UNET Dialup Instructions for Windows XP

This document explains how to set up a PC with a modem and Windows XP, to use the UNET modem pools to connect to the Internet. We assume that the user has a UNET account. If you don't have an account you can contact your Campus or Center computing support people or call UNET User Services at 561-3587 Orono number).

Each UNET account can use the modem pools for 50 hours of dialup time per month without a charge. If you need more than 50 hours you can pay for additional time at the rate of 30 cents per hour.

Creating a Connection Icon

Click on the Start button, and then click on the "Control Panel" icon, which should look like this . A window should open like the one below.

Click the link (underlined here) labeled "Network and Internet Connections".  The window should change to look like the one below.

Click on the link (underlined here) labeled "Set up or change your Internet connection" A window should pop open like the one below.

Click the button labeled "Setup..."  This starts the connection wizard that steps you through the process of creating your connection icon. Click the "Next" button to continue.

In the next screen, select "Connect to the Internet", which should be the default choice (see picture below). Then click "Next".

In the next screen, select the second option - "Set up my connection manually". Click "Next."

In the next screen, select the first choice - "Connect using a dial-up modem". Click "Next."

In this screen, type in a name for this connection.  In the example screen below we have entered UNET, but you may enter any name you wish here.  Click next when you are ready.

Now enter the phone number of the UNET modem pool you want to use.  In the example screen below, we have entered a non-existant phone number simply as an example.  Enter the number for whichever modem pool is a local call for you.

Here is the list of UNET modem pool phone numbers. You want to use one which is a local phone call for you. If none of the numbers is a local call, either arrange to pay for a dial-up connection through a commercial Internet Service Provider or call the UNET User Services staff at 561-3587 (an Orono call) for advice.

In the next screen, enter your UNET username and password, then click "Next."

In the final Wizard screen it offers to place a shortcut for this connection on your desktop. In the example picture below, we have selected that option. To complete the process, click the "Finish" button:

You may now close the control panel window.  The connection you have just created is available in several ways.  If you opted to create a shortcut on the desktop (see above), then you will have an icon on your desktop that you can double-click on to connect.  In any case, you can connect by opening your Start menu, hovering over "Connect To", and clicking on the connection you just created as in the screenshot below.

Whichever method you choose, you should be presented with a screen that looks like this:

Connecting

The connection is now ready to try. Click the "Dial" button to begin the connection process. If your modem's sound is turned on you should hear a dialing sound, then a screech as the two modems converse. After a few seconds you should get a box telling you that you are connected to the Internet. At this point you can run any Internet applications. These include Microsoft's Internet Explorer, an e-mail program, the First Class Client and so on.

When you have finished your session, click on the Disconnect button to hang up the phone and free the remote modem. You can find this button by clicking on the icon in your system tray that represents your connection, or by using one of the methods outlined above for accessing your connection.

For help with connection problems, call your Campus or Center computing support, or UNET User Services at 561-3587 or TechSupport (if you are taking an ITV or UNET Web-based course) at 1-800-696-4357. Note that the 561-3587 number is an Orono exchange and may be a long distance call for you.

Most connection difficulties are caused by a problem with the user's account (userid and password), so if you have a problem connecting, check these entries first.