Comcast Self Install Kit problems

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The best thing to do is call Comcast and find out if they are using PPPoE or just standard DHCP connection. In my state they use standard DHCP which requires no password to connect. You may have to ask to speak to Level 2 technical support.

If they require PPPoE, ask them to set you up with a username and password and find out from them when it is setup.

Regardless of the type of connection, you'll need to know the router address for the modem, and the Name Server addresses.

Once you know what the setup is supposed to be, go to Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Network, and configure your ethernet settings to be either DHCP or PPPoE and enter the relevant information. Shut down your Mac, and connect up the cable modem, and then restart the Mac with the cable modem already on.

Your admin password should also be set because on high speed internet connections, your machine can be used as a server! Which basically means it is open to hackers who know what they are getting into. Thankfully Macs once they have a password are very secure.
To learn more about setting your password, see this article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106156

Forget about the CD from Comcast. Trash it.
You are going to manually setup the connection.

I might add, you have no business using Internet Explorer. Macs come with Safari now and are much better supported under Safari.

Explorer is no longer supported by Microsoft.

And for those few sites which require it, see my FAQ:

http://www.macmaps.com/browser.html

Hi--

I have the modem router address and the MAC number
from the modem.

If your state is like mine, you just need the MAC address of the cable modem. If I were you, I'd just give up on the installer and call Comcast.

Here's what's happening: when you hook up a new cable modem to Comcast's network, you get stuck in what's called a "walled garden" where, as you've found out, it tries to get you to download and install some software. My experience is that the software stomps all over your network settings, creates general havoc (including setting IE as your default browser), then, if it works at all, eventually dead-ends you at a last page where you're told to call a 1-800 phone number to call, with your cable modem's MAC address. You'll talk to a real live person for about 30 seconds, then you should be good to go. I think the number is 1-888-COMCAST.

charlie