I moved from Cincinnati to a neighboring town and brought my modem with
me. There are apparently several wireless networks in the neighborhood
and I can occassionally log onto the internet, but not always, and
usually not to the network that my modem is supposed to be providing.

When the internet does not connect, I get the message that the
connection "failed due to unknown reasons". Cincinnati Bell told me
that this was not a Zoomtown problem but a Vista problem (although how
they can be sure over the phone without ever checking to see that I've
correctly connected everything, I don't know). The Zoomtown
representative did tell me that I would need to get some filters for my
phone line, but that this was not causing the problem with connecting to
the internet.

I was told to contact you and ask for directions to change (something
about the registration?? I thought I'd written it down, but I can't find
it). I was told to follow the directions exactly, or I'd mess my
computer up completely.

Also, I'll need help with "encryption"-is that the right word? Right
now, my network, like a few others in the neighborhood is "unsecured".
Once I get mine working, I'd like it to be "secure".

I am writing from the computer in my office, because there was no
guarantee that I could log on at home. Please let me know what I need
to do. Maybe there are other questions that I need to answer before you
can help. Let me know what to tell you because I understand very little
of what's going on.

Sincerely,
Kathleen


--
ka45239

You may want to check if there is a new firmware for the router and driver
for the NIC. Or this search result may help too.
Vista incompatible issues
Vista Incompatible issues. 1. Some switches or routers may not
compatible with Vista - Solutions: upgrade the firmware, disable the IPv6,
re-configure the ...
www.chicagotech.net/vista/vistacompatible.htm


--
Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on
http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on
http://www.HowToNetworking.com
"ka45239" wrote in message
...

I moved from Cincinnati to a neighboring town and brought my modem with
me. There are apparently several wireless networks in the neighborhood
and I can occassionally log onto the internet, but not always, and
usually not to the network that my modem is supposed to be providing.

When the internet does not connect, I get the message that the
connection "failed due to unknown reasons". Cincinnati Bell told me
that this was not a Zoomtown problem but a Vista problem (although how
they can be sure over the phone without ever checking to see that I've
correctly connected everything, I don't know). The Zoomtown
representative did tell me that I would need to get some filters for my
phone line, but that this was not causing the problem with connecting to
the internet.

I was told to contact you and ask for directions to change (something
about the registration?? I thought I'd written it down, but I can't find
it). I was told to follow the directions exactly, or I'd mess my
computer up completely.

Also, I'll need help with "encryption"-is that the right word? Right
now, my network, like a few others in the neighborhood is "unsecured".
Once I get mine working, I'd like it to be "secure".

I am writing from the computer in my office, because there was no
guarantee that I could log on at home. Please let me know what I need
to do. Maybe there are other questions that I need to answer before you
can help. Let me know what to tell you because I understand very little
of what's going on.

Sincerely,
Kathleen


--
ka45239

ka45239 wrote:


I moved from Cincinnati to a neighboring town and brought my modem with
me. There are apparently several wireless networks in the neighborhood
and I can occassionally log onto the internet, but not always, and
usually not to the network that my modem is supposed to be providing.

When the internet does not connect, I get the message that the
connection "failed due to unknown reasons". Cincinnati Bell told me
that this was not a Zoomtown problem but a Vista problem (although how
they can be sure over the phone without ever checking to see that I've
correctly connected everything, I don't know). The Zoomtown
representative did tell me that I would need to get some filters for my
phone line, but that this was not causing the problem with connecting to
the internet.

I was told to contact you and ask for directions to change (something
about the registration?? I thought I'd written it down, but I can't find
it). I was told to follow the directions exactly, or I'd mess my
computer up completely.

Also, I'll need help with "encryption"-is that the right word? Right
now, my network, like a few others in the neighborhood is "unsecured".
Once I get mine working, I'd like it to be "secure".

I am writing from the computer in my office, because there was no
guarantee that I could log on at home. Please let me know what I need
to do. Maybe there are other questions that I need to answer before you
can help. Let me know what to tell you because I understand very little
of what's going on.

Robert gave you good advice about the router. Here is how to set your
wireless connection up securely. Since I'm not sure what you've done to set
things up, I've included the whole "boilerplate". Just take the bits you
need. ;-)

*****
Setting up a router is quite simple. Normally you run the CD that came with
the router and follow the instructions. If you're running Vista perhaps the
CD that came with the router won't work; I don't know this. But you can set
up the router without a CD. Note that if you have cable Internet, for the
connection you just set the router to do DHCP (or there may even be a
choice of cable for you to select). If you have DSL Internet, you usually
select PPoe and enter the username and password which you chose when
originally setting up the DSL connection. So:

1. Turn off the power to your cable modem.
2. Attach a cat5e ethernet cable (usually provided with the router) going
from the router's Internet/WAN port to the cable modem's ethernet port.
3. Attach a cat5e ethernet cable going from your computer's network adapter
to one of the ports on the router. If you don't have an ethernet cable
(because you were using USB), you will need to go to the store and buy one.
4. Turn on the cable modem. After all the lights are on, turn on the router.

To configure the router:

Have a computer connected to the router with an ethernet cable. Examples
given are for a Linksys router. Refer to your router manual or the router
mftr.'s website for default settings if you don't have a Linksys. Open a
browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox and in the addressbar type:

http://192.168.1.1 [enter] (this is the router's default IP address, which
varies from router to router so check your manual)

This will bring you to router's login screen. The default username is left
blank and the Linksys default password is "admin" without the quotes. Enter
that information. You are now in the router's configuration utility. Your
configuration utility may differ slightly from mine.

Click on the Administration link at the top of the page. Enter your new
password. WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE YOU WILL NOT LOSE IT. Re-enter the
password to confirm it and click the Save Settings button at the bottom of
the page. The router will restart and present you with the login box again.
Leave the username blank and put in your new password to get back into the
configuration utility.

Now click on the Wireless link at the top of the page. Change the Wireless
Network Name (SSID) from the default to something you will recognize. I
suggest that my clients not use their family name as the SSID. For example,
you might wish to name your wireless network "CastleAnthrax" or the
like. ;-)

Click the Save Settings and when you get the prompt that your changes were
successful, click on the Wireless Security link which is right next to the
Basic Wireless Settings link (where you changed your SSID). If you have a
newish computer, you will be able to set the Security Mode to
WPA2-Personal. Do that and enter a passphrase. The passphrase is what you
will enter on any computers that are allowed to connect to the wireless
network. WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE YOU WILL NOT LOSE IT.

At this point, your router is configured and if the computer you were using
to configure the router is normally going to connect wirelessly, disconnect
the ethernet cable and the computer's wireless feature should see your new
network. Enter the passphrase you created to join the network and start
surfing.
*****

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ

You may want to check if there is a new firmware for the router and driver
for the NIC. Or this search result may help too.
Vista incompatible issues

Since she gave no indication that the equipment had changed during her move,
what makes you think that advice has any relevance? Why run her down a wild
goose chase futzing with firmware and drivers when it's unlikely to be
needed?

As for the 'modem' and filters, what sort of connection is being made here?
Just wireless? Or is there a DSL connection going on too? Zoomtown is wifi
so it seems odd for phone line filters to be mentioned. But then again I
don't use zoomtown (nor live in Cincy) so I'm not clear on what connections
are actually necessary.

The OP twice states that she has a Modem, not a Router!
--
Mad Mike


"Malke" wrote:

ka45239 wrote:


I moved from Cincinnati to a neighboring town and brought my modem with
me. There are apparently several wireless networks in the neighborhood
and I can occassionally log onto the internet, but not always, and
usually not to the network that my modem is supposed to be providing.

When the internet does not connect, I get the message that the
connection "failed due to unknown reasons". Cincinnati Bell told me
that this was not a Zoomtown problem but a Vista problem (although how
they can be sure over the phone without ever checking to see that I've
correctly connected everything, I don't know). The Zoomtown
representative did tell me that I would need to get some filters for my
phone line, but that this was not causing the problem with connecting to
the internet.

I was told to contact you and ask for directions to change (something
about the registration?? I thought I'd written it down, but I can't find
it). I was told to follow the directions exactly, or I'd mess my
computer up completely.

Also, I'll need help with "encryption"-is that the right word? Right
now, my network, like a few others in the neighborhood is "unsecured".
Once I get mine working, I'd like it to be "secure".

I am writing from the computer in my office, because there was no
guarantee that I could log on at home. Please let me know what I need
to do. Maybe there are other questions that I need to answer before you
can help. Let me know what to tell you because I understand very little
of what's going on.

Robert gave you good advice about the router. Here is how to set your
wireless connection up securely. Since I'm not sure what you've done to set
things up, I've included the whole "boilerplate". Just take the bits you
need. ;-)

*****
Setting up a router is quite simple. Normally you run the CD that came with
the router and follow the instructions. If you're running Vista perhaps the
CD that came with the router won't work; I don't know this. But you can set
up the router without a CD. Note that if you have cable Internet, for the
connection you just set the router to do DHCP (or there may even be a
choice of cable for you to select). If you have DSL Internet, you usually
select PPoe and enter the username and password which you chose when
originally setting up the DSL connection. So:

1. Turn off the power to your cable modem.
2. Attach a cat5e ethernet cable (usually provided with the router) going
from the router's Internet/WAN port to the cable modem's ethernet port.
3. Attach a cat5e ethernet cable going from your computer's network adapter
to one of the ports on the router. If you don't have an ethernet cable
(because you were using USB), you will need to go to the store and buy one.
4. Turn on the cable modem. After all the lights are on, turn on the router.

To configure the router:

Have a computer connected to the router with an ethernet cable. Examples
given are for a Linksys router. Refer to your router manual or the router
mftr.'s website for default settings if you don't have a Linksys. Open a
browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox and in the addressbar type:

http://192.168.1.1 [enter] (this is the router's default IP address, which
varies from router to router so check your manual)

This will bring you to router's login screen. The default username is left
blank and the Linksys default password is "admin" without the quotes. Enter
that information. You are now in the router's configuration utility. Your
configuration utility may differ slightly from mine.

Click on the Administration link at the top of the page. Enter your new
password. WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE YOU WILL NOT LOSE IT. Re-enter the
password to confirm it and click the Save Settings button at the bottom of
the page. The router will restart and present you with the login box again.
Leave the username blank and put in your new password to get back into the
configuration utility.

Now click on the Wireless link at the top of the page. Change the Wireless
Network Name (SSID) from the default to something you will recognize. I
suggest that my clients not use their family name as the SSID. For example,
you might wish to name your wireless network "CastleAnthrax" or the
like. ;-)

Click the Save Settings and when you get the prompt that your changes were
successful, click on the Wireless Security link which is right next to the
Basic Wireless Settings link (where you changed your SSID). If you have a
newish computer, you will be able to set the Security Mode to
WPA2-Personal. Do that and enter a passphrase. The passphrase is what you
will enter on any computers that are allowed to connect to the wireless
network. WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE YOU WILL NOT LOSE IT.

At this point, your router is configured and if the computer you were using
to configure the router is normally going to connect wirelessly, disconnect
the ethernet cable and the computer's wireless feature should see your new
network. Enter the passphrase you created to join the network and start
surfing.
*****

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ

I have not changed equipment since my move. I really don't think that
the modem is incompatible with Vista because it worked a few short days
ago in Cincinnati. Zoomtown is wireless, but the modem connects through
the phone line, not a cable line. Now, in the new house, the modem and
computer are in the same room, so I don't think that signal strength is
an issue. Any other suggestions?


--
ka45239

I have not changed equipment since my move. I really don't think that
the modem is incompatible with Vista because it worked a few short days
ago in Cincinnati. Zoomtown is wireless, but the modem connects through
the phone line, not a cable line. Now, in the new house, the modem and
computer are in the same room, so I don't think that signal strength is
an issue. Any other suggestions?

If it's a DSL line then filters are important. Since it's a 'new to you'
residence the condition of the phone line may be a problem. In my
experience the best way to eliminate DSL issues is split the line at the
outside box. Bring one line, unfiltered, directly to the DSL modem (or run
CAT5 ethernet to where the modem can be placed near the telco box). Then
run a second line through a filter and then connect any other in-house phone
lines to it. This way you're SURE in knowing that the DSL modem has a clean
signal. You then don't need to attach any other filters anywhere else as
they're all covered by that one at the split.

This is my best suggestion unless you're prepared to trace out every other
phone line and jack in the house. Even then you'd still be at the mercy of
any previous telco install screwups. Best to split it once and put the
modem on a clear line.

As to whether that will solve the problem I don't know. But making sure
it's setup right is a good first step.

-Bill Kearney

Has anyone asked the question of what kind of DSL is available in the new
location and whether the New location actually has an DSL conditioned line?
If there is a DSL line, the OP should have some level of documentation
concerning IP (whether static or dynamic), Gateway, DNS, logons, settings -
etc.

DSL is not 'automatic", nor are all xDSL line the same or compatible when it
comes to configurations, equipment, settings.

Since this is a new installation, rather than a problem that developed in an
existing situation....there are a lot more questions that I would need
answered, but that's just the way I would approach the problem, I might be
over thinking the issue?

"Mick Murphy" wrote in message
...
The OP twice states that she has a Modem, not a Router!
--
Mad Mike


"Malke" wrote:

ka45239 wrote:


I moved from Cincinnati to a neighboring town and brought my modem with
me. There are apparently several wireless networks in the neighborhood
and I can occassionally log onto the internet, but not always, and
usually not to the network that my modem is supposed to be providing.

When the internet does not connect, I get the message that the
connection "failed due to unknown reasons". Cincinnati Bell told me
that this was not a Zoomtown problem but a Vista problem (although how
they can be sure over the phone without ever checking to see that I've
correctly connected everything, I don't know). The Zoomtown
representative did tell me that I would need to get some filters for my
phone line, but that this was not causing the problem with connecting
to
the internet.

I was told to contact you and ask for directions to change (something
about the registration?? I thought I'd written it down, but I can't
find
it). I was told to follow the directions exactly, or I'd mess my
computer up completely.

Also, I'll need help with "encryption"-is that the right word? Right
now, my network, like a few others in the neighborhood is "unsecured".
Once I get mine working, I'd like it to be "secure".

I am writing from the computer in my office, because there was no
guarantee that I could log on at home. Please let me know what I need
to do. Maybe there are other questions that I need to answer before
you
can help. Let me know what to tell you because I understand very
little
of what's going on.

Robert gave you good advice about the router. Here is how to set your
wireless connection up securely. Since I'm not sure what you've done to
set
things up, I've included the whole "boilerplate". Just take the bits you
need. ;-)

*****
Setting up a router is quite simple. Normally you run the CD that came
with
the router and follow the instructions. If you're running Vista perhaps
the
CD that came with the router won't work; I don't know this. But you can
set
up the router without a CD. Note that if you have cable Internet, for the
connection you just set the router to do DHCP (or there may even be a
choice of cable for you to select). If you have DSL Internet, you usually
select PPoe and enter the username and password which you chose when
originally setting up the DSL connection. So:

1. Turn off the power to your cable modem.
2. Attach a cat5e ethernet cable (usually provided with the router) going
from the router's Internet/WAN port to the cable modem's ethernet port.
3. Attach a cat5e ethernet cable going from your computer's network
adapter
to one of the ports on the router. If you don't have an ethernet cable
(because you were using USB), you will need to go to the store and buy
one.
4. Turn on the cable modem. After all the lights are on, turn on the
router.

To configure the router:

Have a computer connected to the router with an ethernet cable. Examples
given are for a Linksys router. Refer to your router manual or the router
mftr.'s website for default settings if you don't have a Linksys. Open a
browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox and in the addressbar type:

http://192.168.1.1 [enter] (this is the router's default IP address,
which
varies from router to router so check your manual)

This will bring you to router's login screen. The default username is
left
blank and the Linksys default password is "admin" without the quotes.
Enter
that information. You are now in the router's configuration utility. Your
configuration utility may differ slightly from mine.

Click on the Administration link at the top of the page. Enter your new
password. WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE YOU WILL NOT LOSE IT. Re-enter the
password to confirm it and click the Save Settings button at the bottom
of
the page. The router will restart and present you with the login box
again.
Leave the username blank and put in your new password to get back into
the
configuration utility.

Now click on the Wireless link at the top of the page. Change the
Wireless
Network Name (SSID) from the default to something you will recognize. I
suggest that my clients not use their family name as the SSID. For
example,
you might wish to name your wireless network "CastleAnthrax" or the
like. ;-)

Click the Save Settings and when you get the prompt that your changes
were
successful, click on the Wireless Security link which is right next to
the
Basic Wireless Settings link (where you changed your SSID). If you have a
newish computer, you will be able to set the Security Mode to
WPA2-Personal. Do that and enter a passphrase. The passphrase is what you
will enter on any computers that are allowed to connect to the wireless
network. WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE YOU WILL NOT LOSE IT.

At this point, your router is configured and if the computer you were
using
to configure the router is normally going to connect wirelessly,
disconnect
the ethernet cable and the computer's wireless feature should see your
new
network. Enter the passphrase you created to join the network and start
surfing.
*****

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ