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What are the correct ways to maintain the connection settings for an ISP?

Posted By : Kera of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on February 22, 2005

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My computer won't maintain the correct connection settings for my ISP. It keeps reverting to a Proxy Server setting. It doesn't give me the option to "Apply" when I make the corrections. It's causing a major problem with my distance learning classes- the "Page cannot be found" pops up in the middle of a test and I get locked out of the exam. What can I do?

This question was answered on February 22, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.


There are reasons why your computer isn't maintaining the correct connection settings I will give you different ways you can go about trying to find the source of the problem:

(A) To verify that you can connect to your Internet service provider (ISP) and that the connection settings for Internet Explorer are correct, do the following:

1 Verify that the Use a Proxy Server check box is cleared or selected, according to your Network Administrator or ISP's instructions.

a Start Internet Explorer

b Click Tools, and then click Internet Options.

c Use one of the following methods:

1 For LAN and most DSL and Cable modem users, click the Connections tab, and then click LAN Settings.

2 For dialup modem and Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) users, click the Connections tab, click the appropriate connection under Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings, and then click Settings

2 Use an ISP access number that is not a toll number.

(B)To determine if the problem is caused by an entry in the Hosts file, look for Hosts files on the local computer and rename all the Hosts files that are found.

1 Click Start, point to Search, and then click For Files or Folders.

2 In the All or part of the file name box, type hosts.

3 In the Look in list, click your hard disk, and then click Search.

4 Click all the Hosts files that are found If there is more than one, click one Hosts file, and then hold down the CTRL key while you click other Hosts files.

5 Press F2.

6 Type a new name For example, type oldhosts, and then press ENTER.

(C) Make sure your network adapter is compatible with Windows XP Use device manager to verify that your network adapter is installed correctly and is working correctly Update the driver if you must For more information concerning the hardware compatibility list, you can visit the Microsoft website and type 314062 in the Search tab.

(D) If you are using AOL to connect to the Internet, verify that there are no parental restrictions on the account.

(E) If the troubleshooting steps in this article do not resolve the problem, you may want to use the System Restore feature of Windows XP to restore your computer to a previous state or to repair or to reinstall Internet Explorer

Hope I’ve been of great help!

About the author

Posted by Kera of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on February 22, 2005

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