help with netscape internet service - long post

[bionnaki]

I have been using netscape for the last month - I like the cheap price and high percentage of connectivity and unlimited access.

When I first installed/dialed into netscape, I noticed the annoying banner they put across the top screen and also how they have IE automatically popup and take you to isp.netscape.com. I found this rather annoying since I have no use for the toolbar and I refuse to use IE (firefox is much better) nor do I have interest in going to isp.netscape.com at all.

I played around with some settings and figured out how to prevent the toolbar from coming up (go into program files and rename css.exe to css.exe.bak). I kept messing around and started using XP's Network Connections dialer; I simply used netscape's dialing numbers and put in my user name/password. This worked great and solved my annoyances (no more IE popping up, no useless toolbar, less system resources). I was very happy with my little tweak & never had any problems.

Flash forward to today. I tried to logon to the net using this method that I've used daily for the last month. It said my username/password was incorrect. I kept trying and nothing helped. I called the user support phone number and talked to some guy in India - he told me that this was a problem they were facing. Said it was "network congestion" and to try again in a few hours.

I kept trying. Nothing. Eventually I tried the Netscape Internet Service software to dial. After a few tries over a couple hours it worked.

I went back to XP's Network Connections and tried to log in - still didnt work. I checked all the numbers, password, username and everything was just fine. But I still couldnt log in; it says my username/password is incorrect.

my questions are: what could be the problem? why cant I use Network Connections instead of the software?

If I have to use the software, is there anyway to prevent IE from popping up? I already have the useless toolbar disabled, but I cannot figure out how to prevent IE from loading. Anyone have any ideas?

[Guest]

I just signed up with Netscape Internet Services this week. After reading your message, I was able to get rid of the toolbar and create a Win98 DUN (Dial-Up Networking) connection for Netscape IS. Thanks for the tips.

What "username" are you using in your Windows connection? I tried both the screen name they had assigned me and my email address, with and without "@netscape.com", but none of them worked. Some were rejected outright (eg. "access denied"), while others seemed to be accepted, but Windows couldn't establish a connection. What I finally found that worked for me was my screen name (not email address) with "@netscape.aol.com". That and my regular password got me connected.

Oh, and I created my own script for Windows to use to log in to Netscape IS. None of the ones I saw on my system looked right. But if you've been getting in, I guess that's not a problem for you.

FWIW, I may be cancelling my Netscape IS account. I've sent them a rather long email describing a number of "issues" I have with their service, like the uncloseable toolbar. Yes, I can avoid the toolbar by renaming that program file, but they may require it be there for some reason and I have no desire to violate their rules. If they require the toolbar, or can't resolve some of my other "issues", I'll just decide that their service isn't for me, cancel it and look elsewhere.

James

[Guest]

Just to follow up on my last message.

I got a reply from Netscape IS tech support. Basically, they said:

1) No, you can't close the toolbar.

2) No, you can't use Windows DUN (Dial-Up Networking) to connect.

3) "you may not be able to change your default home page (http://isp.netscape.com)".


The use of "may not" in the home page answer may mean that they weren't sure, or it may just be a typo. At this point I'm assuming that it can't be changed, at least not officially.


Now I _told_ them that I had found a way to avoid the toolbar and to use DUN, but they made no mention of those points. They simply said, or implied, that those things couldn't be done. So I'm going to assume that as far as Netscape IS is concerned, they _shouldn't_ be done and, rather than worry about possible hassles because I'm violating their rules, I'm just going to cancel my account and look for another ISP.

FWIW, their reply said something to the effect of relying on feedback to improve the service, so perhaps they'll try to implement some of these changes somewhere down the line. Or not. Who knows?


As for that start page opening in IE on your system:
I haven't used their software much, but I'm pretty sure that page opens in NS 7 on my system. I don't suppose you have IE set as the default browser?

James

[netizen]

You need to choose your ISP carefully. Most low cost ISPs cut corners or sell your personal information to make extra money.

US Netizen offers low cost nationwide service with no floating banner ads, no toolbars, no cookies. We do not attempt to "enhance your Internet experience" with targeted advertisements or special offers and will never sell you out to spammers.

No "software" is required to connect, just use DUN (dial-up networking).

Pick your own start-up page. Choose your own browser. Use any e-mail client. It's your computer.

Most low cost ISPs also charge you for technical suppport - usually $1.95 to $5.00 per minute. US Netizen has FREE technical support with real americans on a toll-free line.

US Netizen is a new service and currently has a very low user-to-modem ratio so connections are quick and reliable.

Check it out at www.usnetizen.com

Become a Citizen of the Internet Today at US Netizen!

[Guest]

Just a bit of a correction to the message I posted on July 10 @ 1:46 AM:

On my system the Netscape IS start page usually opens in NS 7, but I've also had it open in IE once or twice. I have no idea why.

James

[KYLE]

I found the number to cancel netscape isp it's
If you have any questions about your Netscape account, please call Member Services toll-free at 866-541-8233 from 8:00AM to 1:00AM Eastern Time on weekdays, and 10:00AM to 10:00PM on weekends. the menu option is to cancel you're isp service hope this helps you all
kyle