Use this document if you tried the “Getting Connected with Windows95/98” document and found out that you did not have Dial up Networking installed.  You may need your Windows95/98 CDROM or Disk Set.

1. Open the “MY COMPUTER” icon on your Windows95 desktop, then open the Control Panel and look for the Add/Remove Programs icon. Double click on the icon.

2. Click the tab that says Windows Setup. This is where you add and remove components of Windows95.  Make sure there is a check mark next to Communications.  Highlight Communications with the mouse and click the Details button. Put a check mark next to Dial-Up Networking. Click OK to add this component. Click OK again to return to your desktop.  You may be prompted to insert your Windows 95 Software at this point. Now, you need to configure your Windows 95 Network Properties

Windows 95 Network Properties

1. You will now check your networking setup to insure that you are configured to use Dial-up Networking. Again in the CONTROL PANEL, open the NETWORK icon.

2. You should see the following components installed: Client for Microsoft Networks, Dial up Adapter, and TCP/IP. If you already have these components then you are finished (be sure to complete Step 4 to finalize you network settings). If you are missing any components,  you will need to add them. Follow the instructions for adding each component below.  If your computer is on a Local Area Network, you are STRONGLY suggested to consult with your Network Administrator before making any changes to your network components. 

3. To add a Client for Microsoft Networks Click Add. Select Client and click Add. Select MICROSOFT under Manufacturers and select Client for Microsoft Networks under Network Clients. Click OK to add this item

4.  You will be prompted to provide a Computer Name and Workgroup (if not you can click  the Identification tab).  Enter your Username for the Computer Name.  Enter nol for the Workgroup. Click on the Configuaration tab.

5. To add a Dial up Adapter,  click Add. Select Adapter and click Add.  Select Microsoft under Manufacturers and select Dia-Up Adapter under Network Adapters. Click OK to add this item. 

6. To add the TCP/IP Protocol, click Add. Select Protocol and click Add. Select Microsoft under Manufacturers and select TCP/IP   under Network Protocols.  Click OK to add this item.   Finally Click OK  in the Configuration Screen to finalize you network settings.

You should now be able to connect to Networks On-Line if you've already completed Getting Connected with Windows 95. Please remember that usernames and passwords are Case Sensitive and  that is the most common cause for a failed connection.

Please Note: If your computer/modem disconnects by itself (after you've established a connection and while still using your computer - not after the computer has been "idle" for some time), the most probable cause might be a noisy phone line. NOL cannot guarantee and/or control the quality of the circuit between your computer and our network. That is strictly a function of your distance from your phone company's central office and the quality of the circuit between you and them.

The best solution is to do the following: If you are using Windows 95/98, go to My Computer > Dialup Networking > right click on the correct dial-up icon >Properties > Configure > reduce the Maximum speed to the next lowest level. If you are using Windows NT, go to My Computer > Dialup Networking > select the roaming icon in "Phonebook entry to dial..."> More > Edit entry and modem properties...> Configure > reduce the Initial speed to the next lowest level. If you still experience problems, reduce modem speed to a level that eliminates the problem.

NOL uses the reliable "industry standard" Max Terminal Servers manufactured by Ascend (now Lucent Technologies) and in use by thousands of ISP's throughout the world. The servers always try to connect at the highest modem speed possible but that may not offer the best real-life throughput because of line noise and constant resending information that may have had errors. The higher the connection speed, the more susceptible the connection is to noise interference. The best solution would be to have a nice, clean pair of copper wires between your location and the phone company central office but that isn't always possible.