NCI2000 INTERNET DOCUMENTATION TABLE OF CONTENTS *

1. Computer Setup for Access to NCI2000 Internet *

2. Computer Setup Using the NCI2000 Custom Internet Setup CD *

3. Computer Setup Using the Speed You Need Internet Setup CD *

4. How to Connect to the NCI2000 Internet *

5. Manual Hardware Configuration - Install Communications Accessories *

6. Manual Hardware Configuration - Install a Dial-up Adapter and the TCP/IP Protocol *

7. DNS Setup *

8. Install a New Connection Icon *

9. Changing Your Modem Settings *

10. Manual Software Configuration *

11. Manual Software Configuration - Browser Setup for Email and News *

12. Manual Software Configuration - Email Setup for Outlook Express *

13. Manual Software Configuration - News Reader Setup for Outlook Express *

14. ISDN Modem Setup *

15. NCI2000 PERSONAL WEB SPACE *

16. QUESTION: How much space do I get for my personal web site? *

17. QUESTION: What is the procedure for uploading a Web page? *

18. QUESTION: Am I able to make changes online? *

19. QUESTION: What determines the Internet address? *

20. QUESTION: What is the Web Server Internet address? *

21. QUESTION: CGI Script Policy *

22. QUESTION: Why won’t FrontPage open my web site? *

23. QUESTION: How do I use Microsoft FrontPage to create my first web page? *

24. QUESTION: How do I use Microsoft FrontPage for online edits? *

25. QUESTION: Do you know of any useful links for web page development? *

26. NCI2000 Internet Frequently Asked Questions *

27. QUESTION: Does NCI2000 support the V.90 standard. *

28. QUESTION: Does NCI2000 support any 56k modems? *

29. QUESTION:I cannot connect to NCI2000. What can I try? *

30. QUESTION: Why is my auto-dialer broken? *

31. QUESTION: What can I do about connection problems? *

32. Abrupt Disconnection *

33. Abrupt Disconnection - Require Error Control *

34. Abrupt Disconnection - No Error Control *

35. Abrupt Disconnection - Reduce Receive Buffers *

36. Explanation of Disconnect Codes *

37. Slow Surfing? *

38. Slow Logons? *

39. General Modem Problems *

40. Is call waiting available and turned on? *

41. Are there enough devices attached to the internal telephone circuit to exceed the LN limit? (LN: Load Number) *

42. Does your computer have a 16550 UART installed? *

43. Are there any local sources of noise and/or interference? *

44. Are there any non-local sources of noise and/or interference? *

45. Contacting National Computer, Inc. with Modem Problems *

46. Other Things to Try for Modem Problems *

47. Checking Your Line Quality *

48. Check the Line for Noise *

49. Check the Phone *

50. Check the Modem *

51. Modems With a Rockwell Chipset *

52. Other Modems *

53. QUESTION: How do I troubleshoot my modem if I have Windows 98. *

54. QUESTION: Why does my computer automatically dial upon reboot? *

55. QUESTION: How do I access American Online through NCI2000. *

56. QUESTION: Do you know of any Internet filtering software. *

57. QUESTION: Why did I lose my messages when I upgraded to MSIE4.x? *

58. QUESTION: I downloaded new TCP utilities and they do not work. What could be wrong? *

59. QUESTION: Why is my Browser is acting flaky? *

60. QUESTION: I cannot log into the NCI2000 news server? *

61. QUESTION: What is the NCI2000 access number(s)? *

62. QUESTION: What are the NCI2000 DNS server IP numbers? *

63. QUESTION: What is the POP3 and SMTP server names? *

64. QUESTION: What is my POP3 account name? *

65. QUESTION: What is the NCI2000 News server name? *

66. QUESTION: What are the weird looking directory names in under the directory Temporary Internet Files? *

67. QUESTION: How do I determine the version of my Microsoft browser? *

68. QUESTION: How do I change the SEARCH button in IE4. *

69. QUESTION: Why can I receive email but cannot send it? *

70. QUESTION: What are the monthly charges for Internet access? *

71. QUESTION: Where is the NCI2000 web site located? *

72. QUESTION: How do I setup multiple email accounts on one computer? *

73. QUESTION: WIN98 and error Dial Up Networking could not establish a connection with <server>. *

74. QUESTION: What other services does NCI2000 offer? *

75. QUESTION: What other service does National Computer, Inc. offer? *

76. QUESTION: How do I contact NCI2000? *

1. Computer Setup for Access to NCI2000 Internet

The NCI2000 Internet is National Computer’s Online Service. The NCI2000 Internet Setup CD is a program that automatically configures your computer to access the NCI2000 Internet assuming your modem is installed. You may manually setup your computer by following instructions included in this document. This document also includes a list of frequently ask questions. Please review this list before calling NCI2000 for tech support. Section 2 through 14 is only for setting up a computer with Windows 95 or Windows 98. The installation file in the root directory of the CD-ROM called IESETUP.EXE is for Windows 95 or Windows 98 (Windows 9x) or Windows NT 4.0.

2. Computer Setup Using the NCI2000 Custom Internet Setup CD

If you are using the NCI2000 Internet Setup CD, then you only need to complete Section 2 and 4. If you have the Speed You Need CD then skip this section and complete Sections 3 and 4. Review the other Sections to manually override settings that the NCI2000 Setup Wizard made. It is assumed that you have already installed your modem per the manufactures instructions.

Place the NCI2000 Internet Setup CD in your CD-ROM drive.

If the installation wizard does not automatically start, then explore the root directory of the CD and double-click the file called IESETUP.EXE.

Click the icon in the upper-right part of the NCI2000 Internet Setup Wizard window entitles "Install Internet Explorer 4.0"

Click "Next" on the "Internet Explorer 4.0 Setup" screen.

Click "I accept the agreement" on the "License Agreement" screen.

Select "Standard Installation" on the "Installation Option" screen. Optionally, select 1 of the other installations. Extra components can be added later.

Click "Next" on the "Installation Option" screen.

Select "No" on the "Windows Desktop Update" screen. You can always add this later.

Click "Next" on the "Windows Desktop Update" screen.

Type the name of the destination folder in the text box entitled "Install in folder:" If the wizard found a previous version, use this directory. MSIE 3.x and 4.x will not co-exist on the same computer. Therefore, it is best to overwrite previous versions. If you ever uninstall MSIE 4.x, your browser will revert back to your 3.x browser version.

Click "Next" on the "Destination Folder" screen.

The "Preparing Setup" screen appears.

On the popup window "Upgrade new items?" select "Reinstall all components".

Click the "OK" button

A status bar appears showing the progress of installing items.

When setup has finished press the "OK" button when prompted.

You will be prompted to restart your computer. Press the "OK" button to continue.

After reboot, the installation program continues to setup the Internet Explorer items including personalized settings.

Click "Continue" on the "Successful Installation" screen.

Open the "NCI2000 Connection Manager" ( a dialer) window by double-clicking the "National Computer, Inc" icon located on the desktop.

If you are prompted when opening the "NCI2000 Connection Manager" window that additional components are needed, click the "Yes" button to install the extra components. Otherwise, continue to Section 4.

If additional files are needed click the "OK" button on the "Installing Files" window.

Keep any newer files if prompted with a "Version Conflict" window.

When prompted to restart click the "Yes" button.

Follow the instruction in Section 12 to setup your email and Section 13 for news.

3. Computer Setup Using the Speed You Need Internet Setup CD

DETAILED WINDOWS 95 OR WINDOWS 98 INTERNET SETUP

This document shows the steps to get your computer configured to access the Internet. The steps assume you computer has never had Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) installed. If MSIE has been installed at some point, even if it was removed, not all of the steps may appear. If you are prompted for a Windows CD during installation, make sure you use the correct version of Windows, i.e., Windows 95, Windows 95A, Windows 95B, Windows 95 OSR1, Windows 95 OSR2, Windows 95 OSR2.5 or Windows 98.

Load "The Speed You Need" CD. A window appears labeled "Microsoft Internet Explorer - The Speed You Need".

Click the icon to the right of the words "Install Internet Explorer 4.01". A window opens labeled "Internet Explorer 4.01 SP1 Active Setup".

STEP	SCREEN TITLE	ACTION
1	Internet Explorer 4.01 SP1:	Click the NEXT button.
2	License Agreement:	Click "I accept the agreement". Click the NEXT button.
3	Installation Options:	Accept the "Standard Installation". Click the NEXT button.
4	Destination Folder:	Accept the directory shown. Click the NEXT button.
The installation program the shows the following screens: "Preparing Setup" "The following items are being installed on your computer"
55	Setup has finished installing components	Click the OK button
The installation program the shows the following screens: "Configuring system. Please wait..."
6	Setup must restart your computer	Click the OK button.
Your computer re-boots. The installation program the shows the following screens: "Updating shortcuts." "Windows is now setting up the following components." "Personalization settings."
7	A window labeled "Welcome – Microsoft Internet Explorer appears	Click the "X" in the upper right corner of the window to close the window.

Double-click Internet Explorer icon.

A window appears labeled "Internet Connection Wizard".

STEP	SCREEN TITLE	ACTION
1	Get Connected!:	Click the NEXT button.
2	Setup Options:	Click the radio button labeled "I want to setup a new connection on this computer to my existing Internet account using my phone line or a local area network (LAN).", then click the NEXT button.
3	Setup Your Internet Connection:	Click "Connect using my phone line.". Click the NEXT button.
4	If promoted with a window labeled "Installing Files":	Click the OK button. If there is a version conflict, take the recommended action. Usually you want to keep the file by clicking the YES button.
5	If promoted with a window labeled "Install New Modem":	Click the NEXT button.
6	Verify Modem:	Click the NEXT button.
7	Location Information:	Enter your area code. Choose either TONE or PULSE dialing. Click the NEXT button. Click the FINISH button.
8	Phone Number:	Enter 492-2333. Uncheck "Dial using the area code and country code" checkbox Click the NEXT button.
9	User Name and Password:	Enter your user name and password in all lower case letters.
10	Advanced Settings:	Click the NO radio button. Click the NEXT button.
11	Dial-Up Connection Name:	Enter NCI2000. Click the NEXT button.
12	Setup Your Internet Mail Account:	The email settings will be set later. Click the NO radio button. Click the NEXT button.
13	Setup Your Internet News Account:	The news settings will be set later. Click the NO radio button. Click the NEXT button.
14	Setup Your Internet Directory Account:	The directory settings will be set later. Click the NO radio button. Click the NEXT button.
15	Complete Configuration:	Click the FINISH button.
16	When prompted to re-start your computer.	Click the YES button.
Your computer re-boots.
17	A window labeled "Welcome – Microsoft Internet Explorer appears	Click the "X" in the upper right corner of the window to close the window.

Double click Internet Explorer icon.

If the "Connect To" window does not appear after double clicking the Internet Explorer icon, you do not have a Dial

Up Connection. Therefore, insert the floppy disk that comes with the "Speed You Need" CD.

Double click the "My Computer" icon

Double click the floppy drive icon.

Double click the file: NCI.INS

After installation, re-boot your computer.

STEP	SCREEN TITLE	ACTION
1	Connect to NCI2000:	Enter your user name and password. Click the CONNECT button.
2	After the page loads (the icon in the upper right stops animation)…	Select the "Internet Options" from the "View" menu
3	Internet Options	Click CONNECTION tab.
4	In the Auto configuration section.	Click the CONFIGURE button
5	Automatic Configuration window	In the URL text box, type in "http://www.nci2000.net/install.ins" without the double quotes. NOTICE the URL has all FORWARD slashes.
6	Automatic Configuration window	Click the REFESH button.
7	Automatic Configuration window	Delete the URL by backspacing out all characters in the URL text box.
8	Automatic Configuration window	Click the OK button.
9	Close the window labeled "Internet Properties".	Click the OK button.
10	Browser window	Select "Product Updates" from the HELP menu of the browser
The browser opens to the Microsoft Update page.
11	Allow the page to determine the components installed.	Click the YES button.
Select any updates listed as well as other add-on components you may want. Follow the on screen instructions. When finished close the browser.

Double click Outlook Express icon.

STEP	WINDOW	ACTION
1	Browser for Folder	Select the Outlook Express directory Click the OK button.
2	Your Name:	Enter your real name. Click the NEXT button.
3	Internet Email Address:	Enter your user name followed by "@NCI2000.Net" without the double quotes. Click the NEXT button.
4	Email Server Names:	Verify the incoming mail server is "POP3" and the POP3 and SMTP servers are "Mail.NCI2000.Net". (The server names are not case sensitive.) Click the NEXT button.
5	Internet Mail Logon:	Verify the "Log on using" radio button is marked. Verify the POP3 account name is your user name. Enter your password in all lower case letters. Your password is case sensitive. Verify the position of your CAPS LOCK key on your keyboard. Click the NEXT button.
6	Friendly Name:	Enter something like "Joe’s Email Account at NCI2000" Click the NEXT button.
7	Choose Connection Type:	Click "Connect using my local area network (LAN). Click the NEXT button.
8	Congratulations:	Click the FINISH button.
The Internet Connection Wizard continues on and starts the News reader setup.
9	Your Name:	Enter your real name. Click the NEXT button.
10	Internet Email Address:	Enter your user name followed by "@NCI2000.Net" without the double quotes. Click the NEXT button.
11	Internet News Server Name:	Verify the NNTP server name is "News.NCI2000.Net". (The server name is not case sensitive.) Click the NEXT button.
12	Internet News Logon:	Verify the "Log on using" radio button is marked. Verify the POP3 account name is your user name. Enter your password in all lower case letters. Your password is case sensitive. Verify the position of your CAPS LOCK key on your keyboard. Click the NEXT button.
13	Friendly Name:	Enter something like "NCI2000’s News Server" Click the NEXT button.
14	Choose Connection Type:	Click "Connect using my local area network (LAN). Click the NEXT button.
15	Congratulations:	Click the FINISH button.
The Outlook Express window opens. Your computer is now completely setup to use the Internet.

 

EXPERT WINDOWS 95 OR WINDOWS 98 INTERNET SETUP

1. Load "The Speed You Need" CD.

Install Internet Explorer 4.01.

2. Answer wizard questions.

You will need the following information:

a) Phone Number: 492-2333

b) Enter user name and password when prompted.

Do not setup email or news at this time. This will be setup later.

If you do not have a Dial-Up Connection, insert the floppy disk.

Double-click the "My Computer" icon

Double-click the floppy drive icon.

Double-click the file: NCI.INS

After installation, re-boot your computer.

If you need to configure the browser and email programs with NCI2000 values continue with this step. Double-click Internet Explorer icon.

a) Connect to NCI2000: Enter your user name and password, then click the CONNECT button.

b) The browser opens to a Microsoft site.

c) Select the "Internet Options" from the "View" menu.

d) Click CONNECTION tab.

e) In the Auto configuration section, click the CONFIGURE button. A window appears labeled as "Automatic Configuration" window.

f) In the URL text box, type in "http://www.nci2000.net/install.ins" without the double quotes. NOTICE the URL has all FORWARD slashes.

Click the REFESH button in the "Automatic Configuration" window.

Delete the URL by backspacing out all characters in the URL text box.

Click the OK button in the "Automatic Configuration" window.

Click the OK button to close the window labeled "Internet Properties".

 

4. How to Connect to the NCI2000 Internet

The recommended procedure for connecting to NCI2000 is to open your dialer and make a connection to NCI2000. Then open your browser, email or new reader, or chat program, etc. It is not recommended to enable any of your programs to automatically open the dialer.

Open the "NCI2000 Connection Manager" (a dialer) window by double-clicking the "National Computer, Inc" icon.

If you used the NCI2000 Internet Setup CD for setup the "National Computer, Inc" icon is on your desktop. Otherwise the icon is in your "Dial-up networking" folder.

Double-click the "My Computer" icon on your desktop.

Double-click the "Dial-up Networking" icon in the "My Computer" window.

Double-click the "National Computer, Inc" icon in the "Dial-up Networking" window.

The "Connection status" subdivision on the "National Computer, Inc – Sign In" window shows help on getting connected.

Type your user name in the box entitled "User name:". (Your user name is the part of your email address that precedes or is to the left of the @ sign.)

Type your password in the box entitled "Password:". Your password is case sensitive and is usually all lower case.

If the "Connect" button is not enabled, then click the "Settings…" button.

In the "Phone number:" subdivision of the "Connection Settings" window, click the "Phone Book…" button.

Double-click a local access telephone number from the "Access Numbers:" list box.

Click the "OK" button on the "Connection Settings" window.

Click on the "Connect" button.

Once connected, 2 computers will appear in the lower right part of the computer monitor.

Double-click "Internet Explorer" icon to open your browser.

Click the search button at the top of the browser window to start using the Internet.

5. Manual Hardware Configuration - Install Communications Accessories

Click on the "Start" button on your "Task Bar" located in the lower left part of the computer monitor.

Choose "Settings" , then "Control Panel".

Inside the "Control Panel" window, double-click "Add/Remove Programs" icon.

Click on the "Windows Setup" tab.

Put a check in the "Communications" box.

Click on the "Details" button and put a check in the box for "Dial-Up Networking".

Return to the Control Panel window by clicking on the "OK" button and on the next "OK" button..

At this point you may be prompted for your Windows 9x CD.

Reboot your PC.

Verify setup by opening the "My Computer" icon and checking if the "Dial-up Networking" icon exists.

6. Manual Hardware Configuration - Install a Dial-up Adapter and the TCP/IP Protocol

This procedure assumes the computer you are setting up will only access the NCI2000 Internet. If your computer dials another Internet service provider (ISP) then skip all steps that require you to remove a component. If your computer is on a network see your network administrator before proceeding with these instructions.

Select only the options you need at any given step.. Selecting other options may slow your surfing capabilities.

Open up the "Control Panel" window and double-click on the "Network" icon.

The "Network" window appears.

If the computer you are setting up will only access the NCI2000 Internet, then remove all existing items from the box entitled "The following network components are installed:" on the "Configuration" tab in the "Network" window. This step is especially important if you computer was previously configured to access the Internet through another ISP.

Select each item in order from the list "The following network components are installed:" and click the "Remove" button for each item.

After all items have been removed, click the "OK" button on the "Network" window.

At this point you may be prompted for your Windows 9x CD.

Reboot your PC.

Open up the "Control Panel" window and double-click on the "Network" icon.

The "Network" window appears.

Click on "Add" button.

Double-click on "Adapter" from the list.

Scroll down the list of manufactures and click on "Microsoft".

On the right side double-click "Dial-up Adapter".

Click on "Add" again.

Double- click on "Protocol".

Scroll down the "List of manufactures" and click on "Microsoft".

On the right side double-click "TCP/IP".

If you are using Microsoft FrontPage with the NCI2000 Internet service, then skip this step. From the list "The following network components are installed:" in the "Network" window, click on "Client for Microsoft Networks" and then click the "Remove" button.

From the list "The following network components are installed:" in the Network window, click on Client for Netware Networks and then click the Remove button.

From the list "The following network components are installed:" in the "Network" window, click on "IPX/SPX-compatible" and then click the "Remove" button.

From the list "The following network components are installed:" in the "Network" window, click on "NetBEUI" and then click the "Remove" button.

All of the necessary protocols, adapters and clients are installed at this point. No further configuration of these components is necessary. However, if you are going to be using the Netscape browser, then 2 items in the TCP/IP need to be setup.

Double- click the "TCP/IP" item from the box entitled "The following Network components are installed".

7. DNS Setup

Click the "DNS Configuration" tab.

Click the "Enable DNS" radio button.

In the text box labeled "Host:" enter your NCI2000 screen name. This is the part of your email address that precedes or is to the left of the @ sign.

In the text box labeled "Domain:" enter "NCI2000.NET" without the double quotes.

Click on "OK".

You may need your Windows 95 CD at this point.

Reboot your PC.

8. Install a New Connection Icon

Select only the options you need at any given step.. Selecting other options may slow your surfing capabilities.

Double-click on the "My Computer" icon on the Windows desktop.

Double-click on "Dial-Up Networking".

Double- click on "Make New Connection".

Type "National Computer, Inc." in the text box entitled "Type a name for the computer you are dialing".

Click on the "Configure" button, and choose your modem from the list.

Set the speed of your modem to the manufacturer’s recommended baud rate. Typically, this will be 57600 or 115000. This is the speed between your computer and your modem, not the speed between your modem and the NCI2000 modem.

Uncheck the box "Only Connect at This Speed".

Click on "OK" , then click the "Next" button.

Type "330" for the area code.

Type "492-2333" for the telephone number. Dashes are not required.

Click on the "Next" button, then click then on the "Finish" button.

A new icon in the "Dial-Up Networking" window appears as "National Computer, Inc.".

Using your mouse, "right click" on the "National Computer, Inc." icon, and choose "Properties".

When the properties window appears, click on "Server Types" tab.

For Type of Dial-up Server make sure that "PPP : Windows 95, Windows NT 3.5, Internet" is selected.

Under "Advance options" uncheck all options except: "Enable Software Compression" and "TCP/IP".

If you are using Microsoft FrontPage, then check "Log on to network".

Click on the "TCP/IP Settings" button.

Check "Server Assigned IP Address".

Check "Server Assigned DNS server".

Check "Use IP Header compression".

Check "Use default gateway on remote network".

Now keep clicking on the OK buttons until you get back to your new icon entitled "National Computer, Inc.".

Double-click the "National Computer, Inc." icon, fill in your "User name" and "password" then click on "Connect".

If you have a problem connecting follow the information in Section 31 to 52.

 

9. Changing Your Modem Settings

Windows 9x has preset initialization strings for the many different types of modems. Depending on the brand and model of your modem, the one that Windows 95 uses may be wrong and you will have to change it.

Open up the "Control Panel" window and double-click on the "Modem" icon.

Highlight your modem from the list, and click on the "Properties" button.

Choose the "Connection" tab, then click on the "Advanced" button.

Fill in the box entitled "Extra settings" with the modem manufacturer’s recommended initialization string. Omit the "AT" from the beginning of the recommended string, but include all the characters that follow it. Windows 95 will automatically put the AT in front of the string.

Try connecting again. If you still have a problem, call your modem manufacturer to see if they have a different initialization string to use. They will want to know what type of modem you are connecting with; tell them the modem you are connecting to uses the Rockwell chip set.

Also if you have a RPI modem or a Windows Only modem, you need to be using the newest manufacturer’s recommended communications driver or you will not be able to connect.

10. Manual Software Configuration

If you are changing Internet providers and want to reconfigure your existing browser and email programs use the following information.

NCI2000 Access Number	330-492-2333
NCI2000 Mail Server	Mail.NCI2000.Net
NCI2000 POP3 Server	Mail.NCI2000.Net
NCI2000 SMTP Server	Mail.NCI2000.Net
NCI2000 News Server	News.NCI2000.Net
NCI2000 NNTP Server	News.NCI2000.Net
NCI2000 NetMeeting Server	ULS.NCI2000.Net
NCI2000 DNS Server	IP Address = 208.135.126.2 or Name = NS.NCI2000.NET
NCI2000 Secondary DNS Server	IP Address = 204.70.57.242 or Name = NS2.MCI.NET

 

11. Manual Software Configuration - Browser Setup for Email and News

This setup is for Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x.

Find the "Internet Explorer" icon on your "desktop" and double-click it.

Click "OK" on any error windows that appear. This is expected until your browser is setup and you are connected to NCI2000.

Select "View" and "Internet Options…" from the menu at the top of the browser.

On the "General" tab in the "Home page" subdivision type http://www.nci2000.net.

In the "Temporary Internet files" subdivision, click on the "Delete files" button. (You should do this every week or when your browser is experiencing technical difficulties.)

Click the "Programs" tab at the top of the "Internet Options" window.

In the "Messaging" subdivision select Outlook Express for the "Mail" and "News" options.

Press "OK" to close the "Internet Options" window.

For further information visit this web page: http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie40/oe/

 

12. Manual Software Configuration - Email Setup for Outlook Express

These instructions enable Microsoft Outlook Express (OE) to work with the NCI2000 email server. When you launch Outlook Express for the first time, the Internet Connection Wizard automatically appears and guides you through the process of setting up Outlook Express. This step-by-step wizard prompts you for your basic Internet-access account information and clearly explains all setup options along the way.

Launch Outlook Express.

The "Internet Connection Wizard" window will appear if you have never used Outlook Express before. (If you have used Outlook Express before, you can access the "Internet Connection Wizard" window by going to the "Start" button and selecting "Programs", "Internet Explorer", and "Connection Wizard". If you do not see the "Connection Wizard" selection, you can automatically update your browser with Outlook Express by visiting this web site: http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie40/download/rtw/x86/en/download/addon95.htm

On the Setup Options screen select "I already have an Internet connection set up on this computer and do not want to change it".

The "Internet Connection Wizard" runs.

If the wizard does not run, then you need to manually force it to run.

From the "Outlook Express" window, click on the "Read Mail" icon.

From the "Tools" menu select "Accounts…"

Click on the "Mail" tab.

Click on the "Add" button and select "Mail…"

The "Internet Connection Wizard" runs.

Answer the questions the Wizard asks you that may include the following:

On the "Your Name" screen enter your real name. For example, John Smith.

On the "Internet E-mail Address" screen enter your email address. For example, JSmith@NCI2000.NET.

On the "E-mail Server Names" screen enter "Mail.NCI2000.NET" for both the POP3 and SMTP screens. (The spelling is NOT case sensitive.)

On the "Internet Mail Logon" screen select the "Log On using" radio button and enter your email account name. The email account name is the part of your email address that precedes or is to the left of the @ sign. For example, JSmith.

You may enter you email password at this time. If you do not enter it here, you will be prompted for your password when you check you email.

On the "Friendly Name" screen enter something like, John’s Email Account

On the "Choose Connection Type" screen select "I will establish my Internet connection manually".

For further information visit this web page: http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie40/oe/

13. Manual Software Configuration - News Reader Setup for Outlook Express

These, instructions enable Microsoft Outlook Express (OE) to work with the NCI2000 news server. When you launch Outlook Express for the first time, the Internet Connection Wizard automatically appears and guides you through the process of setting up Outlook Express. This step-by-step wizard prompts you for your basic Internet-access account information and clearly explains all setup options along the way.

Connect to NCI2000.

Launch Outlook Express.

The "Internet Connection Wizard" window will appear if you have never used Outlook Express before. (If you have used Outlook Express before, you can access the "Internet Connection Wizard" window by going to the "Start" button and selecting "Programs", "Internet Explorer", and "Connection Wizard". If you do not see the "Connection Wizard" selection, you can automatically to update your browser with Outlook Express by visiting this web site: http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie40/download/rtw/x86/en/download/addon95.htm

On the "Setup Options" screen select "I already have an Internet connection set up on this computer and do not want to change it".

The "Internet Connection Wizard" runs.

If the wizard does not run, then you need to manually force it to run.

From the "Outlook Express" window, click on the "Read News" icon.

From the "Tools" menu select "Accounts…"

Click on the "Mail" tab.

Click on the "Add" button and select "News …"

The "Internet Connection Wizard" runs.

Answer the questions the Wizard asks you.

On the "Your Name" screen enter your real name. For example, John Smith.

On the "Internet News E-mail Address" screen enter your email address. For example, JSmith@NCI2000.NET.

On the "Internet News Server Name" screen enter "News.NCI2000.NET". (The spelling is NOT case sensitive.)

The NCI2000 news server does not require you to log on. By dialing into NCI2000 your are automatically granted access to the NCI2000 news server.

On the "Friendly Name" screen enter something like, "NCI2000 News Server".

On the "Choose Connection Type" screen select "I will establish my Internet connection manually".

When prompted to download newsgroups select "YES". The first time you access the NCI2000 news server all of the newsgroup names download to you computer. Typically, 25,000 to 30,000 newsgroups exist any given time. It may take a few minutes for this process to complete. This download will only occur when you first connect to the news server.

For further information visit this web page: http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie40/oe/

 

14. ISDN Modem Setup

This setup assumes you are using Windows 95 and Motorola BitSURFER Pro terminal adapter (modem).

Launch "Dial-Up Networking".

Under "Connections", select "Make New Connection".

Type in the "NCI2000-ISDN".

Select the "Motorola BitSURFER PRO Plug & Play" modem. NOTE: If you don’t have this modem as an option, you need to dial in the Motorola BBS (508) 261-1058 and go into: conferences\products\ modem\bitsurfer\bsfaq\#14. Then you would need to add this to the modems under the Control Panel in Windows 95.

Click on "Configure" and specify the communications port; maximum speed should be at 115200.

Click on "Connection" and make sure the settings are 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit.

Click on "Advanced" and check "Use flow control - Hardware (RTS/CTS)".

Make sure that the extra settings field has the initialization strings for the BitSURFER Pro: AT&F&C1&D2%A2=95%A4=1@B0=2@M2=P;

Click on "OK".

Click on "Next".

Enter the Area Code (if needed) and the 7-digit phone number.

Click on "Next" and then click on "Finish".

To place an MP or a 2-channel call, key in your phone numbers with an "&" as a separator (i.e., 4922333&3).

Using your "right mouse" button, click on the "NCI2000-ISDN" icon, and select "Properties".

Click on "Server Types" and select "PPP : Windows 95, Windows NT 3.5, Internet" as the type of dial-up server.

Make sure that "Require encrypted password" (CHAP) is not checked (the BitSURFER Pro does not support CHAP to date).

Uncheck "NetBEUI" and "IPX".

Check "TCP/IP".

Click on "TCP/IP Settings" specify "Server assigned IP" address.

Click on "OK".

At this point you may click on "Connections" from the pull-down menu, and select "Connect" to initiate a call with the BitSURFER Pro.

Enter your "User name" and "Password".

Click on "Dial Properties" if you wish to specify functions like dialing a "9" to dial an outside line, dialing a "1" for long distance calls, tone vs. pulse dialing, and others.

Click on "OK".

Verify that the phone number is correct (i.e., an MP call that requires a "9" for an outside line should look like: 9 5551212&5551213).

Click on "Connect" button in the connect dialog box.

15. NCI2000 PERSONAL WEB SPACE

If you requested personal web page space on our servers. Here are answers to some frequently-asked-questions regarding this option. Sections 16 through 25 detail some questions and answers.

16. QUESTION: How much space do I get for my personal web site?

ANSWER: NCI2000 reserves 5 megabytes for each personal web site. This site is for personal use only. No corporate, sales, services, business, commercial, industrial, professional dealings, etc. sites may be placed in your personal web space. Please, contact NCI2000 for commerce related web site pricing. Only files related to your web site may be placed in your web space.

17. QUESTION: What is the procedure for uploading a Web page?

ANSWER - OPTION 1: File Transfer Protocol (FTP), download CuteFTP from http://www.cuteftp.com/.

ANSWER - OPTION 2: Use Microsoft Front Page or InterDev to design your site on your machine. Connect to the Internet and use the FrontPage menu selection FILE-PUBLISH FRONT PAGE WEB.

18. QUESTION: Am I able to make changes online?

ANSWER: You make changes on your machine to the HTML documents, debug them using your browser, then upload via FTP or MS FrontPage to our server for the world to see.

19. QUESTION: What determines the Internet address?

ANSWER - PERSONAL PAGES:

Typically, your address is your name, i.e., if your user-id

is JUser, then your address is

http://homepages.nci2000.net/JUser

The full URL would be http://homepages.nci2000.net/JUser/Index.HTM.

ANSWER - CORPORATE PAGES:

http://www.YourDomain.COM.

The default document is INDEX.HTM.

20. QUESTION: What is the Web Server Internet address?

ANSWER: 208.135.126.26 or homepages.nci2000.net.

21. QUESTION: CGI Script Policy

ANSWER: We will consider allowing users to write there own CGI scripts. You will not be given write permissions on the CGI directory. The source code must be forwarded to us and we will compile the code and place it in our public CGI directory (unless there is reason not to). However why re-invent the wheel. There are plenty of scripts and robots that Microsoft FrontPage (MSFP) can insert into your web page. MSFP makes this very easy.

22. QUESTION: Why won’t FrontPage open my web site?

I cannot open my web site because Microsoft FrontPage keeps asking for my username and password. I know I am typing it in correctly using the correct case sensitivity. What could be wrong?

ANSWER: Make sure your connection is setup to be a Microsoft client. See Section 6 for details on how to install "Client for Microsoft Networks".

23. QUESTION: How do I use Microsoft FrontPage to create my first web page?

ANSWER: TO CREATE A WEB ON YOUR COMPUTER AND THEN PUBLISH THE WEB TO THE NCI2000 FRONT PAGE WEB SERVER

This procedure assumes your user-id is JUser.

Your network setup must include "Client for Microsoft Networks". See Section 6 for installing this option.

Your modem setup in Dial-Up Networking must include "Log on to network". See Section 6.

Do not obtain an Internet connection at this time. You will be developing your web site locally on your computer.

Open Microsoft Front Page (MSFP).

Select "Create a New FrontPage Web-From a Wizard or Template"

Select a template.

In the "Web Server or File Location" type in the name of a directory on your computer (if the directory doesn’t exist it will be created), i.e., "C:\MSFP\MyWebSite".

Leave the "Name of Destination FrontPage Web" box blank.

Create, edit and debug your web on your computer.

Dial into NCI2000 and obtain an Internet connection .

Execute the menu selection "File-Publish FrontPage Web"

In the "Destination Web Server or File Location" box type "homepages.nci2000.net" without the double quotes.

FrontPage 98 users type "homepages.nci2000.net/Juser"

In the "Name of Destination FrontPage Web" type "Juser" without the double quotes. FrontPage 98 users skip this step.

24. QUESTION: How do I use Microsoft FrontPage for online edits?

ANSWER: TO EDIT A PAGE DIRECTLY ON THE NCI2000 FRONT PAGE WEB SERVER

This procedure assumes your user-id is JUser.

Open Microsoft Front Page (MSFP).

Select "Open FrontPage Web-Open existing Front Page Web"

In the "Web Server or File Location" box type http://homepages.nci2000.net/.

Press the "List Webs" button.

In the "Front Page Webs" list box, highlight your username and press the "OK" button.

You are now editing your web page directly on the web.

25. QUESTION: Do you know of any useful links for web page development?

ANSWER: OTHER LINKS

Scanners and images on your web site:

http://www.zdnet.com/products/scanneruser/index.html

What is FTP?

http://www.zdnet.com/zdtv/thesite/cgi/toolsfr.cgi/0997w4/tools/tools976_092697.html

 

26. NCI2000 Internet Frequently Asked Questions

Sections 27 through 76 detail some of the frequently asked questions about the NCI2000 Internet service.

27. QUESTION: Does NCI2000 support the V.90 standard.

ANSWER: The V.90 is a preliminary standard approved in February 1998. V.90 is expected to be adopted as a standard in September of 1998. NCI2000 implemented the v.90 standard July 20^th, 1998.

28. QUESTION: Does NCI2000 support any 56k modems?

ANSWER: Yes, currently we support k56Flex and v.90 modems. Check out the reviews of 56k modems at:

http://www.zdnet.com/pcweek/reviews/0623/2356kbg.html .

29. QUESTION:I cannot connect to NCI2000. What can I try?

ANSWER 1: Make sure you user name is entered correctly. Your user name is the part of your email address that precedes or is to the left of the @ sign. Do not enter the @ sign. Your password is case sensitive and is usually all lower case. See Section 4 for logon details.

ANSWER 2: Make a new Dial-up Adapter. See Section 6.

ANSWER 3: Make a new connection icon. See Section 8.

ANSWER 4: Remove TCP/IP, reboot and then re-add TCP/IP. See Section 5 for instructions on how to add TCP/IP.

30. QUESTION: Why is my auto-dialer broken?

I use to be able to just open my browser and it would automatically dial NCI2000. The auto dial feature does not work. What happened?

ANSWER: This may be a bug in the browser or a setting in the options setup of your browser has changed. To get around this, follow the instruction in Section 4.

31. QUESTION: What can I do about connection problems?

ANSWER – See each of the following Sections under Section 32 through 52 in order of appearance:

32. Abrupt Disconnection

If you are having ABRUPT disconnection problems to our service, try the following settings.

33. Abrupt Disconnection - Require Error Control

This procedure assumes a Windows 95 computer.

Open "My Computer" icon.

Open "Dial-Up Networking" icon.

Right-click the "National Computer, Inc." icon and select "Properties".

Click the "Configure" (modem) button

Click the "Connection" tab.

Click the "Advanced" button.

Check "Use error control".

Check "Required to connect".

Check "Compress data".

 

34. Abrupt Disconnection - No Error Control

If you are having trouble staying connected to our service. After a few minutes of activity, the connection may seize up, but not disconnect. Try disabling both error control and flow control. See Section 33.

35. Abrupt Disconnection - Reduce Receive Buffers

Try reducing the "Receive Buffer" by one increment for the "Dial-Up connection".

From the "Desktop", open "My Computer", then open "Dial-up Networking".

Using your mouse, "right click" the "National Computer, Inc." icon and select "Properties".

Then with the "General" tab selected, look at the bottom of the window for Connect Using (Your Modem Name) "Configure" button.

Click the "Configure" button, then the "Connection" tab, then "Port Settings" button.

If "USE FIFO BUFFERS" is checked, try reducing the "Receive Buffers" by one increment.

Select "OK" on each of the windows to update the settings.

If you still have a problem, try reducing by another increment. If it still doesn’t work, try turning off the FIFO BUFFERS.

 

36. Explanation of Disconnect Codes

QUESTION: The NCI2000 technician told me I was having disconnect cause codes of 11 and 185. What’s the difference between disconnect cause 185 and cause 11?

ANSWER: These 2 codes are very similar. Error 11 is typically solved with a modem initialization string. Error 185 is typically a noisy phone line.

Disconnect cause code 11 is reported when we detect a loss of modem carrier.

The modem driver polls the status of the DCD bit of all modems that are actively connected. If the DCD bit (carrier) changes from 1 to 0 and stays at 0 for 3 consecutive 100ms time period, we consider the carrier to be lost, and cause code 11 is reported.

If the modem driver detects loss of DCD (carrier) before we process the LCP termination packet the cause code is 11. If we process the LCP termination packet first, the cause code would be 45. Disconnect cause code 185 is reported when the modem driver "thinks" that the remote end has hung up. The following situations all contribute to 185 :

Users power off their modem while connected.

Users power off their computer while connected.

Users disconnect the analog lines while connected.

Users’ cat knocks the modem off the desk and disconnects it.

Modems retrain but did not reconnect.

T1 or PRI line bounces.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list, but only the most common situations.

37. Slow Surfing?

Life on the Net: there are times when you can feel your fingernails growing as you wait for the next page to load. Does it have to be this way? Not necessarily-we have the best step-by-step techniques for diagnosing Internet access slowdowns on a Windows 95 system, as well as the tips to speed things up. Want to connect-faster? Read this: http://www.cnet.com/Content/Features/Howto/Netspeed/index.html?dd

38. Slow Logons?

If your logon to our service is slow check the following:

If you have a Practical Peripheral's internal modem model 5767 that was originally K56Flex and you upgraded to V.90, try the following modem strings. If the string in step a does not work try the string in step b:

1. S48=128%E0
2. AT%E0+MS=12

To set a modem string using Windows 95 or 98 follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Modem icon.
3. On the General tab, press the Properties button.
4. Select the Connection tab.
5. Select the Advanced button.
6. In the Extra Settings text box, type the desired modem string.
7. Press the OK button, OK button, and then the Close button to save the settings.

1. General Modem Problems

Here is a general list of questions to ask when debugging modem problems. You may have to perform several tests and/or issue several commands before you can isolate the source of a problem.

2. Is call waiting available and turned on?

Symptoms: If call waiting is on, the modem call can be abruptly disconnected as another call comes in.

Remedy: There is usually a command (such as *70) that will turn this off. Contact your phone company for a way to temporarily disable call waiting.

3. Are there enough devices attached to the internal telephone circuit to exceed the LN limit? (LN: Load Number)

Symptoms: This might exhibit itself as weak (lower speed) and/or dropped connections.

Remedy: Each modem’s documentation states the LN number for that modem. Remove enough additional devices (other telephones, fax machines, etc.) from the circuit and see if things change.

4. Does your computer have a 16550 UART installed?

Symptoms: In a long file transfer, if a 16450 or 8250 is present instead of a 16550 and the system is loaded with tasks, the connection may have numerous CRC errors followed by time-outs and even software initiated disconnects. This occurs more often at high DTE rates (38400bps and above).

Remedy: Use a utility such as MSD.EXE (COM ports menu) to see if there is a 16550 or equivalent installed. If not, drop the port speed (DTE rate) to 19200bps or below.

5. Are there any local sources of noise and/or interference?

Symptoms: Noise related problems can cause excessive retrains or failure to negotiate a connection.

Possible Remedy: Look for sources of noise or interference. This may include faulty local connections or connections near strong sources of EMI. Try a different phone outlet if available. Move devices that might cause interference to a different location. Try insulating the phone line with devices available at most electronic stores.

6. Are there any non-local sources of noise and/or interference?

Symptoms: Noise related problems can cause excessive retrains or failure to negotiate a connection.

Possible Remedy: As a temporary test, relocate your modem to a different phone line or different location if possible. This may mean trying a test from the office instead of home or vice-versa. It may help shed more light on the problem if the connection can be tried from a location with a different three digit phone number prefix than the original location. (555-1212 instead of 554-1212). If the call is long distance, you can try using a different long distance company (AT&T vs. MCI or Sprint) for instance using prefix numbers. As another test, try lower protocols and speeds if possible (V.32bis instead of V.34).

7. Contacting National Computer, Inc. with Modem Problems

Please provide the following checklist of information when contacting National Computer, Inc. to help us better solve your modem problems.

Modem model number and manufacturer of the modem. (Which plug-and-play modem selection is being used? Is it the correct one?)

Modem Firmware revision: The command: ATI3 Gives this information for Hayes, Practical Peripherals, Supra and Zoom brands. USR uses ATI7 and ATI3. For other modem brands, please consult the modem’s user manual.

If the modem offers a link statistics command, please attach that information: USR, Practical Peripherals and Xircom have the ATI6 command. For other modem brands, please consult the modem’s user manual.

A complete and detailed description of the problem. Please stay away from one line descriptions such as "my modem does not connect."

It may prove useful to attach a listing of modem settings. This is usually accomplished through AT&V or equivalent.

If possible, include the modulation protocol that is negotiated. Sometimes (due to some initial V.34 bugs in some products) V.FC connections (which according to the specs are less resilient) may be negotiated instead of V.34. The extended result codes and/or ATI6 command may include this information.

Have you observed a similar problem with any other hosts?

 

8. Other Things to Try for Modem Problems

Once you have isolated the source of the problem, you might try the following:

Determine if there is a need for a firmware update from the modem manufacturer.

Investigate the condition of the host in question at the time the trouble was reported. (Are there hardware/bandwidth issues?)

Is the correct modem selected and is it initialized properly?

Does your local telephone company have to take any actions? (If you call them they can test your line for noise.)

Also, here are some URLs to checkout:

Internet Explorer Err Msg: Could Not Open...http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/ARTICLES/Q153/9/67.asp National Computer uses the Ascend Max 4000 series modems. The following links show initialization strings for various modems that connect to a Max.

Modem Help http://www.ascend.com/faqs/500/

Modem Initialization Strings http://www.ascend.com/741.html

Troubleshooting modem Commands http://www.ascend.com/673.html

Error Message: Modem is Busy or Not Responding http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q138/6/34.asp

9. Checking Your Line Quality

If you think your noisy phone line is causing problems with your modem, check the following:

10. Check the Line for Noise

First you need to get rid of the dial-tone so you can really listen to the line. Dial a number, any number but obviously one which is valid for your area, so that you don't get the dial-tone replaced by a busy signal. The easiest and most common across all areas is a "1". Is your dial-tone gone? Now listen and really concentrate while you are doing so because you are only going to get 30 seconds before it times out and gets replaced by a busy signal again.

This is the first major step to checking if you have a good line for a modem or not. Is it quiet? No pops, bangs, crackles, creaking, or faint voices in the background from other people's conversations. All or any of these noises will cause you a problem on a high speed modem link.

Just what are these noises? Well, it can be something as simple as a loose screw on a connector block somewhere between you and the exchange, or water getting into one of telephone companies cable ducts and the waterproofing (around the cable joints) has started to break down. You could have a bad connection in the house somewhere, and not necessarily on the line extension that's feeding your modem. Other people's conversations (called "cross-talk" in the trade) are not so easy to pin down, and are usually more likely to be further "into the system" before the source becomes apparent.

11. Check the Phone

Let's presume you have one of these noises to some greater or lesser degree. Next you need to check the phone itself. After all, if it's just the phone causing the noise, it won't affect the quality you get from the modem now. If you have a spare phone, take it and plug it into the same socket and then check for noise again. If you don't have a spare phone, it might be worth heading to the local electronics store to pick up an inexpensive phone.

12. Check the Modem

Let's assume now that you are happy with the perceived "quietness" of the line. Now you move to the modem. How can you check if you have a doggy plug or socket associated with the modem? Well, surprisingly, it's reasonably simple but you'll need to be fairly quick in carrying out the next "test". What you are going to do is to get the modem to go on line, but not actually dial out a full number (similar to what you did just now but using the modem instead). To do this you'll also need to have a phone plugged in, too, that's fairly near to where your PC/Modem are. Don't pick up the phone yet.

You're about to enter a command string to the modem, so you'll need to have the PC powered up and talking to the modem with whatever piece of communication software you use. In the case of Procomm, Smartcom, SmartTerm, Zterm, etc., it's simply a case of just firing up the software and getting to a terminal screen with the "OK" prompt from the modem. If you normally use 1st Reader or Robocomm, then you'll need to fire up the Terminal Session for those packages and again just get to an OK prompt. Don't dial out a number.

Now type this:

"ATX0D1;"

(without the quotes) and what you should hear (if you have the modem's speaker on) is that the modem will pick up the line (dial-tone heard), then dial a 1 and finally drop back to command mode (OK prompt on your screen) while holding the line open. The next bit is easy or more difficult depending on the accessibility of your modems’ leads. i.e. internal or external modem. Now pick up the phone and listen.

THIS time, it's going to be your modem that may "time out" before your phone line does. Check the modem's lead, plugs and sockets by physically getting hold of them and just gently pushing and pulling on the lead at both ends. You'll find on these type of plugs that there is possibly a couple of millimeters of "play" even when the plug is fully seated in it's socket. This is enough for our purposes. Again, be gentle. If there is a doggy connection, it won't take a lot of movement before it becomes apparent in the phone you are listening to. No noise? If your modem hasn't already timed out, drop the line by typing "ATH". If you did hear some crackling from that, then you'll need to get that lead replaced. It could be just the contacts of the plugs that have become a little tarnished. A good ink eraser with a fairly sharp edge should clean these up nicely.

13. Modems With a Rockwell Chipset

OK, you've carried out all the above and you are still getting poor high speed connects with your modem. Now it's going to matter exactly what type of modem you have, and whether it has a Rockwell chipset in it or not. How do you find out? The easiest way (and most standard) is to type either AT&V or ATI4. If you have a Rockwell chipset, from the former you'll see a complete configuration dump starting with "Active Profile" then "Stored Profile 0" followed by "Stored Profile 1" and finally "Telephone Number Stores". The latter should return a couple of rows of checksum digits (up to 4 rows) which are the capabilities of the modem in "hex."

If you have a Rockwell chipset, follow this procedure:

Dial into another modem [a BBS or other service provider] from a terminal screen (not automatic with a script - manually)

Do whatever you need to get your Login prompt [if your service does immediate PPP or immediate TELNET, use a different service].

Pause (do nothing) for at least 1 second.

Type "+++" (without the quote marks - just the pluses)

The modem should now have dropped back into command mode and you should be looking at an "OK" prompt *but* you will still be online... (You'll need to be fairly sprightly, as you may lose the connection if you aren't quick enough...)

NOW you can type AT%L%Q[Return]. The modem should return 2 figures on successive lines like 20 8 or something.

 

These are the Line Level (%L) in -dbm and the Eye Quality Monitor (%Q) index. In the example above, that would be -20dbm (reasonable) and 8 (also reasonable). Higher figures mean worse connections. Anything higher than about -24 with the first, and you'll be seeing bad connects or possibly none at all. Higher than 15 on the second, and you've got real line problems on your circuit that your telephone company should be able to sort out.

When you've finished, you might like to go back online with ATO (not zero) and then log off normally. You *may* find you get logged off anyway after you've got the response to %L%Q...

If you do get bad figures from these tests, you'll need to contact your telephone company to try and get your line improved.

14. Other Modems

If you have a USR based modem (and there are some "badge engineered" models about), then chances are you will be able to use ATI6 for your checking. This can be done either online (see above for how to stay online but get back to command mode...) or offline, as the USR chipset "remembers" the figures it got from the last connect you made. The bits you are interested in are BLERS. These are "Bit Link Error rates". Ideally, this figure should be 0. If it 1 or 2 after you have been online for a while, then you probably have nothing to worry about. If it climbs much higher over, say, a 3-4 minute connect, then you are probably suffering from noise or low level or both, as in the Rockwell situation above. If you want to know what the rest of the figures mean, consult your modem manual. Unfortunately, the USRs do not give an indication of the actual received carrier level in decibels/milliwatt (dbm).

If you have neither of these types of modem, then you are going to have to consult your manual.

If you've got noise and a low line level, you need to contact your telephone company provider. Explain to them that you are using a modem on your line, you are getting poor cct quality figures from your modem, and that the line level is low. You are entitled to have this problem corrected. Make sure that you say there is nothing wrong with your normal voice communications (if that is the case...) otherwise they will just do a normal line check. If you are on a digital exchange, ask them if you can have the AGC (automatic gain control) turned OFF and your line setting at the exchange, set to position "5". In most cases this should give you a good cct and level and cure your connect problems at a stroke.

If you are experiencing the noises described earlier, be warned that it may take several visits and tests by the telephone company before the cause of the problem gets rooted out.

 

15. QUESTION: How do I troubleshoot my modem if I have Windows 98.

ANSWER: See this article "Troubleshooting Modem Problems in Windows 98"

at: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q190/5/54.asp

 

16. QUESTION: Why does my computer automatically dial upon reboot?

Every time I boot-up the computer it dials NCI2000 and connects. There is nothing in my start-up folder or in the RUN= or LOAD= lines in win.ini or in the registry or anywhere else that I can think of that could cause this. Nothing else comes up that I can detect (like IE, OE, WM, etc.) that requires an Internet connection. The connection remains up after the boot-up sequence finishes. The dial-up appears to be the last thing that happens before the boot-up sequence ends. Nothing obvious like scheduled tasks, check for mail, etc. appears to be causing this. Any thoughts?

ANSWER: You likely have selected Control Panel, Internet, Connect As Needed (IE3) or Connect using a Modem (IE4), and at boot are automatically starting some program that uses TCP/IP. This could even be a program such as Norton Utilities that is configured to monitor TCP/IP activity, i.e., Internet Speedometer. You’ll need to disable one or the other. Although most settings in this area are specific to Internet Explorer, the Connection setting applies to any TCP/IP activity in the PC.

17. QUESTION: How do I access American Online through NCI2000.

ANSWER: Try this 8 step program to connect to AOL through NCI2000. AOL may still have a pricing plan called BRING YOUR OWN ACCESS, you may want to look into this.

1.	Dial into and connect to NCI2000.
2.	Open AOL.
3.	Press "SETUP".
4.	Press "EDIT LOCATION".
5.	Select "TCP/IP" from the "NETWORK" drop down box.
6.	Press "Save".
7.	Press "OK".
8.	Logon as usual.

 

18. QUESTION: Do you know of any Internet filtering software.

ANSWER: Check out the following links:

http://www.turnercom.com/faq.html

http://www.teachersoft.com/tour/kguard.htm

http://www.netnanny.com/

 

19. QUESTION: Why did I lose my messages when I upgraded to MSIE4.x?

I just set up IE4.0 and it deleted all my messages I had previously. Is there a way I can retrieve all those read messages?

ANSWER. Here is the way to save the messages from IE3.02 if you have recently installed IE4.0.

Close Outlook Express

Find file named folders.nch

Rename it something like folders.old

Re-open Outlook Express and it will repair/restore the old folders you had with IE3.02

20. QUESTION: I downloaded new TCP utilities and they do not work. What could be wrong?

Most likely you are questioning WINSOCK 2.0 support in Windows 95 . There is a modification of a mass ping utility that Windows NT Magazine published in the November 1997 article, "Building an Automated Mass Ping Utility." The utility does not work under Windows 95 because Win95 doesn't provide support for the Winsock 2.0 functions that the mass ping program uses. There is a Winsock 2.0 update on Microsoft's Web site that lets Win95 run the mass ping utility and other Winsock 2.0 programs. The URL for the Win95 Winsock update is http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.asp?CustArea=pers&Site=95&Product=Windows+95&Category=Networking+%26+Communications&x=8&y=15 .

21. QUESTION: Why is my Browser is acting flaky?

ANSWER: Typically, this is caused by having too much cache (temporary Internet files). To empty your cache perform the following steps (this setup is for Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x.):

Find the "Internet Explorer" icon on your "desktop" and double-click it.

Click "OK" on any error windows that appear. This is expected until your browser is setup and you are connected to NCI2000.

Select "View" and "Internet Options…" from the menu at the top of the browser.

In the "Temporary Internet files" subdivision, click on the "Delete files" button. (You should do this every week or when your browser is experiencing technical difficulties.)

Press "OK" to close the "Internet Options" window.

For further information visit this web page: http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie40/oe/

 

22. QUESTION: I cannot log into the NCI2000 news server?

ANSWER: By dialing into the NCI2000 service, you are granted permission to the NCI2000 news server. There is no need to log into the news server.

23. QUESTION: What is the NCI2000 access number(s)?

ANSWER: NCI2000 has 1 access number (330) 492-2333. All modems are v.90 compatible operating at up to 56 bps or the maximum allowed by the FCC.

24. QUESTION: What are the NCI2000 DNS server IP numbers?

ANSWER: 208.135.126.2 and 204.70.57.242 or NS.NCI2000.NET and NS2.MCI.NET.

25. QUESTION: What is the POP3 and SMTP server names?

ANSWER: NCI2000’s POP3 is "Mail.NCI2000L.NET" and the SMTP is "Mail.NCI2000L.NET".

26. QUESTION: What is my POP3 account name?

ANSWER: Your POP3 account name is the part of your email address that precedes or is to the left of the @ sign.

27. QUESTION: What is the NCI2000 News server name?

ANSWER: News.NCI2000.NET.

 

28. QUESTION: What are the weird looking directory names in under the directory Temporary Internet Files?

ANSWER: What you see is normal. The cache is subdivided to increase its efficiency, and the subfolders are given random names as a security precaution. When you view any of the cache folders in Explorer, you see the contents of the entire cache, not the actual contents of the specific folder. To do that, you must view them from DOS or by using Program Manager (winfile.exe).

 

29. QUESTION: How do I determine the version of my Microsoft browser?

ANSWER: See the page at:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q164/5/39.asp

 

30. QUESTION: How do I change the SEARCH button in IE4.

ANSWER: You need to change the default search button page in the registry. Registry Editor is an advanced tool that enables you to change settings in your system registry, which contains information about how your computer runs. Generally, it is best to use Windows controls to change your system settings.

You should not edit your registry unless it is absolutely necessary. If there is an error in your registry, your computer may become nonfunctional. If this happens, you MAY BE ABLE TO restore the registry to its state when you last successfully started your computer.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows to correct them. NCI2000 cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

Open the Registry Editor 1) Click 'Start' on the Windows taskbar. (The 'Start' menu appears.) 2) Select 'Run...'. (The 'Run' dialog box appears.) 3) In the 'Open' text box, type the following: REGEDT.EXE 4) Click 'OK'.

Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\
you will find a string named "search bar" change it's value to: http://home.microsoft.com/search/search.asp
close regedit, and IE if it is open.

Open IE. Now, when you press the search button, you will once again have the button to choose the search engine of your choice.

 

31. QUESTION: Why can I receive email but cannot send it?

ANSWER 1: Make sure your "REPLY-TO" address is set correctly in your email program.

ANSWER 2: If your mail is rejected by the NCI2000 ePost Office with a message like, "501 EHLO requires a valid host name as operand: 'SMTP' rejected from SMTP.NCI2000.NET remote address [208.135.126.16]: hostname must contain a '.'.", then you are most likely running Netscape mail. Therefore, you must set your "Host:" and "Domain:" settings in the Network setup of the Control Panel. See Section 5 for details on setting the appropriate settings.

ANSWER 3: If you are running "Microsoft Internet Mail" (MSIM) on Windows 95, the version must be greater than 4.70.1160. To view the version:

Open MSIM.

Click the "Help" menu.

Click "About Microsoft Internet Mail and News".

The version is in the gray area towards the top of the window. This version must be greater than 4.70.1160. A new version may be obtained from http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/ieplatform/imn/02000.htm.

 

32. QUESTION: What are the monthly charges for Internet access?

ANSWER: Internet Access Account: $14.95 per month. Each additional mail box: $1 per month. Use a Motorola Bit Surfer Pro for efficient digital ISDN use. ISDN connections to our Internet access service are priced at $35 per month. If Paying by check or cash, we now require a 6 month payment up front. Credit cards are the preferred method of payment.

33. QUESTION: Where is the NCI2000 web site located?

ANSWER: Visit our web site at http://www.NCI2000.Net.

34. QUESTION: How do I setup multiple email accounts on one computer?

ANSWER: Microsoft Outlook 98 and Outlook Express see this link:

http://www.microsoft.com/magazine/oct1998/outlook/outlook.htm

Learn to set up multiple e-mail accounts on one computer.

 

35. QUESTION: WIN98 and error Dial Up Networking could not establish a connection with <server>.

ANSWER: You registry entry for Dun may be corrupted. See this link

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q194/8/04.asp

 

36. QUESTION: What other services does NCI2000 offer?

ANSWER: National Computer Announces New Internet Service!

New, High-Speed Servers

National Computer’s new Internet services offer many advantages over existing service providers –

FAST CONNECTIONS - ALL of our dialup connections use the 56kFlex technology providing fast browsing and downloading.

FAIR PRICING - Web access priced right - at $14.95 per month, National Computer offers the best value in high speed Our Internet services offer savings of 20 - 50%. For those new to the Internet, applications are available at National Computer, or can be faxed or e-mailed to your home or business.

A Full Range of Internet Services

National Computer offers a complete range of Internet services for home users and companies. Whether you need dialup access, or would like to have your own corporate web site National Computer Internet services fit the bill. Services fall into two categories; Interactive Accounts and Corporate Accounts.

Interactive Dialup Account

The account designed with the home or small business user in mind. The "Unlimited Interactive Usage Account" provides unlimited e-mail, web browsing, and newsgroup access for a low monthly fee. There are no hourly charges, no clock to watch - just high speed downloading, web browsing and e-mail.

Corporate Services

For the corporate user, we offer a range of Internet services. Web site hosting, domain registration, virtual web sites- Configured to meet your needs. Give your company an Internet presence - yourcompany.com is a call away!

High Speed Access

For those requiring fast data transfer, National Computer

offers a range of high-throughput options. Single (64 k) and dual (128 k) channel ISDN service is available as both dialup and dedicated connections - giving up to four times the speed of the average 28.8 modem!

Special Services

Should your company need a dedicated connection to the Internet we can arrange a service plan to fit your needs. Connect branch offices, and share your data from coast to coast.

Interactive Account Pricing

With National Computer’s "Unlimited Interactive Usage Account", payment couldn’t be easier - All Residential dialup connections through 56kFlex have a monthly fee - $ 14.95

Configuration and "Checkup"

If you are uncomfortable installing your own Internet software, let the experts do it! Bring your computer (just the box!) to National Computer when you sign up to have us install your internet software, virus scan your computer, and perform a "checkup" on your PC - for free.

Corporate Web Pricing

Due to the widely varied needs of business users, National Computer handles each business client’s needs on an individual basis. Please call National Computer if you are interested in Internet services for your business.

37. QUESTION: What other service does National Computer, Inc. offer?

ANSWER:

Computer Sales

National Computer performs a range of services that are ideal for small or large businesses. Whether your company has twenty computers in one office, or adding new computer systems from scratch we have the services you need. National Computer offers a line of custom high quality computer systems-you pick the options you want! Or, if you are buying computers for the first time, a National Computer technician can recommend the specifications that best fit your needs. Using our online "Build Your Dream System" program, you can get an instant quote on a National Computer system configured the way you want it!

Computer Repair

We also perform repairs and upgrades on most IBM compatible 486 and Pentium computers.

Computer Networking - Internet

When your company is ready to expand to the Internet, National Computer can provide the level of Internet presence you need. If you’re looking for dialup access, or need to have your own Internet site we can help! National Computer’s commercial Internet services are powered by the latest technologies, from brand new servers to high speed dialup connections.

Computer Networking - Intranet

If your company is considering networking existing PC’s, or if you are starting from scratch with new networked systems, we make it very easy to determine the hardware and software necessary. Use our Network Information form to tell us a little more about the computers you wish to network. National Computer sells and supports most major networks, including Windows / Windows NT, Novell, and LANtastic based networks.

If you would like to contact National Computer for more information on any of our programs, or have a unique computer hardware or service question use our online Contact form to direct your questions to a National Computer technician.

38. QUESTION: How do I contact NCI2000?

ANSWER - Contact Information:

Located in the Marketplace Plaza, across from the old Aultman Center

on the corner of Holiday and Whipple streets