Fun with SBC

[captain_planet8]

I hate SBC DSL I want my Comcast back! Here is what I've been through so far. I received a package from them with some hardware(modem) and software. I set up the modem and download the software. The software says my modem is not trained and then my computer shuts off. I try to start it again but all I get is a background screen with no icons

Comments

DSL = Ugh.

[bandagediris]

Hey Amanda, I read your post, and a few things crossed my mind concerning your internet troubles:

-They suggested that you System Restore, which is a really, really bad feature. Joel has taught me the nastiness that is associated with System Restore, and to sum it up--It appears that it cleans things out, but they're still there and it only junks up your system. Disable it pronto.

-I know you won't, but I'll tell you anyway--Don't open your laptop like they're trying to make you do. It should be possible to get things running with SBC, but it will most likely be tedious and difficult. There should be ways to train the modem. I'll post on OT and ask about modem training. I just need you to describe your problem in the most basic, yet detailed way, so that these guys can tell you exactly what to do.

-You can only count on Customer Service so much. If you really need help, you'll save a lot more time talking to Richard, Joel, or me. We'll do everything we can to get things running.

-What SBC said about the software being optional is true. But on most cases, they suggest you put it in, since the average computer user isn't aware that it's optional stuff, so you spend a lot of time doing useless crap.

-If you can possibly do it, leave SBC right now. They've got great download speeds and whatnot (6MB down connection, as opposed to Comcasts 3MB, and my 4MB with Wide Open West), but their Customer Service shows that they'll be nothing but a pain in the ass in the future (i.e. unreasonable downtime, billing). If you decide to switch, either go with Comcast again, or go to Broadband Reports.com and put in your zip code. They'll give you a list of the best providers in your area. You'll be able to shop around from there very easily.

If possible for now, have Richard teach you the Pringles can trick. It'll grab you the nearest wireless broadband connection, and you'll have service until you get settled with an ISP.

Laters!

Re: DSL = Ugh.

[curlybear]

I have SBC DSL and have had very few problems with it (aside from the fact that my computer's about 10 years old so it can't handle much, the software would lock it up the first time I installed it when I had windows 98). But then again, I'm not a computer person really so I can't begin to tell you how to solve the problem. The major problem I had with SBC is that they refused to remove me from ebilling so I wasn't getting my phone bill even though I had them in my list of allowed senders. Despite numerous requests I still wasn't getting the paper bills. I was suspicious of being overcharged and I couldn't make sense of the itemization on the site since they itemize differently than on the paper bills. That finally got resolved when I reported them to the attorney general and the better business bureau.

Jason's Windows XP recognized the 2Wire home portal right away but from what you were saying the other night it sounds like you have a different modem than they sent us. My Windows 2000 Professional edition recognized there was a USB device it needed drivers for so all I had to do was put in the CD they sent me with my modem and it found the drivers on the CD. So neither of us followed their install and it all works for us.

You might ask them if they'd send you a different kind of modem if you send the one you have back to them too. I had trouble with the first USB adapter they sent me so they sent me another one with no questions asked. I'm really surprised they are giving you such a hassle. My experience with their tech support was the complete opposite and when I was having trouble, they transferred me right to 2wire's tech support since they made my equipment. And get Richard or someone else over there to help! :)

Re: DSL = Ugh.

[captain_planet8]

I will try that probably some time soon unless I can get dustin over to my house and try to make the one I have work

Re: DSL = Ugh.

[captain_planet8]

I wanted to go with comcast from the start, but the condo association wont let us install a cable wire, becasue they would have to drill a hole in the building and they feel that it would depreciate the worth of the condo, and since we all jointly own the outside wall, that can only be done if there is a majority aggreement through a vote. So I am stuck with phone line internet only. I can go AOL or dial up, or SBC or soemthing else like that. This Pringles thing sounds interesting, because I like pringles very much, especially the sour cream and onion variety. Maybe you can bring some over, and we can install them onto my laptop, so I can copy and eat them whenever I want to.