Connecting Windows 98SE or Windows ME

 

If your modem is connected to the internet, but your computer is not getting online, you should check the network connection on your computer.

 

First, identify your Network Interface Card (NIC):

 

1. Right-click on the "My Computer" icon on your desktop and select "Preferences."



2. In the "Preferences" window, select the "Device Manager" tab.



3. Find "Network Adapters" in the listing, and click the plus sign (+) if one is next to it.



4. You may have several adapters listed—your NIC will likely say "ethernet" or "network" in the description.  Note the name of the NIC, as it is important when getting your computer online.



5. If there is a symbol on the green icon for your NIC, such as !, ? or X, this indicates an error that needs to be corrected.  Right-click on the NIC and see what options are available.  If your NIC is currently disabled, you can select "Enable" and the symbol should disappear.  Otherwise you may need to select "Repair" or "Update driver" to correct any problems with the NIC.



6. If you do not have a NIC, or ethernet card, listed under "Network Adapters", you should check under "Other Devices".  If your NIC is listed there, you will need to reinstall the device drivers for that hardware so it is listed under "Network Adapters" before your computer is working correctly to connect to the cable modem.

If you need to repair, update, or reinstall the driver for your NIC, you will require either your Windows install discs (if the NIC came built-in for your computer), or the install disc that came with the NIC (if the NIC was added later).  If you need help doing this, you should call the tech support department that supports you computer, or the manufacturer of the NIC.

 

Once you have identified your NIC and confirmed it is installed correctly, you can verify your network settings:

 

1. Go to the Start menu, select "Settings", then select "Control Panel."



2. In the "Control Panel" window, double-click on "Network."



3. In the "Network" window, in the listing of installed network components, there may be several components called "TCP/IP".  Find the one which lists the name of your NIC, select that component, and click the "Properties" button.



4. In the "TCP/IP Properties" window, go to the "IP Address" tab and select "Obtain an IP address automatically."



5. Go to the "WINS Configuration" tab and select "Use DHCP for WINS Resolution."



6. Go to the "Gateway" tab and remove any installed gateways listed.



7. Go to the "DNS Configuration" tab and select "Disable DNS," then click the "OK" button.



8. In the "Network" window, click the "OK" button.



9. If you have made any changes, Windows will prompt you to restart.  Once you restart, your computer should be online.

Once you have confirmed that your NIC is installed correctly, and your network settings are correct, you can make certain your computer has a connection to the internet:

 

1. Go to your Start menu, and select "Run".



2. Clear anything already in the "Open" line and type winipcfg, then click "OK."



3. In the "IP Configuration" window, select your NIC in the drop-down field.



4. Check the "IP Address" field.  If the address is 0.0.0.0 or begins 169.254.x.x, then click the "Renew All" button.



5. If the "IP Address" field has an address that begins 192.168.x.x, then either your computer is connected to a router, or your computer is connected directly to the cable modem, but the modem is not online (see Connecting Your Modem).



6. If the "IP Address" field has any other address, then your computer should be connected to the internet.  If it should be connected, but you cannot get online, click the "Release All" button, wait for the IP address to clear to 0.0.0.0, then click the "Renew All" button.

 

Still have questions? Please contact us at 1-888-222-5314.