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Microsoft Dial-Up Adapter is not installed
If you receive this error message, you may be missing this component or the dial-up adapter file is corrupt. The instructions below will help you to check your network settings for the file, remove it if necessary, and reinstall a new copy of the file.

 

1. Click on the Windows Start button, point to Settings and select Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Network icon.
3. If Dial-Up Adapter is installed, click on it once to highlight it.
   
   Note: If Dial-Up Adapter is NOT installed, skip to the step below to install a new dial-up adapter.

4. Click on the Remove button.
5. Click OK to exit.

Install a new Dial-up Adapter

1. Click on the Windows Start button, point to Settings and select Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Network icon.
    
3. Click on the Add button.

4. Select Adapter.
5. Click on the Add button.

6. Under Manufacturers, select Microsoft.
7. Under Network Adapters, select Dial-Up Adapter.
8. Click OK to exit. If you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.

Retry the US Message connection.

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My Computer 'Freezes' (Locks Up) When I Use US Message
If your system freezes frequently when you are using US Message, there may be a conflict between the US Message software and another software program running on your machine. To resolve this issue complete the steps below:

 

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My Modem Keeps Making Noise Even After I Get Connected
If you hear your modem throughout your US Message session, you can solve the problem by turning off your modem speaker. To resolve this issue, please follow the steps below.

1. On your desktop, double-click the My Computer icon.

2. Double-click the Dial-Up Networking icon.

3. Click once on the US Message icon to highlight it.
4. From the File menu, select Properties.

5. In the Connect Using section click on the Configure button.

6. Select the Connection tab at the top of the window.
7. Click on the Advanced button.

8. In the Extra Settings box, type ATM0 (Note: 0 = zero) and click OK. This will tell your modem not to make any sounds.
9. Click OK, then OK again.
10. Close Dial-Up Networking and try connecting to US Message again.

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How Do I Change My Login Username, Password, Local Dial-Up Number Or Domain Tail?
Our most common calls in tech support involve customers who need to change one of the following settings:

• Dial-Up Number To Connect To The Internet
• Connection Member ID & Password
• Adding A Domain Tail To Their Login Username

First, you can change your Member ID and Password by clicking on the "My Account" button at the top of any US Message web page (www.usmessage.net).

The second step is to input the changes in your computer.

If you simply need to change your dial-up number, you can access the US Message list of available dial-up numbers at http://www.usmessage.net/XXXXXXXXX.

We have instructional tutorials for all Windows & Macintosh operating systems for changing this infomation. These pages also tell you how to switch your local dial-up number when traveling and they cover the use of a "domain tail" on the end of your username when connecting. Choose one of the following:

• Macintosh
• Windows PC

Windows PC

Windows XP

This page will show you how to change your most common Internet connection settings. This is actually a fairly easy and fast process. There is only one thing to keep in mind. If you are using Internet Explorer 5.X to automatically connect to the Internet then you will want configure that program separately for the domain tail, username and password. You still follow the instructions below for changing the dial-up number. 

Netscape, Outlook & Outlook Express' automatic connection options are still setup with the instructions on this page so you won't need to change those programs. If you are using automatic Internet Explorer connections then you still need to follow the instructions below in addition to using the separate Internet Explorer instructions for setting your username, password & domain tail. http://192.168.1.132/../Browsers/IE5/ie5specialdun.asp

No matter which of these changes are needed, you will still start the process with these initial steps. 

Begin by clicking the Start button and select Control Panel as pictured below.

Windows XP gives you the option to view the Control Panel in "Category View" or "Classic View".  
Click on "Switch to Classic View" if you prefer this mode.  It's on the left side of the Control Panel.

Unlike some previous versions of Windows, you can reset your username, password and phone number in the Connect box below.  Be sure to include your ISP's domain tail on the User Name.  For example, Santa's username for his ISP northpole.com would look like santa@northpole.com.  This is not an e-mail address although you might have a matching e-mail address.

Note:  If the Properties option is grayed-out, you are not logged in as an Administrator.  You will need to log-off your computer and log back in either as (1) Administrator or (2) any other user account you have set up on your PC with Administrative rights.

You can also change the phone number by clicking on the Properties button to see the screen below.

On the General Tab you can configure your modem and change the the number your computer dials to your ISP.  Enter any necessary numbers in the Phone Number field.  This includes 9, *70 and the area code for 10-digit dialing. Make sure the checkmark is taken out of "Use Dialing Rules" to avoid possible problems.

Click OK and you are ready to connect to the Internet.

Windows 95/98

This website will show you how to change your most common Internet connection settings. This is actually a fairly easy and fast process. There is only one thing to keep in mind. If you are using Internet Explorer 5.X to automatically connect to the Internet then you will want configure that program separately for the domain tail, username and password. You still follow the instructions below for changing the dial-up number. 

Windows ME

This website will show you how to change your most common Internet connection settings. This is actually a fairly easy and fast process. There is only one thing to keep in mind. If you are using Internet Explorer 5.X to automatically connect to the Internet then you will want configure that program separately for the domain tail, username and password. You still follow the instructions below for changing the dial-up number. 

Netscape, Outlook & Outlook Express' automatic connection options are still setup with the instructions on this page so you won't need to change those programs. If you are using automatic Internet Explorer connections then you still need to follow the instructions below in addition to using the separate Internet Explorer instructions for setting your username, password & domain tail. <Internet Explorer Instructions>

No matter which of these changes are needed, you will still start the process with these initial steps. Begin by going into your dial-up networking folder. There are several ways to get into your dial-up networking component of Windows ME. The easiest is pictured below. Just click the "start" button in the lower left corner of your screen. Put your pointer over the "settings" option and a window will pop-up to the right. Click on the dial-up networking option.

The dial-up networking window will look something like this. Click to highlight your internet connection with us then click the "File" menu at the top and choose the "Properties" option. You can also right-click on the connection to get into your connection properties.

If you see the following window then you used your left mouse button. Don't worry. Click the "Properties" button in that window to get to where we need to go. You just need to know that switching your dial-up number, username and password in this section isn't enough. You need to go to the following properties window by clicking the "Properties" button.

This is where you set your dial-up number to connect to our ISP.

Avoid using the "use area code and dialing properties" option because this stuff tends to be unpredictable. Just force the number the way that you want to dial it into the phone number box. For example, include the area code if you live in an area that requires you to dial the area code for local calls. (10-digit dialing areas) Put a 9, (including the comma) in front of the number if you need to dial a 9 to get an outside line. (hotels & workplaces often require the 9) You can even put a *70, (including the comma) to disable call waiting so that you don't get bumped offline every time that you receive a call. Just remember that secondary phone lines usually don't have call waiting even if the primary phone line to your house does have call waiting.

Don't hit the "OK" button. We still need to set your username, password and domain tail. Click the "Security" tab at the top of the window to continue.

Put in your username (including @ispname.com where ispname is the name of your ISP). Put in your password. Leave the domain blank. Put a checkmark in the "connect automatically" box for your convenience. Add a checkmark for "log on to network" for more reliable connections. Do NOT put in a checkmark for the encryption options. That will definitely prevent you from connecting to your ISP.

Click "OK" and you are ready to connect to the Internet. 

Windows 2000

This website will show you how to change your most common Internet connection settings. This is actually a fairly easy and fast process. There is only one thing to keep in mind. If you are using Internet Explorer 5.X to automatically connect to the Internet then you will want configure that program separately for the domain tail, username and password. You still follow the instructions below for changing the dial-up number. 

Netscape, Outlook & Outlook Express' automatic connection options are still setup with the instructions on this page so you won't need to change those programs. If you are using automatic Internet Explorer connections then you still need to follow the instructions below in addition to using the separate Internet Explorer instructions for setting your username, password & domain tail. <Internet Explorer Instructions>

No matter which of these changes are needed, you will still start the process with these initial steps. Begin by clicking Start -> Settings -> Network & Dial-Up Connections as pictured below.

This will bring up the window shown below.

You can double-click open the connection window. 

Plug-in your "User name" with @yourispname.com on the end in the box as shown below. This will ensure that you actually reach our ISP rather than getting lost in the public phone system. You also need to put in your password. Don't worry that it looks something like **** when you put it in.

From here, you can click the "properties" button to configure the Phone Number in the DUN connection, pictured below. 

The DUN properties window has numerous tabs starting with the general tab pictured below. Set the phone number as it will need to be dialed. Here are some common variations: include the area code in the phone number box for 10-digit dialing; type "*70," to disable call waiting; type "9," to get an outside line as needed. Be sure to put 3+ commas on the end of the phone number for improved connections. If you are dialing *70 to disable "call waiting" or 9 to get an outside line then put a comma at the end like this: *70,  or 9,  so that the phone line will have time to transition prior to dialing.

Click "OK" and you are ready to connect to the Internet.

Windows NT4 - Connections for Microsoft Windows

This website will show you how to change your most common Internet connection settings. This is actually a fairly easy and fast process. There is only one thing to keep in mind. If you are using Internet Explorer 5.X to automatically connect to the Internet then you will want configure that program separately for the domain tail, username and password. You still follow the instructions below for changing the dial-up number. 

Netscape, Outlook & Outlook Express' automatic connection options are still setup with the instructions on this page so you won't need to change those programs. If you are using automatic Internet Explorer connections then you still need to follow the instructions below in addition to using the separate Internet Explorer instructions for setting your username, password & domain tail. <Internet Explorer Instructions>

No matter which of these changes are needed, you will still start the process with these initial steps. Begin by opening the Hard Disk to double-click on the "Dial-Up Networking" icon:This leads to the following window:

Click the More button as pictured below:

Select the option Edit Entry & Modem Properties from the drop-down menu.

Entry name  =  give the connection a name.  You can name it after your ISP if you wish.
Phone number  =  enter the local access number you use to connect to the Internet.  Do not enter your home phone number.

Dial using  =  select the correct modem from the drop-down list.  You should only see one listed.

Click the OK button.

Click the Dial button to connect.

The following window appears:

User name  =  enter your username followed by the domain tail (@).
Password  =  enter your dial-up password.

Important:  passwords are case-sensitive.  Ensure your Caps Lock key is disabled.

Click OK to connect.  After connecting, open your browser to surf the Internet.

NetSurfer

NetSurfer

Special: How To Change Your Dial-Up Number, Password, Username & Domain Tail

This website will show you how to change your most common Internet connection settings. This is actually a fairly easy and fast process. There is only one thing to keep in mind. If you are using Internet Explorer 5.X to automatically connect to the Internet then you will want configure that program separately for the domain tail, username and password. You still follow the instructions below for changing the dial-up number. 

Netscape, Outlook & Outlook Express' automatic connection options are still setup with the instructions on this page so you won't need to change those programs. If you are using automatic Internet Explorer connections then you still need to follow the instructions below in addition to using the separate Internet Explorer instructions for setting your username, password & domain tail. <Internet Explorer Instructions>

No matter which of these changes are needed, you will still start the process with these initial steps. Begin by opening NetSurfer to get to the following window.

Click on "Settings" to get this window.

You can set your username here. Do NOT put a "domain tail" on the end of your username to login in the username@whateverisp.com format. NetSurfer puts the domain tail on the end for you automatically. If you also add it then it will be there twice. Just put your username in the username box with nothing more. Be careful to match the cAPitALizaTion exactly because usernames and passwords are case sensitive.

Click the number button pictured above to change your dial-up number. Be sure to add three commas to the end of the number for more stable connections. Add a "9," (including the comma) to the front of the number if you need to dial a "9" to get an outside line.

Click the password button to get to the following options.

You can click "change password" to change your internet password. Also, NetSurfer assumes that you want it to plug-in your password automatically when you connect. If you don't want someone to use the internet connection then click the "unsave password" button so that they will need to know the password to connect to your internet account from your computer. Note: People on other computers won't know your password. This only affects whether your own computer automatically puts in your password when you go online.

When you are finished, click the "Connect" link in the main NetSurfer window and have fun on the Internet.

Macintosh

How To Change Your Dial-Up Number, Password, Username & Domain Tail

Our most common calls in tech support involve customers who need to change one of the following settings:

• Dial-Up Number To Connect To The Internet
• Connection Username & Password
• Adding A Domain Tail To Their Login Username

• Mac OS X: 10.2 (Jaguar)
• Mac OS X: 10.1
• Mac OS X: 10.0
• Mac Classic: Remote Access (ARA)
• Mac Classic: Open Transport PPP
• Mac Classic: FreePPP2.6.2
• Mac Classic: FreePPP2.5.2

Mac OS X: 10.2 (Jaguar)
Verify Your Dial-Up Number, Username, Password Or Domain Tail For Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar)

Mac OS X, also known as OS 10, is a new version of the Macintosh operating system that is quite different from older versions of Macintosh. This web page will show you how to change your dial-up number, username, password and domain tail for version 10.2.

Click the Apple icon, then choose Location, then Network Preferences as pictured below.

The screen below appears. Click on the PPP tab and the window will look like the one below.

Here you'll put in the bulk of your Internet connection information:

Service Provider = US Message or whatever you want to call this connection.

Account Name = this is your username to access the Internet. Be sure to put the @usmessage.net on the end of your username. Without this, you will not authenticate because you won't reach our server. You'll just get stuck somewhere in the public phone system.

Password = enter your password. It will be encrypted so you'll only see dots.

Telephone Number = your Internet access number (not your telephone number). If you need to dial a '9', enter it. If you have call-waiting, you can disable it with '*70,'. If you're required to use 10- or 11-digit dialing in your area, enter '1' and the area code next. Finally, put in the Internet access number.

You can lookup a local dial-up number to connect to our ISP at http://www.gobigwest.com/dialuplocations.asp.

Alternate Number = if there is an alternate Internet access number, place it here. Follow the same rules as above.

Next, select the PPP Options button at the bottom of the screen.

Mac OS X 10.1
Verify your dial-up number, username, password or Domain tail for Mac OS X 10.1:

Mac OS X, also known as OS 10, is a new version of the Macintosh operating system that is quite different from older versions of Macintosh. This web page will show you how to change your dial-up number, username, password and domain tail for version 10.1.

On the Toolbar, click the Apple icon and select Location and Network Preferences from the menus.

The screen below appears:

Select the PPP tab.

Here you'll put in the bulk of your Internet connection information:

Service Provider = US Message or whatever you want to call this connection.

Telephone Number = your Internet access number (not your telephone number). If you need to dial a '9', enter it. If you have call-waiting, you can disable it with '*70,'. If you're required to use 10- or 11-digit dialing in your area, enter '1' and the area code next. Finally, put in the Internet access number.

You can lookup a local dial-up number to connect to our ISP at http://www.gobigwest.com/dialuplocations.asp.

Alternate Number = if there is an alternate Internet access number, place it here. Follow the same rules as above.

Account Name = this is your username to access the Internet. Be sure to put the @usmessage.net on the end of your username. Without this, you will not authenticate because you won't reach our server. You'll just get stuck somewhere in the public phone system.

Password = enter your password. It will be encrypted so you'll only see dots.

Important: passwords are case-sensitive. Ensure your Caps Lock key is DISabled.

Click the Apply Now button to save the changes and close the window.

Mac OS X 10.0
Verify your dial-up number, username, password or domain tail for Mac OS X 10.0:

Mac OS X, also known as OS 10, is a new version of the Macintosh operating system that is quite different from older versions of Macintosh. This web page will show you how to change your dial-up number, username, password and domain tail for version 10.0.

On the Toolbar, click the Apple icon and select Location and Network Preferences from the drop-down menus.

The Network screen appears.

Select the PPP tab.

Here you'll put in the bulk of your Internet connection information:

Service Provider = US Message or whatever you want to call the connection.

Telephone Number = your Internet access number (not your telephone number). If you need to dial a '9', enter it. If you have call-waiting, you can disable it with '*70,'. If you're required to use 10- or 11-digit dialing in your area, enter '1' and the area code next. Finally, put in the Internet access number.

You can lookup a local dial-up number to connect to our ISP at http://www.gobigwest.com/dialuplocations.asp.

Alternate Number = if there is an alternate Internet access number, place it here. Follow the same rules as above.

Account Name = this is your username to access the Internet. Be sure to put the @usmessage.net on the end of your username. Without this, you will not authenticate because you won't reach our server. You'll just get stuck somewhere in the public phone system.

Password = enter your password. It will be encrypted so you'll only see dots.

Important: passwords are case-sensitive. Ensure your Caps Lock key is DISabled.

Next, select the PPP Options button at the bottom of the screen.

Mac Classic 7.6 - 9.2: Remote Access & PPP
Changing your dial-up number, username, password & domain tail: Macintosh uses "dialer" programs to connect your computer to the internet via your ISP. These dialers have changed quite a bit over the years so the hard part is figuring out which program is being used. Most people have one of the versions of PPP and newer Macs use a very similar program called remote access. Mac OSX is entirely different. You will be able to tell which one is installed by going to the apple icon (top left hand corner of your screen) and clicking to the control panel to look for PPP or Remote Access (as pictured below).

Mac Classic 7.1 - 9.2: FreePPP 2.6.2

Mac Classic 7.1 - 9.2:  FreePPP 2.6.2

The first step in configuring FreePPP (once it has been installed) is opening the setup window. This can be done one of two ways. You can go to your menu bar and locate the icon of the world and telephone and choose "Open FreePPP Setup" as shown below.

Or, if your computer has a control strip you may use the FreePPP icon (telephone) that is on that strip (as shown below) then you can click on the telephone and choose "Open FreePPP Setup" to get into these settings. 

If you still can't access or change the FreePPP settings then check the Extensions Manager to make sure that FreePPP is enabled. You might also need to check to see if Administrative mode has "locked" the settings.

Click on the Accounts tab to open the screen shown below.

First, delete any Accounts not in use.  You wouldn't want to inadvertently dial up to your old ISP.

Also, make sure that your configuration is the Active Configuration by selecting it from the "Connect to" menu at the top.

Now you can add a New Account or Edit an existing Account.  Clicking either button leads to identical screens.

Accounts: Account tab (Username/Password)

This is where you set your username, domain tail, password and dial-up number in the "Account" tab pictured below. The "Account name" can be just about anything. Most people just put the name of their ISP in that box.

Your"User name" box should have your login username with @usmessage.net on the end so that it looks like an e-mail address even though it isn't necessarily an e-mail address. This will help your connection to find our ISP in the public phone system. The password will look something like ****** but don't worry about that.

 

The phone number is the number that you call to connect to the internet. Put a 9 and a comma in front of the number if you need to dial a 9 to get an outside line. This is common in workplaces and hotel phone systems. We also recommend that you put two or three commas on the end of the phone number for improved connections.

Mac Classic 7.1 - 7.6: FreePPP 2.5.2
Changing your dial-up number, username, password & domain tail in FreePPP 2.5.2:

The first step in configuring FreePPP (once it has been installed) is opening the setup window. This can be done one of two ways. You can go to your menu bar and locate the icon of the world and telephone and choose "Open FreePPP Setup" as shown below.

Or, if your computer has a control strip you may use the FreePPP icon (telephone) that is on that strip (as shown below) then you can click on the telephone and choose "Open FreePPP Setup" to get into these settings. 

If you still can't access or change the FreePPP settings then check the Extensions Manager to make sure that FreePPP is enabled. You might also need to check to see if Administrative mode has "locked" the settings.

 

Click on the Accounts tab to bring up another section of the FreePPP setup as shown below.

First, delete any Accounts not in use.  You wouldn't want to inadvertently dial up to your old ISP.

Also, make sure that your configuration is the Active Configuration by selecting it from the "Connect to" menu at the top.

Now you can add a New Account or Edit an existing Account.  Clicking either button leads to identical screens.

 

Accounts: Account tab

This is where you set your username, domain tail, password and dial-up number in the "Account" tab pictured below. The "Server name" can be just about anything. Most people just put the name of their ISP in that box.

The phone number is the number that you call to connect to the internet. Put a 9 and a comma in front of the number if you need to dial a 9 to get an outside line. This is common in workplaces and hotel phone systems. We also recommend that you put two or three commas on the end of the phone number for improved connections.

Your "User name" box should have your login username with @ispname.com (or .net) on the end so that it looks like an e-mail address even though it isn't necessarily an e-mail address. This will help your connection to find our ISP in the public phone system. The password will look something like ****** but don't worry about that.

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How Do I Connect To US Message When Traveling?
US Message has over 36,000 local dial-up numbers throughout the United States that you can use to connect to us. You can click on the "Access Numbers" link in the left sidebar of our main website to lookup one of these numbers. You can also lookup a local dial-up number to connect to our ISP at http://www.gobigwest.com/dialuplocations.asp.

You might not need to use our ISP connection if you simply want to check your e-mail. You can use any Internet connection to do that.

If you do wish to use our ISP to connect then be sure to use a local dial-up number for the area that you are visiting. We will not be responsible for long distance. Just switch the number when connecting. For detailed instructions on changing the dial-up number that is being used by your computer, choose one of the following options:

• Please refer to instructions above for changing username

Warning: Most office and hotel phone systems require you to dial a number (often 9) to get an outside phone line. If you are at a location where you have to dial a number to get outside, just add that number plus one or two commas to the front of our local dial-up number. For example, if you need to dial a "9" to get an outside line calling 650-555-5555 then put the number into your computer as 9,,555-5555. Also, don't forget that many areas now require "ten digit dialing" where you have to put in the area code (without a preceding 1) for local calls. Most people in the city that you are visiting will be able to tell you if they use "ten digit dialing" in that city.

How Can I Send & Receive My E-Mail If I'm Not Connected Through My Regular Account?

You don't have to be connected to US Message to send & receive e-mail through your account. You can login to our "webmail" system with a "browser" such as Internet Explorer or Netscape from any Internet connection. This means that you can check your e-mail from work or a friend's house, etc. Just click on the following url to login to our mail system with your account information: http://postoffice.usmessage.net/src/login.php.

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How Can I Send & Receive My E-Mail If I'm Not Connected Through My Regular Account?

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I am frequently getting disconnected. What is causing this?
SYMPTOMS
The internet connection frequently disconnects unexpectedly. This may also be accompanied by slow connection speeds and/or HighSpeed loosing connection.

CAUSE
This problem may be caused by one or more of the following factors:

• Call Waiting
• Someone picks up the phone
• Your connection is timing out due to 10 minutes of inactivity or a 5 hour session
• Line noise or poor line quality
• Software settings

RESOLUTION
Call Waiting
Call Waiting sends a beep to your phone line to let you know another call is coming in. If you are online when this happens, this beep can cause a disruption in your connection. This often causes the call to disconnect.

Often, but not always, the phone will begin to ring shortly after you've been disconnected from your internet call.

Many phone companies will allow you to temporarily disable the Call Waiting feature by dialing a code before dialing the number.

For more information on how to disable Call Waiting with the US Message dialer, please click here.

Phone Interruptions
If you are online when someone picks up a phone on the same phone line, this will cause a disruption in the modem's ability to stay connected. This will almost always cause the call to disconnect.

Timeout
We have two kinds of timeouts that will disconnect you. One is an idle-timeout if your connection is inactive for 10 minutes. The other is a session timeout after five hours.

Line Quality Issues
This is by far the most common disconnect issue.

Modems work by sending sound signals that a computer can translate into data. If there is static or electrical interference on the line, this will cause disconnects and/or slow connection speeds.

Many things can cause interference on the line, and line static is not always audible.

• Make sure your phone cable is securely plugged into the wall jack and into the back of your computer.
• Try swapping the phone cable out for another one.
• Make sure you do not have a phone or other device coming out of the "out" jack in the back of your computer.
• Sometimes equipment such as fax machines and low-end cordless phones can cause interference on your lines, even if they're in another room. Try unplugging them from the wall for a short time to see if things improve.
• Low-quality or old phone cables in the walls, or poor quality wall-jacks can cause a problem. You can try using another jack. Or, have the phone company test the internal quality of the lines.
• There may be poor equipment or phone lines outside of your house or building. You will have to contact your phone company to have them test their system.

Weather can also have temporary effects on line conditions. If it is stormy, extremely hot or cold, or very windy, you may have disconnection issues that should go away when the inclement weather ends.

Software Settings
Software can be set to automatically disconnect your internet connection as soon as it is done performing some task.

Outlook or Outlook Express

Most commonly, this is done by Microsoft's Outlook or Outlook Express email clients, which can be set to disconnect after sending or receiving mail.

Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer (IE) also has an option to disconnect when the connection may no longer be needed.

1. Open IE.
2. Click Tools in the menu.
3. Choose Internet Options....
4. Click Connections.
5. Double-click the ISP.com icon under Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings.
6. Click Advanced.
7. Uncheck Disconnect if idle for n minutes.
8. Uncheck Disconnect when connection may no longer be needed.
9. Click OK on each of the three windows to save the settings.

Windows Dialup Networking (DUN)
If you are not using the US Message Dialer, and are instead using the dialer provided by Windows (DUN), there is a timeout setting here as well.

In Windows XP:

1. Right click on the My Network Places and choose Properties from the dropdown menu or click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Network Connections.
2. This puts you in Network Connections. Right click your ISP.com dialup connection and choose Properties from the dropdown menu.
3. Look under Idle time before hanging up. You may wish to increase this time or set it to never.

   NOTE: Setting your computer's Idle Timeout to never will not change our system's idle-timeout setting. You will still be disconnected from our system after 10 minutes of inactivity. This will just keep your computer from prematurely disconnecting you.

4. Click OK.

Other Software
Other software may have similar settings to the programs discussed above. If you suspect this, please check the help files or contact your software vendor's technical support.

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My computer keeps autodialing, how to disable Auto-Dial?
Windows controls the dial up features through Internet Explorer. If your computer is unexpectedly dialing without your permission, do the following:

1. Click on Start
   
2. Click on Settings
3. Click on Control Panel
4. Double click on Internet Options
5. Click on the tab that says "Connections"

6. Click the white dot next to "Never Dial a Connection"
   
   

7. Click on Apply.
8. Click on Ok.

Please Note: This function only resolves connection when dialing with Windows. If you follow the above steps and your issue is not resolved, then another program is causing your computer to dial. Common programs that can force your computer to dial are AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, NetMeeting, and any other program that requires an internet connection to function properly.

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How to reload TCP/IP in Windows XP

In Windows XP, TCP/IP is bound to each connection, so there are no files to reload. In order to resolve this issue, we must simply create a new connection.

To create a new connection in Windows XP, do the following:

1. From the Windows XP desktop, Click on Start
2. Choose Control Panel
3. If the Control Panel window asks you to pick a task or a category, click on the link to the left labeled "Switch to Classic View". If it does not ask you to pick a task or a category, you may skip this step.
4. Double click on Network Connections
5. Double click on the New Connection Wizard. In some versions of XP, it may be a link to the left that says "Create a New Connection"
6. In the New Connection Wizard, click on Next
7. Choose "Connect to the Internet" and then click Next
8. Choose "Setup My Internet Connection Manually" and then click Next.
9. Choose "Connect Using a Dial Up Modem" and then click Next.
10. Type the name Lanset in the ISP Name box. Click on Next.
11. Type your local Phone number in the Phone Number box, then click on Next. If you are not sure what your local phone number is, click HERE.
12. Type your Username in the username field.
13. Type your Password in the Password and Confirm Password fields. Leave the three boxes on this page alone. Click on Next.
14. In this final screen, there is a box that says, "Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop." Make sure that box is checked, then click on finish.
15. If everything is done right, then the username and password field will be displayed.

You have successfully created a new connection under Windows XP. You may now delete your old connection.

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My computer is not asking for a username and password before dialing.

If your computer is not asking for a username and password when you double click on your shortcut to US Message, follow the directions below:

Windows 95/98

1. Double-click on the My Computer icon
2. Double-click Dial-Up Networking folder.
3. Click on the heading labeled Connections
4. Click on Advanced
5. Make sure the box next to "Prompt for Information before Dialing" is checked. If it is not, check it.
6. Click on OK

Windows XP

1. Click on Start
2. Click on Control Panel
3. If you screen asks you to pick a Category, click on the link to the left labeled, "Switch to Classic View". If your screen lists a large number of icons instead of asking you to pick a category, you may skip this step.
4. Double-click Network Connections
5. Right click only once on your US Message connection. A small menu will appear.
6. Left-click on Properties
7. Click on Options Tab
8. Make sure the box next to "Prompt for name and password, certificate, etc" is checked
9. Make sure the box next to "Prompt for phone number" is checked
10. Click on OK

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How to create a shortcut for your US Message dial-up connection on your desktop.

Windows 95 and Windows 98

1. Double-click on My Computer
2. Double-click on the Dial Up Networking folder
3. Right click only once on your US Message connection. A small menu will appear:
   
4. Left-click on Create Shortcut
5. A question will pop up. Click on Yes.

A shortcut has now been placed on your desktop.

How to create a shortcut for dial-up on your desktop in Windows 2000

1. Click on Start
2. Click on Settings
3. Click on Control Panel
4. Double-click on Network and Dial-Up Connections
5. Right-click only once on your US Message connection. A small menu will appear:
   
6. Left-click on Create Shortcut
7. A question will pop up. Click on Yes

A shortcut has now been placed on your desktop.

How to create a shortcut for dial-up on your desktop in Windows XP

1. Click on Start
2. Click on Control Panel
3. If you screen asks you to pick a Category, click on the link to the left labeled, "Switch to Classic View". If your screen lists a large number of icons instead of asking you to pick a category, you may skip this step.
4. Double click on Network Connections
5. Right click only once on your US Message connection. A small menu will appear:
   
6. Left click on Create Shortcut
7. A question will pop up. Click on Yes.

A shortcut has now been placed on your desktop.

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How do I reload TCP/IP?

How to reload TCP/IP in Windows XP

In Windows XP, TCP/IP is bound to each connection, so there are no files to reload. In order to resolve this issue, we must simply create a new connection.

To create a new connection in Windows XP, do the following:

1. From the Windows XP desktop, Click on Start
2. Choose Control Panel
3. If the Control Panel window asks you to pick a task or a category, click on the link to the left labeled "Switch to Classic View". If it does not ask you to pick a task or a category, you may skip this step.
4. Double click on Network Connections
5. Double click on the New Connection Wizard. In some versions of XP, it may be a link to the left that says "Create a New Connection"
6. In the New Connection Wizard, click on Next
7. Choose "Connect to the Internet" and then click Next
8. Choose "Setup My Internet Connection Manually" and then click Next.
9. Choose "Connect Using a Dial Up Modem" and then click Next.
10. Type the name US Message in the ISP Name box. Click on Next.
11. Type your local Phone number in the Phone Number box, then click on Next. If you are not sure what your local phone number is, click HERE.
12. Type your Username in the username field.
13. Type your Password in the Password and Confirm Password fields. Leave the three boxes on this page alone. Click on Next.
14. In this final screen, there is a box that says, "Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop." Make sure that box is checked, then click on finish.
15. If everything is done right, then the username and password field will be displayed.

You have successfully created a new connection under Windows XP. You may now delete your old connection.

How to reload TCP/IP in Windows 95/98

Before we begin we need to locate the setup files for your version of windows. Typically this means your Windows 95 or Windows 98 CD. If you do not have a Windows CD, or if you only received a Recovery CD with your computer, then we need to find out if the files were loaded onto your computer before it was shipped.

If you do not have a Windows 95 or Windows 98 CD, do the following:

1. Click on Start
2. Click on Search
3. In the window that appears, type WIN*.CAB in the NAMED field
4. In the "Look In" box, choose My Computer
5. Click on Find Now.

It may take a few minutes for your computer to finish searching for the files, and once it is done it will display a list of the files it located, along with their location on your computer. As long as you have more than 20 files listed, you can proceed.

If the list does not show any files and you do not have a Windows CD, then you will need to obtain one before we can continue. If you continue without a CD or the setup files on your computer, then your internet connection will be PERMANENTLY DISABLED until you can locate a Windows CD.

To Reload TCP/IP, do the following:

1. Make sure your Windows CD is in the CD-ROM drive (Customers with the setup files on their computer can skip this step.)
2. From the Windows Desktop, click on Start
3. Click on Settings
4. Click on Control Panel
5. From the Control Panel, double click on Add/Remove Programs
6. From the Add/Remove Programs window, click on the tab labeled Windows Setup
7. In the list of components, locate Communications. (A big yellow phone)
8. Uncheck the box next to Communications.
9. Click on Apply. Once you click on Apply, the computer begins deleting communications.
10. Once it is done, it should ask you to Restart. Click on Yes to restart. If it does not ask you to restart, restart your computer by clicking on Start - Shutdown and choose Restart from the menu. Then click on OK.
11. Once the computer is rebooted, click on Start
12. Click on Settings
13. Click on Control Panel
14. From the Control Panel, double click on Add/Remove Programs.
15. From the Add/Remove Programs window, click on the tab labeled Windows Setup
16. In the list of components, locate Communications.
17. Click on the word Communications to highlight it. We do not want a check mark in it at this time.
18. It will open to a new screen. From this new screen, put a check next to Dial Up Networking.
19. Put a check next to Hyper Terminal
20. Put a check next to Phone Dialer
21. Click on OK
22. Click on Apply
23. Your computer will begin copying files, and should do this twice. If at any time it asks you if you want to keep the existing file, choose No.
24. When it's done, it will ask you to reboot the computer. Click on Yes.

You have successfully reloaded TCP/IP

How to reload TCP/IP in Windows ME <
Reloading TCP/IP under Windows ME is a difficult process, and requires turning off system settings that we cannot touch. In order to reload TCP/IP on your computer, please contact Microsoft to have your TCP/IP reloaded.

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Why doesn't my 56K modem connect at 56K?

First, the speed at which you connect to the Internet is determined by a number of factors: the speed of your modem (in this case, 56K), the modem type and speed supported at the number you dialed, the quality of the phone lines in your area, and the amount of traffic on the Internet. These factors can make your connection speed less than the speed listed for your modem, and very often it is.

In the case of a 56K modem, other factors besides those mentioned above prevent the modem from actually connecting at 56K. That is actually only the theoretical speed of the modem. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) capped the connection speed at 53K, and in the real world, connection speed is generally in the 35-45K range for these modems. However, 56K modems still attain the fastest dial-up speeds currently available.

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What are the benefits of a 56K modem?
The fast speed is the main benefit. Theoretically, you can access the Internet twice as fast as a 28.8K modem. A second benefit is the cost: 56K modems cost about as much as 28.8K modems did a year or so ago, and cost less than higher-speed technologies such as ISDN. Another benefit is the availability of 56K modem access. They're available in many more cities than higher-speed technologies.

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What if I cannot connect to the US Message service?
To troubleshoot modem problems follow these easy steps:

If you have an external modem:

1. Make sure the modem's power cord is securely plugged in and that the modem is turned on. If the modem has power, the LED lights or LCD display should be visible.
2. Make sure the modem cable is securely attache