Click here if you are using a newer OS: Win98 Setup WinXP Setup

Introduction

The Win95 Dial-Up Networking (DUN) can be used to connect to RidgeNet. The advantage of using DUN is it runs a 32bit TCP/IP connection. This connection will allow you to run 32bit (Win95/NT version) internet programs. 32bit TCP/IP is also faster and more reliable. All Win95 computers have DUN included on the Win95 CD. We recommend this method as the best way for Win95 users to connect to RidgeNet.

These instructions are designed to help subscribers install and configure the major portions of the Win95 dialer. You may need to add or skip small steps depending on your computer, it's configuration, and what Win95 components have or have not been pre-installed. The www.WinFiles.com (Windows Headquarters) web site is an excellent secondary source for information. They have lots of general information on the Win95 dialer. I recommend you print out these instructions before attempting this process.

After some of these steps, Win95 may request you restart the computer. Don't get excited, this is normal. Microsoft Plus claims to aid in Internet setup. It has been my experience that Plus causes more problems that it is worth. You certainly don't NEED it.

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Step 1: Installing Dial-up Networking

First things first, you need to install Win95 Dial-up Networking. Depending on how your Win95 system was setup, Dial-up networking may already be installed.
• Click on the menu and select Settings and then Control Panel.
• In Control Panel select Add/Remove Programs
• Select the Windows Setup tab and double click on Communications
• Check the box marked Dial-up Networking and click OK at the bottom. (if the box is already checked, then proceed to the next step.

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Step 2: Installing the Necessary Network Components

You need three network components installed, Client for Microsoft Networks, Dial-Up Adapter, and TCP/IP. To check these components, bring up the Control Panel (see above) and select Network. If you don't have the above components installed, follow these steps:
• Click Add then Client then Microsoft (on the left) and then Client for Microsoft Networks (on the right). Click [ok].
• Click Add then Adapter then Microsoft (on the left) and then Dial-Up Adapter (on the right). Click [ok].
• Click Add then Protocol then Microsoft (on the left) and then TCP/IP (on the right). Click [ok].
First add all necessary network components. You can then remove any extra components that may be present.

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Step 3: Configuring TCP/IP

Now you need to configure the TCP/IP protocol for RidgeNet. Double click on the TCP/IP protocol in the Network window seen above in Step 2. Set the 6 tabs to the following:
• IP Address: Obtain an IP address automatically
• WINS Configuration: Disable WINS resolution
• Gateway: leave blank
• Bindings: Client for Microsoft Network checked
• Advanced: (none)
• DNS Configuration
  • Enable DNS
  • Host: your username
  • Domain: ridgenet.net
  • DNS Server search order: 199.120.150.1 and then click add
Now click [ok] and [ok] again. You will probably be asked to restart your computer. Please do so.

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Step 4: Make RidgeNet Connection

• Double click on My Computer (in the upper left hand corner of your desktop)
• Double click on Dial-up Networking
• Double click on Make New Connection
• I suggest calling the new connection RidgeNet.
• Follow the prompts and enter our phone number: 375-6073
You can make a shortcut, drag the RidgeNet icon to the desktop.

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Step 5: Connecting to RidgeNet

Step 5 & 6 will be repeated every time you wish to connect to RidgeNet.

Now it is time to try connecting to RidgeNet. Double click on the RidgeNet icon (as seen in the Step 4 picture). You should now see the Connect To window. The fields marked User Name and Password need to contain your username and password. You should have received a Username and Password when you joined RidgeNet. It is normal for your password to appear as "****"'s. Check to make sure the phone number is correct for RidgeNet, and click Connect.

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Step 6: You're On!

See you on the Net!




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Extras

• Call Waiting: If you have call-waiting you will want to disable it during your RidgeNet connections. If you do not, then any incoming call will disconnect you from the Net unexpectedly. To temporarily disable call-waiting during your connection, go to Step 5 and select [Dial Properties]. Now check "This location has call waiting" and choose option [*70]. Click [ok].

• Automatic Redial: To setup automatic redial, to Step 4 and select menu item [Connections] and then [Settings]. Check the box marked redial. Set the retries to 99 times. Set the wait to 15 secs. Click [ok].

• Speed up Connection Process: You can shorten the time it takes for the connection process to complete. Go to Step 4 and right-click on RidgeNet and select [properties]. Click on [Server Types]. Uncheck the boxes marked Log on to Network, NetBEUI, and IPX/SPX Compatible. Click [ok].


Back to the Main Help page


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Technical Support

Subscribers with questions about their service or technical problems should contact RidgeNet technical support. Technical support is available via phone, fax, and e-mail. Contact Us