Win98 Setup

Windows 98 Ridgenet Setup

Click here if you are using a different OS: Win95 Setup WinXP Setup

Introduction

Windows 98 networking hardly changes from that of Windows 95. A few "options" that were available for Win95 are now standard, and the connection wizard has been redone, but configuring the networking is virtually the same. Here's a walk thru to help you out.

These instructions are designed to help subscribers install and configure the major portions of the Win98 dialer. You may need to add or skip small steps depending on your computer, it's configuration, and what Win98 components have or have not been pre-installed. The Windows Headquarters web site www.WinFiles.com is an excellent secondary source for information. They have lots of general information on the Windows dialer. I recommend you print out these instructions before attempting this process.

After some of these steps, Win98 may request you restart the computer. Don't get excited, this is normal. Make certain to have your Win98 CD on hand before beginning this process.

Win98 Communications

Step 1: Installing Dial-up Networking

First things first, you need to install Win98 Dial-up Networking. Most Win98 systems come with Dial-up Networking already installed. But on the off chance that it's not, follow the instructions below. (Note: You will need your Win98 CD-Rom for this part.)

Click on the button 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.

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.

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. This will bring up an alert message informing you that you are about to make changes to your network. Click [Ok], since that is what we are trying to do after all. 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.

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 by dragging the RidgeNet icon to the desktop.
Note: 375-0771 and 375-6073 are interchangable phone numbers. Neither is better or faster than the other. They dial into the same modem pool.

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.

Step 6: You're On!

See you on the Net!

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].

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Technical Support

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