Preparing to install DSL modem ... have no clue!? What will I need?

Since you have the "filters" that will be placed in the Analog telephone lines, that means you can use any telephone jack for the DSL modem.  You can continue using the 20 ft telephone cable you are using now.  Do not connect a filter in the line for the DSL modem.

You didn't say what type of interface you have between the PC and the DSL modem.  If you have an Ethernet (NIC) connection, use that as it's preferred over a USB connection.  You should not need any drivers for the Ethernet connection but you will for the USB.  The Ethernet uses an 8 pin "RJ45" jack connection which is similar to the RJ-11, 4 wire telephone modular connection, except the RJ45 is 8 pins. 

That should be all for the physical connections between the PC and the DSL modem and the DSL modem and the telephone line. 

If everything is connected correctly, when you restart the PC (assuming you have Windows XP) it should automatically detect and connect to the Internet.  You will need to delete any dial up connection you have listed in the Internet Explorer "Internet Options/Connections" and you will have to reconfigure the Account setup in your E-Mail program for the new ISP.  You should have been supplied that information. 

If you have any problems, the ISP should be able to assist you.

Do you mean to say the bums do not include an installation guide of any sort? Or an on-line web address for support?

Thanks so much! It's starting to make more sense now~ but, I think that I should probably read through the literature that came with the dsl modem, to see if there's something in there (diagrams?)to allow me to visualize things better. The reason I haven't bothered with that yet, is because SBC told me NOT to even try to install the equipment, until they activate the line (which they've moved from Aug 10, to Aug 24)and I'm not really clear on why I couldn't install the equipment and just not try to use it?

I'm glad to hear that I can continue to use the 20' phone line.. as I dreaded the thought that I'd have to either climb up in the attic, or go down below the house to run a new line!!! 40 years ago, that wouldn't have been a problem.. today I'm lucky if I can get up off the sofa without hurting myself! ;0)

I do have a question though... is there anyway to have BOTH my dialup and the dsl on the same machine??? I'd like to keep the dialup for several reasons, I'm used to the e-mail program.. have kept lots of "legal" type e-mails that I'll need in the future, and also, just in case something goes south with the dsl setup, I'd still be able to do e-mail and go onto the internet for assistance.

Once again, I want to thank you...at least now I have half a clue!
Dianne

Will check back again after I go through all the paperwork~

europa303,

Well, yes and no... there are some papers that came along with the dsl "kit"...but, when I first looked through it, they were using terms that I am unfamiliar with and there were no diagrams (which is the easiest way for me). That is why I thought I'd post in the forum, in hopes that someone else had already gone through it all and could give me a headsup.

As for the online support, I tried to get info using the web site, and found it very frustrating just trying to "search" their site! Also, I'm thinking that I won't have any access to the web, once I start with the install~so, even if their site worked smoothly.. I would have no way to get there?!

Thanks,
Dianne

I use cable now, but I have set up 2 BellSouth DSL modems for friends. Both went without a hitch. Once your DSL service is on you go from the phone jack into the supplied filter into the modem and from there, depending on your modem type, either an ethernet cable (first choice) from the modem to your computer network card or (2nd choice) USB cable from modem to computer. I do not recommend instlling any software on your computer. It usually is not necessary. You will have to change some e-mail program settings to receive e-mail but typically the ISP has an 800 number you can call for assistance.

You still have dial-up at this time and you will still have it once the DSL line goes live. Once the DSL is up and running you may need to change/remove some settings about your old dial-up though. I'm not sure what you will need to do though.

You can keep your dial up, but for what? (other than getting the final e-mails off).  However, since you have to remove the dial up definition in Internet Explorer, for Iinternet Explorer to use the DSL link, you will have to manually reinstall that in the Internet Explorer, Internet Options whenever you want to use it.

You can keept the telephone line connected to the modem if you want to use it for fax capabilities, but you will need to connect a filter between the telephone line and the modem, as it is analog like your voice telephones. 

Don't complicate the "Ham sandwich".

My DSL kit came with 4 filters.  One is for the DSL modem, two were for desk phones and one for a wall phone.  Without these phone filers, your voice conversation will hear SEVERE noise when the DSL modem is power on.

Get a phone jack fairly near the PC and plug in the DSL modem filter.  It has two jacks (usually) one for the modem and one for an analog phone which is handy for your FAX.

Yes, you can still use dialup.  BellSouth leaves the dialup, with the same e-mail address, but limits the number of hours per month.  It came in handy last night when the DSL link went down for some (virus?) reason.

XP IE can switch automatically to dialup when ethernet carrier is lost.  On IE, click Tools, Internet Options, Connections and select 'Dial whenever a network connection is not present.'  You will need to plug your FAX analog line into your modem for dial backup to work.

BellSouth strongly recommends not install anything until the line is active. Then use the CD that came with the kit and follow instructions carefully.  You will probably have to call their helpdesk to get your e-mail working.