Pipex Trouble

[babynan]

Hi,
I wonder if anyone can offer some advice, my son has been a broadband customer of Pipex for about the last 18 months. Anyway, about 4 weeks ago he bought a new computer as the other computer had finally died
So he set up new computer and then realised he could not locate his orginal instalation disc from Pipex.... this is mainly needed to install the driver for the modem and then you eventually access the Pipex site and then download the rest of the programs needed.
He phoned Pipex immed he realised that he could not find this disc and asked for a new one to be sent, they agreed that one would be sent immed........... this has now happened 4 times and during one phone call he was advised to access the internet and download a driver etc (this was all very confusing, we are not very clever with computers) also he tried to explain that without the system recognising his modem he could not connect to the internet.............. they have since taken another months subscription

He has considered changing providers, but thats ia another area that is a bit confusing, many say about providing a MAC number if you currently have a broadband provider and they will then send you downloads etc, but this would be no good if he is not able to access interent currently as he would not be able to do downloads??? I THINK

Maybe I am just really stupid where computers are concerned, and I am overlooking a very simple solution, but it all seems double dutch to me, so any words of advice or wisdom will be really appreciated... please please can some help and let me know what we should do

[buzby]

Your computer has the ability to recognise your modem without any assistance from the Pipex disk - you should be able to let Windows identify you modem (the default settings often do) and you'll be on line and can log into Pipex to download their customisation settings.

[babynan]

Originally Posted by buzby

Your computer has the ability to recognise your modem without any assistance from the Pipex disk - you should be able to let Windows identify you modem (the default settings often do) and you'll be on line and can log into Pipex to download their customisation settings.

Thanks for this info, I will give this a try and see what happens......

[snu]

Originally Posted by buzby

Your computer has the ability to recognise your modem without any assistance from the Pipex disk - you should be able to let Windows identify you modem (the default settings often do) and you'll be on line and can log into Pipex to download their customisation settings.

It really depends on the modem. If it's a USB one, you'll almost certainly need drivers from somewhere - be that the Pipex disk, or the manufacturer's web site, etc.

[babynan]

Originally Posted by snu

It really depends on the modem. If it's a USB one, you'll almost certainly need drivers from somewhere - be that the Pipex disk, or the manufacturer's web site, etc.

Well I tried again and Windows was not able to recognise it, I tried the Windows wizard to try and locate but still it came back telling us that we need to install a driver.......... It is a USB by the way.
Anyway, son is back on the phone to Pipex now, asking for his MAC number and telling them that if the disc is not here within 2 days he is cancelling his account and will also cancel the next payment that is due to them as he has been without the service for nearly a month now.....

Thanks all for your help, I will let you know how we get on

[buzby]

If it was a proper 'modem' (dial-up) this wouldn't be a problem, or indeed if it was an Ethernet ADSL device. The USB drivers would be supplied with the modem, unless Pipex provided their own branded version, and if so, the USB drivers would be on the Pipex disk. If you do switch, go for someone providing a WiFi router + ADSL, as it's more flexible.

[Curlyben]

As a side note.
There are known issues with USB Broadband modems and Windoze Vista.
Basically they don't work, now there's a surprise. Microsoft releases another operating system that hasn't been fully tested

I completely agree with Buzby on the broadband router, not only are they easy to use, but offer increased security and connection sharing as standard.
The manuals that come with them are extremely helpful.

If you are looking for another supplier then are numerous to choose from.
One of the strongest deals at the moment is from Sky with their See, Speak, Surf package.

[snu]

Originally Posted by Curlyben

As a side note.
There are known issues with USB Broadband modems and Windoze Vista.
Basically they don't work, now there's a surprise. Microsoft releases another operating system that hasn't been fully tested

In fairness it's not really Microsoft's job to ensure that every dodgy badly written third party driver works out of the box on their new operating system, and they do a better job at it than most.

[Curlyben]

snu, you have a point and there where similar issues when XP was released.
Yes it is upto the hardware suppliers to ensure that their drives will work.
This doesn't excuse Pipex's woeful service.
I used to use Bulldog for Broadband, but as soon as I found out Pipex bought them I jumped ship.
They are still trying to bill me 12 months on for a service that is well and truely cancelled !!!

[babynan]

Originally Posted by Curlyben

As a side note.
There are known issues with USB Broadband modems and Windoze Vista.
Basically they don't work, now there's a surprise. Microsoft releases another operating system that hasn't been fully tested

I completely agree with Buzby on the broadband router, not only are they easy to use, but offer increased security and connection sharing as standard.
The manuals that come with them are extremely helpful.

If you are looking for another supplier then are numerous to choose from.
One of the strongest deals at the moment is from Sky with their See, Speak, Surf package.

Well that is typical about Microsoft, Bl***y brilliant !!!!
Funny you should mention the SKY package, I was discussing this one with my son, but the thing that put me off (As I am ignorant and not very clever where computers are concerned) but I panicked when I saw that they would supply a wireless router then it went on to say that if you computer is not set for wireless you could by the stuff from them (no cost mentioned though).
Well that just really threw me, I would not know if it is set up for wireless, amd I am sure that if I had to buy parts I would not know how to fit them????
I know that I probably sound really thick but anything that sounds really technical gets my head spinning

[Curlyben]

Don't panic.
The router that is supplied by Sky is made by Netgear and is pretty good at that.
The wireless reference just means you CAN if you want to, but as this router has 4 normal networking ports you can just as easily use cables for connection instead.

A couple of the guys here at work have recently sign up for Sky.
Now they aren't teches at all, but the instructions are clear and concise.
Sky's Broadband helldesk is actually worth a call if you have any problems as they know what they are talking about for a change, well once you get passed the outsourced one

[snu]

Some crappy PCs don't even have ethernet ports, though - shocking but true.

[joe1965]

Everything you need to connect to Pipex is on the disc they supply. It will only let you try to install it a certain amount of times before you have to reformat your hard drive. If you phone up and ask for the settings so you can install manualy they refuse to give them. If I was you go elsewhere for your broadband. Pipex neither cares about the service they supply or their customers.

[RNSM]

All you would need extra from sky to go wireless would be a wireless dongle £25 that plugs into the usb port. If you are considering sky dont get another make first as some are not compatible with the sky router. (or other routers come to that).

To clarify as well (as long as you are not tied into contract period)
Its a MAC code (migration authority code). This is a code that you pass onto your new intended internet provider. (provided by your old/current provider). This should then allow a seamless (in theory) transition from one provider to another.

The other way to do it is cancell completely. Then start again with another provider once the line is clear. This will leave a gap in service from the old company removing equipment to the new company providing.

Do some research before changing company though.

I think sky are good - other disagree
I never had a problem with aol - others call them aoHELL
Tiscalli heard both good and bad.

Its crazy but their isnt one outstanding guaranteed no problems company out there.

[StormWarrior]

IF you are prepared to pay for a decent service then try ZEN.co.uk
Not the cheapest, but IMHO def the best.
You get what you pay for !

The ISPAs 2006
Winner - Best Business ISP
Winner - Best Heavy Business Broadband
Winner - Best Uncontended Service

Now I've said that, I suppose someone will tell tales of woe, with zen

p.s. I admit one of my busineses is a Zen Reseller, but I receive NO reward for a recommendation, only if I sign customer up.
Mods, if this post breaks any rules, please edit accordingly. Just trying to help

[babynan]

Well thanks to you everyone for all of the advice you have given.
I have taken it all onboard, sometimes got myself confused, but thats not difficult for me, LOL
Anyway, have now obtained my MAC number from Pipex. Did have a look around for another provider (and as many of you pointed out there seems to be many providers mentioned on this site with bad reviews did cpsider SKY but saw too many threads regarding SKY !!!!:o ) but we have now decided to go with Tiscalli (I sure that some of you will start to scream at me now) but so far they have been very helpful, they have explained about some of the problems with Windows Vista and what they can do to overcome these problems.
So keeping fingers crossed that all will work out ok with them, You can rest assured that I will be back on again if I find myself having problems though.
Once again thanks for all the help, its really nice to know that you can just log on to this site and if you have anything that is bothering you or there is something that you do not understand fully, there is always someone willing to advise you or put your mind at rest
Thanks

[joe1965]

DON'T go with Tiscalli.
They are part of Pipex, in all probability you will only be put back on the same server.