorer I am online and MSN is my homepage obviously,...
Why "obviously"?? :scratch: Even though it's Internet Explorer, you can configure it to use whatever "home page" you would like. It doesn't have to be MSN or any other Microsoft web site.
...but if I click on the "Bellsouth Internet" icon that it installed when I installed the modem...
You mean the DSL Modem right? Be sure to make that distinction when you're talking about modems. "Modem" w/out the "DSL" part usually implies a dial-up modem.
...I get AOL and it signs on like normal only not via the phone line...I'm planning to cancel AOL though and just use the Bellsouth thing...I guess when that happens, it will no longer sign on to AOL?...
EDIT://
It sounds like BellSouth has their own Internet browser installed on your computer. That's fine. It's just another Internet browser.

Are you sure you didn't sign up for an AOL-Over-Broadband service through your DSL provider? Better make sure about this before you cancel your AOL account.

BTW: You can keep your AOL account. Keep using their browser. Keep you AOL email, even. You just need to change the type of service you are subcribing to AOL for. IOW, you can keep your AOL membership service (which includes email) and cancel their Internet Access Service. AOL calls it their "Bring Your Own ISP (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/ISP.html)" service. This will drop your monthly AOL cost dramatically.
...I know they have some kind of "get it free" deal...
Get what free deal??? :scratch:

[georgiagirl47]

Well, I meant the generic homepage for explorer is MSN...I didn't mean that obviously towards you! I hope you didn't think that!

No - I didn't sign up for AOL Broadband, did it all through Bellsouth - I think I know what you're talking about with changing the type of AOL service I have, that might just be a good idea for now.

I keep hearing stuff about getting AOL mail free after you cancel your account? I dread dealing with those folks!

This has been much more confusing than the nice lady at Bellsouth told me it would be!! :-) Thanks so much for your help!

[Pterocarpous]

...Well, I meant the generic homepage for explorer is MSN...I didn't mean that obviously towards you! I hope you didn't think that!...
Not at all! I know you're new to this and thought you believed that you had to have Internet Explorer configured to open to MSN (or some other Microsoft web site). Believe me, Microsoft would love nothing more. But that's not the case (yet!). ;)
...No - I didn't sign up for AOL Broadband, did it all through Bellsouth...
Right, but there are broadband (high speed Internet access) providers who are offering AOL Broadband through their service. That's why I asked.
...I think I know what you're talking about with changing the type of AOL service I have, that might just be a good idea for now...
There are many people who are accustomed to AOL's (proprietary (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/p/proprietary.html)) Internet browser (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/b/browser.html), Internet access, email, etc. and do not want to make the change to standard Internet browsers, Internet access, email, etc. This is when it might be appropriate to hang on to your AOL membership and just drop the Internet Access part. (Because you have that taken care of w/ BellSouth DSL service now.)
...I keep hearing stuff about getting AOL mail free after you cancel your account?...
That will depend upon your Internet service provider (ISP), I believe. You'll need to check w/ BellSouth about that.
...I dread dealing with those folks!...
I don't blame you.
...This has been much more confusing than the nice lady at Bellsouth told me it would be!! :-) Thanks so much for your help!
You have been in the insulated world of AOL up until now. Now you are learning about the standard practices, methods, etc. re: Internet access, Internet browsers, email, etc. The good news is the more you learn the faster you learn new stuff because you get to apply what you've learned already. Be patient w/ yourself. It'll get easier over time. :smiles:

[mtrox]

I keep hearing stuff about getting AOL...I dread dealing with those folks!

Georgia, I just happened to run into this today. Give it a listen....

http://dumbr.com/232_Cancelling-AOL.html

[Pterocarpous]

Georgia, I just happened to run into this today. Give it a listen....http://dumbr.com/232_Cancelling-AOL.html
ROFLOL!!! Ahhhhhh!!! ;D That was great, mtrox! Tha's exactly what it's like trying to talk to those people....

Not just AOL either. Try telling any number of other service providers (other ISPs or, oh yeah!, telephone service!) you want to cancel your service w/ them and see what happens! It's a whole other story when you call in for help, right?

[mtrox]

Yea the guy was ready for 'em too wasn't he? AOL was actually embarrassed by that recording (as if they don't have enough to be embarrassed about already). They got pretty defensive.

[Pterocarpous]

Yea the guy was ready for 'em too wasn't he? AOL was actually embarrassed by that recording (as if they don't have enough to be embarrassed about already). They got pretty defensive.
He sure was wasn't he?! ;D Yeah! I bet they were embarrassed. Down yet one more rung on the ladder, AOL! :shakehead

I kinda feel sorry for the guy taking the call, though. You know he was told to do exactly what he did (or attempted to do) - that is turn the member around and keep him from cancelling. His salesmanship was a bit lacking is all. :rolleyes: I'm betting they really hammered (or fired) the poor guy...

[rapture]

Before you go out and spend money on new equipment phone your ISP and ask them what they've already set you up with. There is a chance you already have a wireless router that's just not been configured yet.

If not, they might be able to recommend one which works well with the service.

It may also be worth mentioning that not all DSL connections require authentication but I'm probably just confusing things at this point.

[Leonardo]

Don't be afraid to call Bellsouth service. When I lived in Georgia, BellSouth was always attentive and respectful when we called for problems. You're a new user and they usually work pretty hard to get new account holders set up correctly. I am not discounting the advice that was given you above. It's all good, but at this stage, you could probably do with a little hand holding over the phone. No shame in that.

Your really should learn to get away from AOL. It's a BIG WIDE world out there. You don't need the AOL training wheels. (hope that didn't seem condescending - it wasn't)

[mtrox]

Your really should learn to get away from AOL. It's a BIG WIDE world out there. You don't need the AOL training wheels. (hope that didn't seem condescending - it wasn't)

"training wheels" <-----had to laugh. Same term I use for AOL. And yes, we geeks can be very condescending (always implying that everyone else is stupid for not using our superior but less-well-known browser, op system, blah, blah, blah).

But in this case its AOL that is condescending. They take a public that is fearful of the Internet, and hammer home what a scary place it is. Then they "selflessly" offer themselves as a solution.

I'm like Leo. Take off the training wheels. You'll be better for it.

[Pterocarpous]

rapture-IC, Leonardo, & mtrox have made some very good points. Based on their contributions, I've gathered some info. from BellSouth's web site that might be helpful. As indicated by rapture-IC & Leonardo, do check w/ BellSouth before purchasing a router. Turns out that BellSouth has their own that they call their "wireless gateway". It will serve the same purpose. (Enable you to have two or more computers connected to the Internet in your home.)


HERE's (http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs/index.html) BellSouth's Internet Services Home Page
HERE (http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs/inetsrvcs_fa_homenet.html?src=lftnav) is their HomeNetworking Service page. (See below for more info. re: this service)
HERE (http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs/index.html?src=lftnav) are their different FastAccess DSL plans. (So, you can determine which plan you have subscribed to.)
HERE (http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs/inetsrvcs_compare.html?src=lftnav) is a comparison chart between BellSouth's FastAccess DSL plans.
HERE (http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs/internethelp.html?src=lftnav) is their Help and Support page. It even includes an online chat option (lower right under Additional Assistance)
HERE (http://bellsouth.inquira.com/bellsouth/index?page=faq_topten&cat=FASTACCESS_DSL&viewa) are BellSouth's FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) re: their FastAccess DSL service.
HERE (http://www.bellsouth.com/residential/ps_call-us.html) is BellSouth's contact information (including telephone no.'s and email addresses)
BellSouth's FastAccess HomeNetworking Plus service includes their "wireless gateway" device. This service costs $5 more per month. (The "wireless gateway" device is FREE if you have their "FastAccess DSL Xtreme" service.)
BellSouth doesn't tell much about the device online. You'll need to speak w/ them for more details about it.
They also have a promotion (found HERE (http://www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs/inetsrvcs_fa_terms.html#Promotions_and_Re)) where if you order their "wireless gateway" device online, you get a rebate that makes it FREE (after the rebate).
You can submit the rebate online HERE (http://bellsouthrewardcenter.com/promocenter/bellsouth/index.shtml?bcid=reward) w/in 90 days of purchasing it.

NOTE:
BellSouth mentions in a couple of places about reduced cost or free service from the Geek Squad. You might want to ask BellSouth if you qualify for any service from them. If so, they can help you w/ setting up your Internet connection sharing via BellSouth's "wireless gateway" device.

PS:
I tried calling BellSouth to find out if their service required a user name and password login. (They have a toll free no.) In short, jumping through their telephone prompts got to be .....tedious.....after a while so, I gave up.

So, georgiagirl47,...

Be sure to have the telephone number that your DSL service is installed on handy whenever you contact BellSouth.
Ask BellSouth when you call if your Internet service requires you to login with a user name and password.
If it does, ask them to tell you what your user name and password are.
You'll need to have this information later on.
(They may not be able to tell you your password. If that's the case they will reset it for you. This has implications w/ respect to your email access. Just let us know if that is the case and we'll go from there.)

[georgiagirl47]

Ok, I'm back with my router, installed it per the instructions, all connections are right, my laptop says it's in the network, everything appears to be good...but neither computer will sign to the internet. :doh:

[Pterocarpous]

Ok, I'm back with my router, installed it per the instructions, all connections are right, my laptop says it's in the network, everything appears to be good...but neither computer will sign to the internet. :doh:
Did you get BellSouth's router? (see post # 26)
If you didn't, you need to contact BellSouth and see if the router you purchased will work w/ their service.

[georgiagirl47]

I didn't even see that info until after I just made the last post about the internet working...however, no I didn't get BellSouth's router, but the router I got is the same my aunt is using with her BellSouth service.

I have Linkskys Wireless-G?

[georgiagirl47]

oh and I do have my user name and password...it came with the DSL modem

[mtrox]

I have Linkskys Wireless-G?

I'm guessing something like a WRT54G...only because its the most common one out there. When you say: my laptop says it's in the network,
Georgia, I think you mean that the little bubble down in the right corner says you're on the wireless....is that right? Just because you're on the wireless doesn't mean your wireless router has the 'net.

If it's a Linksys, you can probably get into the router by bringing up a browser and typing this IP address in the address bar, "192.168.1.1"...no quotation marks, no http, no www. nonsense...just the IP address. Then you should get an authentication window. By default Linksys routers leave the user name blank, and the password is "admin".

If that gets you in, look up near the top there is a row of options. I think its the last one that says Status. Click that one and it should give you IP information for your Internet Connection. If all you have is 0.0.0.0 stuff, then you don't have the Internet in your wireless router. You can try the release, then the renew button. If that doesn't get you IP addresses, it ain't happening.

Bell South may remember the MAC address of the last device the cable modem was plugged into. Unplug the cable modem and wireless router, wait about 5 minutes to let it clear out, then plug the cable modem back in. After about 30 seconds, plug in the router. Let your computer find the wireless router after its up and you should have the 'net. Now go back into the wireless router and you'll see numbers under the IP information.

[georgiagirl47]

thanks - did that and I do have zeros...here is where I think my problem is

I've got PPPoE login and I don't think that's right. I'm not required to log in to anything before I get online...I put in my AOL user name and password just to get through that screen...I don't think that was right...but I wasn't sure what option to choose for other types of logins

[RyderOCZ]

Change the router's WAN settings to DHCP, see if that helps.

[georgiagirl47]

DHCP

that's the other one I tried and it wouldn't work either...there are a few other options, should I just try them all?

[mtrox]

You can't hurt it Georgia.....but I've never heard of a cable modem that wasn't DHCP....maybe there's one out there. Did you also uplug the modem for a while? If you did, you may have to call them. I know we have MediaCom in parts of the cities here and you have to call them to attach a new device with a new MAC address. I'm betting your problem now is the MAC address issue....that is after you get the connection type set to DHCP.

[RyderOCZ]

No....only 1 is going to work properly and its either going to be PPPoE or DHCP...those are the only 2 that I have seen the DSL providers around here use, but it doesn't mean I am right.. hehe.

You have the Modem connected to the phone line, the Ethernet port of the modem connected to he WAN port of the router, and then an ethernet cable from one of the 4 other ports on the router to your PC?

[mtrox]

No....only 1 is going to work properly and its either going to be PPPoE or DHCP...those are the only 2 that I have seen the DSL providers around here use

Sorry, just scrolled back and Ryder is right...it is a DSL...could be PPPoE too.

[georgiagirl47]

No - I didn't unplug it yet. I did notice the DSL light on the model is blinking - is it supposed to do that?

The MAC address - This may be me being stupid, but I do have one...

Let me go try it all again with the DHCP

[RyderOCZ]

If the DSL light is blinking....that is bad normally, it should be lit solid.

Did they tell you that your DSL line was ready and Active?

Did they send filters? You don't want a filter installed on the cord that runs from the DSL Modem, to the Wall jack.

[georgiagirl47]

It wasn't blinking before that I can remember...I was using the DSL on my desktop for the past week but today installed the router so I could have my laptop connnected. I do have the filters on, should I take them off?

[mtrox]

Sorry I steered you wrong with my cable modem advice. Forget the MAC address nonsense. Besides, I checked on the BellSouth site...it is a PPPoE system. That means you need your xxxxxxx@bellsouth.net email address as a user name and the password for that user.

Leave the filters where they were if it was working before. You must have had it right. But now your Linksys has to provide the user and password to access your DSL. You need to plug that in after you change to PPPoE.

[RyderOCZ]

Ok, my bad....I missed the fact that you have been using DSL for some time.

You should have the filters at all the phones, but you should not have a filter (unless it has 2 ports and 1 is for the modem) on the line that runs to the modem.

In any case, a flashing DSL light would inidcate that there is an issue between you and the Dmark and you are not in sync and receiving the DSL signal. No matter what you do, you won't be able to get a connection.

The DSL light needs to be steady in my experience before DSL will work properly.

I will shutup now.....no need for Mtrox and I to confuse you by going back and forth with different troubleshooting :)

[mtrox]

I will shutup now.....no need for Mtrox and I to confuse you by going back and forth with different troubleshooting :)

Good God we're embarrasing ourselves aren't we? It's like the new girl just walked into study hall and dropped her books.

[georgiagirl47]

ok, DSL light is not blinking anymore, I fixed that, but it didn't effect anything else.

So, if I do the PPPoE thing with my user ID & password...what do I need to unplug/plug and when. Right now, everythig is plugged in and a thing popped up that says the internet connection won't work.

[georgiagirl47]

and I'm confused without you two going back and forth so don't mind me LOL Thanks to everyone who has helped me thus far

[mtrox]

So, if I do the PPPoE thing with my user ID & password...what do I need to unplug/plug and when. Right now, everythig is plugged in and a thing popped up that says the internet connection won't work.

You shouldn't have to do that plugging/unplugging thing. That was when I thought it was a cable modem. It never hurts to re-boot everything. But if you are PPPoE and used the right user name and password, you should be there. Maybe you gotta call BellSouth.

[georgiagirl47]

I just noticed the internet light on the DSL modem is not on...is that a problem?

[RyderOCZ]

I don't think it will be until you authenticate.

Try this....plug the same PC you have been using back into just the modem. Take the router our of the picture.

Does everything work then?

Also, earlier I asked about having to install stuff from a CD when you got the modem and everything....did you have to do that?

[georgiagirl47]

it does work if I do the PC in the modem like I had it before.

I did have to do that with the CD but while it's doing it, it tells me it can't find my internet connection.

[mtrox]

I see Ryder's still online...I'm going to let him take this so we don't throw too much at you. You're in good hands Georgia...

[georgiagirl47]

Thanks everyone - I found something else that maybe I need to do...something about TCP/IP? I just can't figure out what the heck it is.

[RyderOCZ]

Ok....so you had to pick a bellsouth email address and a password right?

You need to enter that into the PPPoE settings in the router.

[georgiagirl47]

Yep - I did enter that.

[RyderOCZ]

Ok...and that still doesn't net you an internet light?

Have you tried powering off both modem and router....power up modem first and wait for DSL light to be on solid.

Then power up the router with PPPoE settings in it and wait for it to stabilize.

Then go to Start > run > Type "cmd" (just those letters) hit enter, you will see a little black "dos box" pop up. At the prompt type ipconfig /all

What do you get for an IP address, default gateway, and DNS servers?

Once you have recorded that info, type "ping 67.36.55.26" hit enter....do you get 4 responses or do you get 4 "request timed out"?

[georgiagirl47]

Ok...and that still doesn't net you an internet light?

Have you tried powering off both modem and router....power up modem first and wait for DSL light to be on solid.

Then power up the router with PPPoE settings in it and wait for it to stabilize.

Then go to Start > run > Type "cmd" (just those letters) hit enter, you will see a little black "dos box" pop up. At the prompt type ipconfig /all

What do you get for an IP address, default gateway, and DNS servers?

Once you have recorded that info, type "ping 67.36.55.26" hit enter....do you get 4 responses or do you get 4 "request timed out"?


Ok, you lost me at wait for DSL light to be on solid. After that, how do I power up the router in those settings? I don't even know how to get to those settings other than put the CD in and start all over. Is that right?

[georgiagirl47]

one more thing...I left for a few minutes and came back and this time instead of "trying to connect to the internet" it said static. Does that mean anything? I still got the same "Unable to connect to the internet" deal when I put in the username and password.

[RyderOCZ]

You programmed the router with the PPPoE login before you said.

So what I wanted you to try was to setup the router as PPPoE with the proper info, then power off everything (router and Modem) Startup the modem first, let everything stabilize (all lights that should be on steady are on steady) Then power up the Router and let it stabilize. Then try the internet.

To re-ask something I didn't get an answer to... You have an Ethernet cable running from the modem to the WAN port on the router right? (WAN port is slightly separate from the other 4 ports on the back of the router?

[georgiagirl47]

ok, but here is where I think the problem begins and I may be confusing you on this...after I put in the PPPoE info, it comes up and says put in your network password...I do and then it tries to connect to the internet on it's own and it doesn't work.

Will me having my laptop on Dial-up effect it while I'm doing this?

There is an ethernet cable running from the DSL model to the WAN port, yes. Then a cord running from Port 1 on the router to the computer.

[RyderOCZ]

Ok...well after 2 hours of IM's....this thing works :D :thumbsup:

Bellsouth has the Modem configured just a little different than I am used to up here.
The Modem is a Westell unit and it actually stores the PPPoE login info itself, so even though it only has 1 Ethernet port..it is in fact part router it seems.
The modem authenticates, but then issues the connected PC a 192.168.1.x IP Scheme address to the NIC, which is weird. The modem itself then has an IP of 192.168.1.254 but no where can you see your WAN IP...except possibly in the status screen inside the config...which we didn't go into (not worth it).

In my experience with DSL here in Michigan, the Modem is just an interface to the ATM network that the phone company uses, once authenticated the modem passes all WAN, gateway and Subnet info to the NIC of the attached PC..so the NIC gets the WAN IP, this was not the case here..the NIC of the PC was handed a DHCP address.

Now why setting the router to DHCP didn't work..I didn't investigate that far, but I just had her set a Static IP similar to what the modem issued the PC and everything is good, for now.
Hopefully this isn't just a crutch and it works for 48 hours then goes pear shaped, but we will cross that bridge when we get there :D

[mtrox]

Nice job Ryder. Weird. We have some DSL modems here that have DHCP too. Still, the Linksys should just connect....though I'm not sure what the Linksys NAT would do with the identical subnet.....

[georgiagirl47]

Thanks so much to everyone who has helped, especially Ryder who was very patient with me! This has been the best site I've ever gone to for help! I'll save it and spread the word.

[RyderOCZ]

So...did it last all day today?

Give us an update :)

[georgiagirl47]

Two days and going strong! Thanks so much again for your help and your patience with me running back and forth!!

And you guys will be happy to know I cancelled AOL as well! LOL

[mtrox]

And you guys will be happy to know I cancelled AOL as well! LOL

You're a real woman now Georgia!

[RyderOCZ]

Great...thanks for the update.

Congrats on your cancellation of AOL too, the world of computer geekdom appreciates it ;D