"Their Software". XP is happy to set up networking with just a NIC connected to a modem. I've worked on tons of PCs set up for dial-up. I connect them (friends PCs) to my network with my NIC, set Networking, click OE, and bingo, I'm on line. Unless Cox has some proprietary software, all you need to do is let them know the MAC address of the modem and that's it.

If you don't have the correct lights on the modem, my D-link modems lights are Link - flashing, and Status - solid. Act(ivity) is flashing during data transfer.

I'd make sure I knew exactly what software they are trying to install. I installed zero software for my Comcast connection. I did install the router, but that's it. I'm always skeptical of a provider who wants to install something I may not need. What comes to mind is a branded browser. That's your call, but you don't need it.

Good luck,

Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to
use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.

Click here to see the CNet faces, learn a little about telephones, internet
connections and data, and download free software.