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General discussion

AOL Settings

Feb 17, 2006 8:01PM PST

I am new to AOL. I have a brand new computer running Windows XP and have comcast cable hookup. I am trying to use AOL through dial-up and everytime someone calls me via the telephone I keep getting logged off the Net.

Can you please tell me what I can do to resolve this problem that I won't get knocked off the net everytime someone calls me?

Also, I am wondering if there is a way I can use my cable hook-up to configure AOL. I have comcast cable, a modem, and a router. I don't know how to configure AOL to use these and that's why I'm using the phone line.

Please help! Thanks for all your efforts and patience with me. This is so frustrating because I know others that are using AOL and they don't seem to have this problem. Please help me! Thanks again!

Discussion is locked

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Do you have cable internet?
Feb 18, 2006 10:02AM PST

You said you have Comcast cable, and by mentioning a modem and router suggest that you have Comcast high-speed internet access. Do you? If so you shouldn't have a need for AOL dial-up access unless Comcast is fequently down or you travel a lot and need dial-up while on the road.

If you do have Comcast cable internet, you can:
* Cancel your AOL service and just get an AIM account for free. With an AIM account you can still chat with those on AOL through AIM (AOL Instant Messenger.)
* I believe AOL now lets you keep your AOL username/e-mail if you cancel your service.
* Login to AOL through AOL.com, enabling you to check your e-mail and such.
* Connect to AOL using your high-speed connection. For instructions, click here.
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With dial-up internet, getting bumped off when someone calls is just part of the package. Some ISPs offer a call-waiting service, which lets you know someone is calling and have you choose between picking up or remaining online. However, I'm not sure if AOL has that or not.

Hope this helps,
John

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Cable Internet
Feb 18, 2006 12:45PM PST

Yes I have high speed internet connection access. You say I can cancel my AOL service and get an AIM account. How do I get an AIM account?

If I cancel my account then how do I log into AOL to check my e-mail?

Thanks and sorry for my stupid questions.

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Call AOL
Feb 18, 2006 1:58PM PST

customer service and tell them exactly what you have right now. I just did it last week and they explained to me in details and took out all the unnecessary services those I had been paying. I wish I could explain to you but I myself wasn't so clear about it because I've never checked the details. But the monthly bill was cut to less than a third.

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Here's how...
Feb 18, 2006 4:27PM PST

If you cancel your AOL service, hop on over to www.aim.com and sign up for a new account. You'd have to let everyone know about your new screenname, but you wouldn't have to pay AOL anymore. (Note: You would no longer have AOL, you'd just have an AIM account, which includes e-mail and instant messenger.)

If you do stick with AOL, I believe they still offer the BYOA (bring your own access) discount. Last I checked this service costs $14 a month and allows you to continue having AOL (e-mail, portal, software, etc) as you do now, but you use your cable internet service to connect instead of dial-up. Just call AOL's 1-800 number and see what they can do for you.

Happy surfing.
John

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Thank you
Feb 18, 2006 10:45PM PST

Thank you ever so much! Everyone has been extremely helpful!

Do you happen to have the 1-800 number?

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(NT) (NT) I believe the one you want is 1-800-827-6364.
Feb 18, 2006 11:38PM PST
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(NT) (NT) Thank you very much for your time and speedy response
Feb 19, 2006 7:33AM PST