Connect Automatically (XP Pro SR2)

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Well, I just got a new computer with Win XP Pro. I’m having withdrawals, as I was so used to my old Win 98SE I could sometimes operate it with the monitor off. Anyhow, I have a few questions & I’ll post separately.
1. The only application that connects automatically to the internet is Internet Explorer. With all other applications, I have to connect first. So far, I’ve only tried with Netscape Communicator & AtomTime (a clock synchronization utility). How can I set it up so everything that is supposed to connect does?
2. How do I detemine my version & service release so I can fill in the proper box?
Thanks in advance,

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If you go to start/run and type in winver you will have the answer to question 2. For question 1 are you on dial up or ADSL?

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Thank you. I’ve got the version & build number now. I’m on ADSL.

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Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Options > Connections > “Always dial my default connection” usually applies to other applications as well as to IE. What do you have this set to?

StuartR

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Hi Stuart:
Mine was set at “Dial whenever a network connection is not present”. This always worked before. I changed it to “Always dial my default connection”, but no change. Only IE dials automatically. I didn’t reboot, though. I’ll try that.

Later: rebooting didn’t solve the problem, so I changed back. Any other ideas?
Thanks again.

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I am a bit bemused, that parameter usually sorts this one out.

Do you have an Ethernet connection, or is there just a USB ADSL Modem?

StuartR

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Good question. I’m no longer sure. Under Win 98, I had an Ethernet connection. However, the person who built this computer just connected the modem took the wire that said “to Ethernet” & connected it to a USB port. Then I had to use the Connection Wizard to create the Internet connection for Earthlink. Do you know how I can find out? Thanks again for your help.
P.S. Under W98, I also could find my intenet connection & bring it up. I don’t know where to find that now.

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This doesn’t make sense, and it is really important that we understand the answer.

• If you have an Ethernet modem then the modem itself takes responsibility for maintaining the connection. Typically there is a web server on the modem and you connect to it using a browser in your computer. You tell the modem the username and password and it establishes and maintains the connection.
• If you have a USB connected modem then it provides just the connectivity functions, the Operating system is responsible for providing the username and password and for initiating and maintaining the connection. It does this by using a “dial up” connection, which stores the username and password, and is used to initiate the connection.
  [/list]In general I have a very strong preference for the Ethernet based modems. They tend to be more stable and to provide a more reliable connection. If you know the model of your modem then we can look it up and check.

  StuartR

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Hi Stuart & BigAl:
I just got off the phone with Earthlink, but the tech support guy didn’t know what I was talking about. He kept trying to tell me to change default browsers. Anyhow,
1. My modem is Westell Wirespeed Ethernet ADSL Modem, Model A90-36R516
It came with 2 floppies containing Kingston EtheRX PCI Ethernet Adapter drivers. They have not been installed on this computer. On my Win98 computer, I believe I must have had a Kingston Ethernet card. I’m not sure, though, as I haven’t gotten involved with any of the hardware.

2. Also, on my old computer, I had WinPoET, which is no longer installed. This used to allow me to bring up another window where I could connect, although the default was the Windows dial-up dialog box. I’ve never found a way to bring that dialog box up other than to launch an application that connects to the Internet. (That box does have an option on it to “connect automatically”.

3. I just installed Avant Browser (which uses the IE engine). That browser will connect to the Internet automatically. Other apps. still won’t.

Thanks for sticking with me on this.

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Hi Phil. I still need description of what your hookup is, since I’m not familiar with the modem you say you have. Is it EXTERNAL to the computer and do you have a NIC in the computer? My familiarity with ADSL modems is the external kind which are connected from one of their ports to your ADSL/telephone wall connection, in some cases requiring a filter. The modem is then connected to the computer, by way of a standard ethernet cable (RJ-45) to the NIC in the computer. Does this not sound like what you’ve got, even though it may be presently connected to a USB port on your computer? Do you have any documentation for the modem? For the time being, don’t worry about any software (secondary) that you may have. It seems we first need to assess what the equipment is and its physical connection. For a DSL connection, you should NOT have to “connect” for as soon as you boot the computer, you should be connected to the ‘Net, including ALL software which requires internet access, such as browsers or clock synch programs and what have you.

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Phil,
Did you go to the Westell site and check for the latest drivers there?

The A90 SHOULD be a combo modemrouter and it has separate setups for the router portion. Worth a look. Also the ISPs have a slightly different set up procedure, so make sure you look for the Earthlink version.

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Hi Bob:
No, I haven’t yet. I’ll do that next. Thanks,

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Phil,
I don’t know if you have this info or not but to open up the router configuration, open your browser, OE or Netscape, and type the URL http://192.168.1.1/ and enter.
This starts the getting started wizard screen.

Also check out WESTELL for more details.

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Thanks, Bob. It doesn’t start a wizard when I do this. I get a “Oops, we can’t open http://192.168.1.1/”. I don’t think that I have a router & I don’t have a Westell 2200 DSL Router.

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Phil,
Ooops,
I guess you may have the Westell modem only version. I know the A90 can come with one or both. Suppose thats what the xxxx numbers following the A90 means.
Westell has a huge manual available on line in PDF format. Mine is 130 pages and I didn’t want to DL that much “fluff”.

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Phil,

The Westell 2200 is the DSL modem. The 192.168.1.1 address is for a Linksys router that you don’t have connected to your system.
[indent]

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1. The modem is external.
2. It has 3 connections. One goes from the telephone jack to the modem. One goes from the modem to a power source. One goes from the modem to a telephone connection in the back of the computer.

---

[/indent]
But now I’ve forgotten what it was that I had to say. So I’ll post this and think about it.

A short time later Now I remember ….. If you are connected directly to the modem then your connection should always be on and you should never have to “connect”, as it were, to the internet before doing something on the internet. Do you have the quicklaunch toolbar enabled ?? If not, I’d enable it and see if clicking on the Internet Explorer icon brings up your homepage or a dial-up window. If you’re not using IE then click on Start > Favorites and pick one. You should go right to the site. If that is not happening then I suspect that your DSL connection is not setup properly.

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Hi Doc,

My ModemRouter is a Westell 2200, A90 combo. You can get it in two flavors, modem alone or combo modemrouter.
The url 198.168.1.1 is ALSO for my Westell configuration. Maybe it’s a kinda universal url for the routers? Just like they use “admin” for the user and “password” for the password.

If you go to Router setup you’ll see the Westell config.

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Bob,

I just saw the Verizon ad last night for the combo modem/router. You must be right about the universal nature of things “router”. Here’s a shot of my 192.168.1.1 page (I’m sure that the 198.168.1.1 in your post was a typo).

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Doc,
>I’m sure that the 198.168.1.1 in your post was a typo).

Nope, no typo.
Maybe Westell is burying a Linksys router in it’s modem box and calling it Westell?

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[indent]

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Maybe Westell is burying a Linksys router in it’s modem box and calling it Westell

---

[/indent] My Thoughts exactly !!! However your original Post 476168 referring to the router address was 192 and not 198. Thus my assumption that 198 was a typo here.

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Doc,
RIGHT….FOR THE RECORD NOW.

http://192.168.1.1 is the right address to open the Westell configuration.

My secretary must have gotten the numbers wrong somehow. The quality of help you get these days is just not what it once was !

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Hi Phil,

As a quick aside to your connection issues, you mentioned in your first post in this thread that you are using AtomTime to syncronize yourt PC clock with an atomic clock (Boulder’s I assume). That’s not necessary with XP. It has it’s own sync system for the clock. I can’t elaborate, but it’s one of those things that I remember from when I was seting up my first XP system and haven’t found it to be incorrect yet.

Getting to your connection issue, have you checked with Earthlink to see if the modem is capable of being connected via ethernet as well as USB and if the drivers on those floppies are necessary to use your NIC card to make the connection. USB is easier, but as Stuart pointed out, ethernet is more reliable and as Al mentioned, it’s always on. I’d switch to the ethernet connection if you have the option and have a Level 2 support person at Earthlink walk you through the connection setup process. No page-turners for this job. HTH

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Phil,

I’m with Al on this one. If this is an Ethernet ADSL Modem then it just has to be connected to a NIC on your computer – I can’t imagine how you could connect it to a USB port. The connection should then be permanent and maintained by the Modem. The computer should just see this as a LAN connection.

I looked on the Westel web site and followed links to “Tech Support” and then to “Manufacturer Discontinued” “36R516” and finally to “FAQ” and “Documentation” – I can’t include all the links here because they include session IDs.

This device is an Ethernet connected ADSL modem, but it has no router functionality. I couldn’t tell from the FAQ or the manual how you provide it with a username and password! Is anyone out there familiar with this device?

It might be easiest to replace it with a device that also includes router functionality and a web based configuration utility.

StuartR

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Hi Guys:
Sorry for taking so long to get back, but I’ve been having several issues. Anyhow, I was wrong. The modem doesn’t connect via a USB port. . I took a closer look with a flashlight & stronger glasses.
1. The modem is external.
2. It has 3 connections. One goes from the telephone jack to the modem. One goes from the modem to a power source. One goes from the modem to a telephone connection in the back of the computer. No USB port is involved. Sorry.

Doc: Thanks for the info on AtomTime & XP. You are right that it contacts Boulder. I won’t worry about it unless my clock starts gaining or losing time.

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“telephone connection in the back of the computer”

Are you sure that it in a “Phone jack” and not the NIC CAT5 connection?
The Cat5 is a bit larger that the phone jack.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Hi Dave:
You must be right. The connection to the back of the computer is larger than an ordinary telephone jack & there is a picture of 1 box connected to 2 others sitting next to it. I take it that this means that my modem is connected to the NIC card.

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Hi Stuart,
———————————————–
I can’t imagine how you could connect it to a USB port.
———————————————
A lot of the newer DSL modems do have the option of Ethernet or USB connections, although they do recommend using the ethernet connection if possible. I assume the USB is much slower.
I have recently replaced my modem with a Westell 2200, type A90, that has these two available. ( plus the built in router ) You can let it run as a stand alone modem or configure the router to also get into the picture.

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Hi Stuart:
I went to the Westel site, but couldn’t find any links for Tech Support or modem, let alone my model. Do you have any other links? Sorry for being so dense.

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Try http://www.westell.com/pages/support/dropdown.jsp%5B/url%5D
> bottom right is Modem Discontinued drop down box
> let me know if you want me to grab anything for you…

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Thanks, Leif. For some reason, Stuart’s link took me to a different site. And when I searched Google, I searched for Westel (which brought me to Stuart’s site) instead of Westell (which brings me to yours). Some days (or weeks), I just shouldn’t get out of bed. I’ve emailed Westell, but I don’t think that’s the problem, as I can connect to the Internet fine with IE. I think I’m overlooking a setting somewhere. There were no updated drivers for my discontinued model. I’m getting cable in 4 days.

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Phil & Stuart: Please excuse me for butting in here, but I don’t understand what’s going on with your setup, Phil. I realize you’re talking USB, but I have been on both ADSL and for the past year, cable internet and my IE Internet Connections setting has always been set to NEVER DIAL. Also, in that window down in the bottom, the LAN settings has nothing in any boxes. Does you new computer not have a NIC in it? I would think that if the ADSL modem is connected to a NIC in the computer, connecting would always be automatic and “always on” for all applications.

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Al,

You are absolutely correct for an Ethernet connected modem. If Phil has a USB connected ADSL modem then it will work the same as a dialup connection (as far as Windows XP is concerned).

StuartR

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A new development. I just installed Spam Motel (which is using Avant Browser as the default browser) & Mail Washer. Both connect to the Internet automatically. So it seems that it’s only Netscape, Atom Time, & AVG scheduled updates (so far) that won’t connect automatically. This is still a real puzzle.

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Is there any possibility that those applications are trying to access a system that they think is on your local network, for example you could have configured Netscape to use a proxy server with an address on your home network (even if no such proxy server exists!)

StuartR

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I don’t think so. In fact, once I’m connected to the Internet, I can download & I can send email. I configured it as in this picture.

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Which version of Atom Time are you running ??? I’m Running Atom Time 95 and I can’t recall it ever connecting automatically. Mine’s an executable that I ran by dropping the file on the C drive and putting a shortcut on the Quicklaunch toolbar. I checked the settings tab and there’s an option to start it minimized and one to check the time while minimized. Could that be the setting you’re looking for ??

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Hi Doc:
I’ve got the same version. It connects automatically by using a switch. See the picture. It’s case sensitive. I have a Word.doc that I will attach to my next post.

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I have a zipped version of the AtomTime 95 doc that’s under 100K, but it has an .rar extension, so I can’t upload it. I can send it offline or I can install Winzip (eventually).

Wait. I just changed the extension to zip. Hope you can unzip it…maybe by changing the extension back to rar.
Cheers,

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Phil, you can zip files in Windows XP without having WinZip. Zipping is part of the OS. Right-click a file, then select Send To | Compressed (zipped) folder. You can also drag & drop files from and to zip files.

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Thanks, Hans. I just tried that & it said that “…for compressed zip folders to work correctly, the application associated with them must be compressed zip folders…” It then asked me if I wanted to associate zip folders with “Compressed (zip) Folders”. When I said “No”, it created a zip file anyhow. I have a utility that came with my computer called WinRar. Seems to work just like WinZip, but I’m still getting used to it. So many new things.

Hey, I just noticed that you’re an Administrator. Wow, have I been out for awhile. Congratulations!

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Thanks!

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Thanks for the document Phil. AtomTime was one of the first utilities I got many years ago when I started using a PC and Windows 95 and didn’t have good archiving habits as I do today. This will get tucked into the folder with the AtomTime.exe file in my archive.

It took some doing to open your “zip” file. I tried WinZip 9.0 first and that said the archive was corrupt. So I right clicked and selected Open With > Compressed (zipped) Folders which also said the archive was corrupt. So I right clicked again and selected WinRar and Bingo !!. Go figure. Guess it was because it was a .rar file originally. Anyway, the moral is keep and use all three and maybe a couple other file compression programs / utilities on your system and associated with their particular type of file. You can then select any of the other programs to try and crack a stubborn file or, in many cases, just open the file.

Lots of new stuff to learn and some old stuff to learn a new and easier way to do. In the end, I think you’ll find you asking yourself why you waited so long ??

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Not to get off topic, but having used all 3 (Winzip, Winrar, & Compressed Folders), which do you prefer?

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My preference is WinZip, I suppose because of it being more universal and my familiarity with it. Familiarity also prevents more experimentation with the others and I’m always meaning to spend some time getting to know WinRar better. It might well be a better format, but until more people adopt it, it’s stuck as an also-ran. A good analogy would be the brief comparison between the MP3 and OgVorbis formats. OgVorbis was the better of the 2 formats for compression and quality, but it came along later in the process, after MP3 had been adopted by the masses (a la WinZip) and could not be supplanted. Compressed Folders is a utility that MS added to the OS along with several other functions that used to be handled by third-party utilities and add-ons like WinZip. I think it’s just another attempt by Redmond to be all things to all people and it is a poor substitute for the originals. My . HTH

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Quote: Anyway, the moral is keep and use all three and maybe a couple other file compression programs / utilities on your system and associated with their particular type of file. You can then select any of the other programs to try and crack a stubborn file or, in many cases, just open the file.”

Another way to look at “the moral of the story” is to use only one compression program besides XP’s built in flavor. Keep it simple.

-Jester

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And what do you do with all the files that are sent to you, downloaded or otherwise acquired that have been compressed using any program other than the one you have chosen ??? Keeping it simple is preferable, but it’s just not that simple. We all have different preferences and do things with our computers using different programs and utilities that are not always compatable or interchangable. If you interact with a wide range of people and organizations you will find a need from time to time for programs and utilities that are not your first, second or even third choice to perform a given task. Thus the moral of my story.

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When I download files (MS operating systems) I usually encounter two options these days and the choices are exe or zip, however, there are some wonderful utilities that will handle a wide range of compression types, including zip and rar, which eliminate your scenario of having to pick one utility over another.

-Jester

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Well, here’s a new developement & maybe it will give someone a clue. I installed 3 new programs: Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D, & Spyware Blaster. The first two will not download updates unless I’m already connected to the Internet. Spyware Blaster, however, will automatically bring up the dial-up dialog box & connect. So, does anyone know how I would search for the difference between these setups? Thanks, again.

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Phil, I’m still confused by your DSL setup. To the best of my knowledge, you are not supposed to have to “dial-up” a DSL service connection. It’s supposed to always be there as soon as you log on to your profile. This doesn’t seem to be what is happening with your setup. I don’t want to add to your confusion, but can you clear this up ??? I’m sure it would go a long way in helping all of us, or at least me, to help you out. I’ve been on Verizon DSL for about 10 months now and run many of the same programs that you are trying to get setup to “connect” automatically. In every instance, when I install these programs, they are able to connect to the internet without “dialing” anything. I click on Update or check for updates and the just go out on the net and update themselves. The internet connection is always on once I’m logged on to my profile. You’s doesn’t seem to be. How is your connection speed ?? Is it what you expect a DSL connection to be speed-wise ??

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Hi Doc:
I will call Earthlink again, but let me try to answer your questions & tell you what happened when I called Earthlink twice.

>>To the best of my knowledge, you are not supposed to have to “dial-up” a DSL service connection. It’s supposed to always be there as soon as you log on to your profile. This doesn’t seem to be what is happening with your setup. I don’t want to add to your confusion, but can you clear this up ??? I’m sure it would go a long way in helping all of us, or at least me, to help you out. I’ve been on Verizon DSL for about 10 months now and run many of the same programs that you are trying to get setup to “connect” automatically. In every instance, when I install these programs, they are able to connect to the internet without “dialing” anything. I click on Update or check for updates and the just go out on the net and update themselves. The internet connection is always on once I’m logged on to my profile. You’s doesn’t seem to be.<>How is your connection speed ?? Is it what you expect a DSL connection to be speed-wise ??
It claims it’s connected at 10Mbps, but I’ve tested it at DSL Reports & it’s about 1200kbps. I’ve put that in the attachment also.

I called Earthlink twice. The first time it took 1-1/2 hours for them to walk me through the setup because every few minutes, the “technician” said “Please hold”. I know that they have one person who knows what they’re doing & 20 who ask that person questions. At the very end, after suggesting all sorts of ridiculous solutions to set me up, she had me create a new connection using the connection wizard…something I probably should have known myself.

The second time I called, I spent an hour. The person kept restating the problem as something totally different from what I told him. Eventually, we got disconnected.
Sorry for being your ear. This has been very frustrating. Thanks again,

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Phil, I have to say frankly that I think you’d be better to quit all that disconnecting-reconnecting stuff and turn off the machine if you’re really worried about attacks or whatever. BUT, knowing YOU, with a good AV program, software firewall, spyware stuff, you’re really just as well off to stay on-line and just check the machine for bad guys often – I know you already do!

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Phil,

If this were my setup then I would replace the modem with one that has a router and a web interface and maintains the connection by itself. Almost any modern ADSL modem /router will do this for you. That way you completely get rid of the pseudo dial-up connection and it will “just work” as a LAN connection.

StuartR

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Morning Phil,

I have to agree with Stuart and Al on this. You probably feel like we’re gangin’ up on you and you’re probably reading this first thing in the morning before you are even awake, but really we’re not. I’m puzzled by how you are conserving resources by not being connected all the time, unless it’s the overhead of maintaining the connection. On a new XP box I wouldn’t think resources are an issue. Unless you got an “econo-box” (and I know you didn’t) you shouldn’t have to worry about system resources for years !!! Any “problems” or concerns about something “getting in” because you’re online 24/7 can be addressed with a router, as Stuart pointed out. Hardware firewalls offer almost total security, and your diligence will make up any short-fall. Try eliminating the dialup requirement and I think you’ll enjoy your DSL service more and spend less time fighting the demons and Earthlink Support.

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No, I don’t feel you’re ganging up. I appreciate everyone’s advice. I’m due to get cable tomorrow, so this issue should go away. And, they are hooking up a second computer (my daughter’s Mac) with a wireless router. (The resources that I was saving by not connecting wasn’t the connection itself. It was all the accessories that I startup before going online & then turning off by using EndItAll. It was actually fairly quick to do this.) Thanks again, guys.

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Thanks to everyone for all your advice. I now have cable running to my daughter’s Mac, & a wireless router going to an antenna on mine. I have no problem with programs connectiing anymore. (As an aside, it seems to sometimes interfer with my wireless mouse & keyboard, but we’ll take one thing at a time).

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Ok. You need to contact Earthlink Support and have them walk you through the setup and use of that DSL connection. I just went to their website and did some looking into their DSL service and found out a few things. From here I got this…
“What does an “instant” connection mean?
With EarthLink High Speed, there is no dialing in, no waiting to get online, and no busy signals. The Internet is always ready for you in an instant. Just click and go.”

And the dialing up might be explained by this ….
“Away from home? Connect with your free dial-up account!
EarthLink High Speed comes with 20 hours of free dial-up access per month. So you don’t have to worry about missing email or not being able to surf the Web away from home.”

Give them a call. I think they’re the ones to get your connection issues straightened out and show you how their service works. HTH

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