Understanding Your Connection

This article applies to users of Windows 95 or higher using Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook Express that comes with the NetEase Internet Start. If you are using any other software or a dialer or connection process other than Dial Up Networking, please consult your documentation.

Understanding how your computer connects to the Internet is important. Especially when it comes to trouble-shooting connection problems. Many users will immediately begin to re-install the Internet Software they received with their account. However, this causes more problems. The following will explain why.

"What makes the connection?"

Windows 95 or higher utilizes components included in the operating system to make the actual connection. The basic components are Dial Up Networking, TCP/IP Protocol and the drivers that actually talk to your modem. Once these components are in place and working, your browser and other Internet related programs can then talk to other computers on the Internet. Without these components, your Internet software is useless.

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"So where do these components come from?"

Dial Up Networking and TCP/IP are included with all versions of Windows 95 or higher. In most cases, during Internet setup a check is done for the existence of Dial Up Networking and TCP/IP. If not found, users are prompted for their Windows disk so that it may be installed. In the event that a user does not have their Windows disk available, the setup will fail.

The drivers that communicate with your modem depend on the brand of modem and whether or not drivers were included. Some more popular modem drivers are included with Windows, however since many modems are released after Windows hits the streets, we must rely on drivers supplied by the manufacturer. Since there are so many variations of modems available we will not go in to which drivers are best for your modem here. We do recommend that your consult your modem manufacturer or local computer shop for assistance with modem drivers. Keep in mind that having the correct modem drivers loaded can make a difference in your connection. Don't just guess

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"So what is the software that we got from NetEase?"

NetEase provides Microsoft Internet Explorer with Outlook Express in the Internet Start package. Windows XP and higher include this software. Internet Explorer is a web browser used to navigate web pages. Windows Mail and Outlook Express are designed for e-mail. Internet Explorer does play a big part in how the rest of your computer talks to your connection. However, it does not make the actual connection. Re-installing Internet Explorer to correct a connection problem usually only makes the problem worse.

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"So how do I check my connection?"

To check your Dial Up Network settings manually check out Configuring Dial-Up Networking to call NetEase. This step by step guide will tell you what to look for in your Dial Up Network component. A new utility is available for download that will reset your dial up connections and mail settings correctly. Click here for instructions on downloading and installing this utility.

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"Okay, but I have several icons in Dial Up Networking that say NetEase and some of them have numbers after them?"

This is usually a result of installing the Internet Start software again. Running the Setup Utility will remove the extra icons and install the correct one.

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"How do I check my settings?" The simplest way to check your settings it to run the Setup Utility provided by NetEase.
If you would like to check your settings manually follow these steps.
Right-click the Internet icon on your desktop.
Click the Connection tab and verify that "Connect using a modem" is checked. (IE6 or higher users should have "Always dial using my default connection")
(IE6 users should select the Dial Up Network connection from the list)
Close the Internet Properties box by clicking OK.
Now open Windows Mail or Outlook Express by Double-click the icon on your desktop.
You do not need to connect at this time.
Click the Tools menu and choose Accounts.
Click the Mail tab and highlight your NetEase account by clicking on it once.
Click the Properties button to the right.
Click the Connection tab and verify that the same connection listed in the Internet Properties above is the one listed here. IE5/6 users should make sure there is not a check in "Always connect using...".
If it is not, click the arrow to the right of the box and select the correct connection.
You may now close any open boxes and go check your Dial Up Network connection.

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"I am not using Internet Explorer, Windows Mail or Outlook Express. What determines what connection will be used?"

Even if you do not use Internet Explorer, your software relies on the settings found in Control Panel to determine how to make the connection unless otherwise specified. Consult the above steps on how to look at this information. The Setup Utility available on our site will correct your settings for other Internet applications also.

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"How do I disconnect manually if I am not prompted?"

When you are connected to the Internet you may notice two computers next to your clock in the System Tray. Right-clicking once on these will pop up a menu. Click Disconnect with your left mouse button to close your connection.

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"What if I want to establish my connection manually for other programs such as my favorite Chat utility?"

You can establish your connection without opening Internet Explorer, Windows Mail or Outlook Express. Remember? These programs do not establish the connection. You can create a shortcut to your dial up connection by following these steps.

Open Control Panel, then Network Connections.
Right click your NetEase Connection and choose "Create Shortcut".
You will receive a prompt that tells you a shortcut can not be created here, would you like to place one on your Desktop instead? Click Yes.
You will now have an icon on your Desktop called Shortcut to NetEase.
Double-clicking this icon will bring up the Connect To prompt. However, once connected you will have to open your Internet programs individually.
Close your connection as described in the steps above.

This is just the basics of understanding your connection. Hopefully it has helped you some. If you have any questions, please let us know.

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