AOL Cable Modem and Windows XP

[Erik]

I just upgraded to an AOL Cable Modem. Yes I know AOL sucks, but my parents won't leave them. Anyway, I got the cable connection hooked up through a NIC, and am able to connect, sometimes. Techs told me that this is a problem with win XP, and it is just hit and miss. Anyone else have any problems, or possible solutions? Thanks in advance.


Erik

[YODA74]

If you have a cable modem that connects via an ethernet card, you should be fine. Same for USB modems. Internal PCI card cable modems may have problems. If you are looking for drivers, check with the manufacturer of the modem (or ethernet card). It is likely that Windows 2000 drivers will work. However, Windows 9x and ME drivers are unlikely to work. I never had AOL so I don't know if there is an issue with XP and there modems,sorry in all generality it should work with XP But I do Know Roadrunner does not support XP? At&T has a set up in place for XP.Someone else may know a work around, goodluck

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Treading,Troden,Trails
HERE (http://www.davematthewsband.com)

[Erik]

I can connect right after I turn on my computer. If I sign off, or do anything else I am not able to get connected. I find it annoying to restart my computer just to get back online, and would like a fix if possible.

Again I was told by the installing tech that it was a problem with AOL being incompatible with Windows XP. He also said that they should be coming out with new software, but I won't hold my breath.

Erik

[Gallaeglagh]

Would a router/firewall such as the Linksys or Netgear units help you out. They're not too expensive and can keep the connection always on

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To Beer, the cause of and solution to all of life's problems - Homer Simpson

[Rick]

Aol Cable modem connection is set up using Road Running
IF you are able to get a connection you have one option Untill Time warner /Road runner/AOL
get the whole mess cleared up and create an XP compatible interface /connection routine

Leave the connection open and connected .
That is how Road Running is set up to work .
If you sign off /disconnect it will only connect again with a reboot.

Or Possibly by using winipfig.
You may be able to use the Release or Renew buttons
to re- establish the connection.

Other than these options You are stuck in the same Boat with the rest of us RR users.
Always connected always online .
Your Not in Dial up land any more http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif




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To ERR is HUMAN
To REALLY screw things UP, YOU NEED a COMPUTER !

[Jumby]

Have you powercycled your cablemodem lately? You need to do it once a month or so.
How to Powercycle The Cable Modem

1. Power down computer
2. Make sure the coaxial cable is plugged securely into the modem.
3. Unplug both ends of the modem cable (the connections look like large phone cord plugs)
4. Unplug power cord from modem
5. Leave unplugged for three minutes and allow modem to regain block sync
6. Re-plug modem cable (one end to modem, the other to network adapter), then plug power
cord into modem
7. Turn on computer
8. Try visiting several web sites
9. If these steps fail, go to next section




1. Power down computer
2. Make sure the coaxial cable is plugged securely into the modem.
3. Unplug the power cord from cable modem
4. Leave the modem unplugged for two minutes
5. Plug the cable modem directly into the wall outlet
6. Wait approximately five minutes for the modem to regain block sync (it usually
takes less than two minutes)
7. Restart your computer
8. Check the lights on modem and insure lights are steady
9. If the lights are illuminated but you cannot connect to web sites, go to your Start button
and click RUN, and type WINIPCFG, click OK. Verify that you have a valid IP address
(you can get this from AT&T Broadband Customer Service) then click Release/Renew.
Try visiting various web sites. If you are unable to connect to web sites, shut down
computer, then restart. Try various web sites.
10. If your cable modem lights are properly illuminated and release/renew - and
powering off your computer fails, please call customer care at 866-447-7333

[Erik]

Gallaeglagh - If I did get a firewall/router would it keep my internet connection on even if I turned by computer off?

I just got this modem today, and haven't bought a firewall(hardware or software) yet, so would have preffered not to keep it on all the time until I get one. Any recommendations? Have had some problems using ZoneAlarm, it won't let me access web pages once connected, disabeling fixes this. I want at least a software firewall, is the Norton version any good?

Also my family has two computers:
Mine - P4 1.7Ghz WinXP AOL 7.0
Parents - P 133Mhz Win95 AOL 6.0
If I buy a router and install a NIC in the other computer can they share this always on connection without paying more than the already exorbatant AOL fees for connecting more computers? Basically what I want to know is this extra few dollars for renting and use of a NIC and setup, or do they actually need to setup something else for me to share my connection between the two computers?
Erik

[This message has been edited by Erik (edited 12-18-2001).]

[Whyzman]

Erik,

Sounds like your ZA is not properly set up...meaning, that you should be able to allow at your discretion which web sites can gain access. It could be just in your security settings also.

Perhaps one of the Big Kahuna Geeks could help you through this problem.
Cause, as far as I know, ZA is the best out there

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May all your dealings in life be win/win!

Whyzman

[Gallaeglagh]

Yeah it'll keep the connection alive pretty much constantly, at least it does for me. If the connection drops, which isn't all that often, the Linksys brings it right back up independent of any of the computer being on.

You might check around your providers site about charges but the general rule seems to be you can share your connection but they'll give you no tech support for a home network. I know I'd give it a shot it's easy to set up. There's a variety of routers available. A few that look interesting are the wireless, ones that share the phone lines or electrical circuits

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To Beer, the cause of and solution to all of life's problems - Homer Simpson

[rond36]

If you are using Win XP it has a builtin firewall and it is enabled by default when the OS is installed it will filter inbound traffic and only let in traffic that has a outbound request.
You might want to check out this link (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/techinfo/planning/techoverview/security.asp) for more info on the Win XP firewall

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Alright who messed it up this time!

[This message has been edited by rond36 (edited 12-19-2001).]

[Ass3mbler]

Ackkkkkk another Tech in de house?

Originally posted by Jumby:
Have you powercycled your cablemodem lately? You need to do it once a month or so.
How to Powercycle The Cable Modem

1. Power down computer
2. Make sure the coaxial cable is plugged securely into the modem.
3. Unplug both ends of the modem cable (the connections look like large phone cord plugs)
4. Unplug power cord from modem
5. Leave unplugged for three minutes and allow modem to regain block sync
6. Re-plug modem cable (one end to modem, the other to network adapter), then plug power
cord into modem
7. Turn on computer
8. Try visiting several web sites
9. If these steps fail, go to next section




1. Power down computer
2. Make sure the coaxial cable is plugged securely into the modem.
3. Unplug the power cord from cable modem
4. Leave the modem unplugged for two minutes
5. Plug the cable modem directly into the wall outlet
6. Wait approximately five minutes for the modem to regain block sync (it usually
takes less than two minutes)
7. Restart your computer
8. Check the lights on modem and insure lights are steady
9. If the lights are illuminated but you cannot connect to web sites, go to your Start button
and click RUN, and type WINIPCFG, click OK. Verify that you have a valid IP address
(you can get this from AT&T Broadband Customer Service) then click Release/Renew.
Try visiting various web sites. If you are unable to connect to web sites, shut down
computer, then restart. Try various web sites.
10. If your cable modem lights are properly illuminated and release/renew - and
powering off your computer fails, please call customer care at 866-447-7333



http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Assembler,

Bow before me for I am r00t

[Gallaeglagh]

I forgot to mention that yes you can use a hardware firewall to connect and disconnect at will from the net.

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To Beer, the cause of and solution to all of life's problems - Homer Simpson