Always dial my default connection not working

I am using Windows XP with service pack 3. I use Verizon DSL. Under Connections, I have checked the "always dial my default connection" so that when I start my computer, it will start my DSL automatically.

The problem is that for some reason the "always dial my default connection" keeps changing to "never dial a connection ", on its own. So, I have to click on the Verizon icon every time I start my connection.

Any suggestions to fix this would be appreciated!

 

Hi tristan21,

"Always Dial My Default Connection" is for dial-up and not DSL. DSL is always on (unless you turn off your modem): That's why it re-sets itself.

Are you missing (as in used to seeing) the connection notification in the system tray? If so, go to Control Panel and click on "Network Connections ". Then right click your LAN and click on Properties. The first tab is "General" and in that box down at the bottom is a check box for "Show icon in notification area when connected ". Check that if you want, but having DSL, that little icon will always be there, even if you aren't on the web.

You shouldn't have to do that. You should only have to click the icon for whatever web browser you're using.

 

Hi jpChris,

I should have said that I always turn off my computer. So, when I turn it back on, I have to connect to my DSL. When the "always connect" button used to work, when I started my computer, the DSL would automatically start to connect. Now, I have to click on the DSL icon. This problem started when I downloaded Windows 8.
Thanks

 

Hi tristan21,

OK(!), now we're getting somewhere.

So do I. It makes no difference because you don't turn off your modem. Next time your computer is off, check out the lights on your modem and you'll see one of the lights blink intermittently and the "Power" light will be a solid color.

As I said, your DSL is on\active even if the computer is off. However, I'm kinda lost on what you mean by, "I have to connect to my DSL...click the icon "? You shouldn't have to click anything. It should be that all you have to do is click on the IE icon and you'll be on your home page.

Check out: Control Panel - Internet Options - Connections - LAN Settings. Is, "Automatically Detect Settings" checked? If not, do so. The other boxes should be unchecked.

As far as IE8 goes, I'm afraid I have to admit my ignorance there as I rarely, if ever, use IE. I do know that people are having problems with IE8.

Try downloading and installing SeaMonkey (it has an e-mail suite), or FireFox, or ThunderBird, and then click the DeskTop icon and see if you go right to your home page. Or, roll back to IE7 or IE6.

 

I have Verison DSL, and I do not have the problems you seem to be having, but I didn't install their silly software.
As stated before, the 'Always Dial A Connection' should unchecked, but "Automatically Detect Settings" should be.
What you definitely need to try is this. Go to the Start button, and select Run. Type in CMD and press Enter, then do these following commands in the window that appears, pressing Enter at the end of each line:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
These commands will release the internet connection, then renew it, and then flush out the DNS (Domain Name Server) cache, good for an all around repair of the connection.

 

markp62,
I checked and the "Automatically Detect Settings" was checked.
When you turn off your computer does your Verizon DSL disconnect, too?
Mine disconnects and then when I turn my computer back on, I have to click on the Verizon icon to re-connect. If I just click on Internet Explorer, the page does not come up...just a page saying that I have a connection problem.

So, when I turn off my computer and then turn it back on are you saying that my DSL connection should still be on without me having to re-connect by clicking on the Verizon icon?

I did what you suggested with the CMD.
Thanks

 

My modem stays on, the connection is still there.
Would you be using a USB port or network card (with CAT5 cable) to connect your computer to your DSL Modem?
Do you by chance have your computer and the modem plugged into the same power strip/surge protector? and do you turn this off?
If you are, it would take a DSL modem a bit of extra time to find the signal, log on to your ISP, and then find your computer to then provide service.

 

Hi tristan21,

markp62 asked the question I was going to ask regarding the power strip and the Verizon software.

Yes. And check out the modem lights when you shut down for the night like I suggested. If they're all off, then I'd recommend plugging the modem into it's own wall socket.

 

I called Verizon Support and they said it was a problem with Internet Explorer 8. So,I called Microsoft Support for free help with Explorer 8. I described the problem and they finally had me revert back to Explorer 7 and now Verizon DSL will re-connect on it's own.

So, Microsoft says there is a problem with Verizon not updating for Explorer 8.

I asked Verizon why I had to re-connect everytime I shutdowm my computer and she said the modem I am using (Westell Wirespeed) does not have the capability of storing my information. I don't use a router. It is an Ethernet connection, WAN Miniport(PPPOE).Whatever that means!

So, thanks for your help. It seems that the problem is between Verizon DSL and Windows Explorer 8.

All three lights stay on the modem when I shutdown the computer.

If a get a new modem or a router would that keep my connection on all the time?

Thanks.

 

Hi tristan,

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Computing! Microsoft blames Verizon and Verizon blames Microsoft - with neither taking responsibility.

And then you said:

Modems and routers are two different animals. And as far as not being able to store the information, that's a new one on me unless your modem is going bad; which I sincerely doubt since you rolled back to IE7 and all is well. Also, since your modem is always on (all three lights stay lit), how could it not remember your settings???

Methinks Verizon was reading from the wrong answer page. What I mean is that most tech support people have a sheet of paper in front of them with 5 answers. It doesn't make any difference what question you ask them, yer gonna get one of the 5 "answers ".

Anyway,

so that means you don't need to buy any new equipment. Wait until IE8 and Verizon learn to play nice together then DL IE8.
p.s. Would you please fill in the information on where you are?