Setting Up a Pre Paid Internet Account

[oh_my_hat]

I am currently attempting to set up a internet account using a prepaid Cd and I am getting an error when the Cd runs through the diagnostics test. Firstly it is checking the PC compatibility etc and then the modem and an error message along the lines of "the modem may already be in use, do you wish to proceed?" I click on 'YES" but the installation program just stops and doesn't progress any further.

Does anybody know what this error message means? There was a previous user on this PC using a different ISP and I think all the setting etc are still there. Can this be causing a conflict?

I rang Bigpond (my friend given a Bigpond prepaid account) and I was told that the Cd may have an error on it and I could use this website iaksignup.bigpond.com/svc.htm (no www as a prefix) and I can enter the certificate number this way without the Cd. Has anyone used this site before and if so are there any pitfalls? Thanks.

 

[Zeke]

I never use the auto-install software on those CD's, it is full of bugs and rarely works properly.

 

[eagleskickass]

Originally posted by Zeke
I never use the auto-install software on those CD's, it is full of bugs and rarely works properly.

so what DO you do, that may help oh_my_hat out a bit more!

 

[oh_my_hat]

Originally posted by Zeke
I never use the auto-install software on those CD's, it is full of bugs and rarely works properly.

Which ones have you used Zeke? I am talking about the one your buy from Telstra to set up a pre-paid account, not one of those Cd's you get inside the cover of PC World with games, utilities etc.

 

[jim boy]

Originally posted by oh_my_hat
I am currently attempting to set up a internet account using a prepaid Cd and I am getting an error when the Cd runs through the diagnostics test. Firstly it is checking the PC compatibility etc and then the modem and an error message along the lines of "the modem may already be in use, do you wish to proceed?" I click on 'YES" but the installation program just stops and doesn't progress any further.

Does anybody know what this error message means? There was a previous user on this PC using a different ISP and I think all the setting etc are still there. Can this be causing a conflict?

I rang Bigpond (my friend given a Bigpond prepaid account) and I was told that the Cd may have an error on it and I could use this website iaksignup.bigpond.com/svc.htm (no www as a prefix) and I can enter the certificate number this way without the Cd. Has anyone used this site before and if so are there any pitfalls? Thanks.

Just go with the online installation. You don't need any 'special' software, you just need to know what your dial-up number is for bigpond, what your username and password are and what your mail settings are (not that it matters since bigpond mail is extreme crud). Have a look at http://www.bigpond.com/home/support/configuration/default.asp and http://www.bigpond.com/broadband/support/configuration/adsl/mail/ All of these details will be supplied when you register online and activate your account. Have a look at http://www.univ.rush.edu/library/pdf/DialConfig.pdf if you want to know how to configure dial up settings

 

[Zeke]

Originally posted by oh_my_hat
Which ones have you used Zeke? I am talking about the one your buy from Telstra to set up a pre-paid account, not one of those Cd's you get inside the cover of PC World with games, utilities etc.

I was referring to the Telstra pre-paid CD's. I used them for a while when I wasn't at a permanent address. I quickly discovered, however, that they were very expensive and had very poor support.

Use the online sign up, it's heaps easier. And if you want further advice I would say to sign up with a regular provider and not pre-paid.

 

[oh_my_hat]

Thanks for the info Zeke & Jim Boy. I will check out the url's provided and use the online sign up. This is a new account so I will follow all the instructions. The thing that had me stu,ped was that the message I was receiving was the the modem may already be in use when it wasn't connected. Any idea what that means?

 

[jim boy]

Originally posted by oh_my_hat
...... The thing that had me stu,ped was that the message I was receiving was the the modem may already be in use when it wasn't connected. Any idea what that means?

As far as the modem is concerned, it could be that you have the software for more than one modem installed, but as it is bigpond we are talking about, then it is probably just another piece of dud software by these serial no-hopers.

Assuming that we are talking about a regular run-of-the-mill modem, then the important thing is that you know it works, and going by your first paragraph, it does work.

 

[oh_my_hat]

Thanks for the feedback Jim Boy, I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[oh_my_hat]

Jim Boy,

I eneded up blowing the whole lot away and installing Windows 98 SE and downloading the modems driver off the internet and now it works fine. Bigpond helpdesk actually made the situation work, very ordinary service indeed.

Thanks for your help and advice Jim Boy.