[cameraman]

Hi, I have an old dial up account with some important email addresses which I don't want to lose. Currently I have them configured to download into Outlook via my broadband service provider on an Orange Livebox, connected by usb. So far so good. The only problem is the dial up service provider periodically asks me to connect by logging on to their dial up connection to keep the accounts active. Until now, I've done this using a very old pc. However, my wife would like me to get rid of my antique P75, so I would really appreciate if someone could show me how to set up my Athlon 3000 machine with built in modem to use both connections, though not necessarily at the same time. Thanks

[AcaCandy]

I don't understand why you would have to dial in, you're paying for the service, right? If you download the emails to Outlook, why do they care if you never dial in? More lines available for their other users.

[cameraman]

They care because they make a few pence from each phone call. They're not my broadband isp, who make £17.99 per month for their trouble.

[TerryNet]

Many dial-up accounts provide a program on CD, or for download, that will guide you through setting up the account and do most of the work for you. If you don't have that you will need to do it manually.

Since you haven't specified your OS, and since I'm currently on an XP machine, I'll outline the procedure for Windows XP. In Control Panel - Phone and Modem Options you can set up the dialing rules for your home or any other places from which you will be calling.

In Network Connections click on 'Create a new connection' if you are using the Task pane view, else click on 'New connection...' in the File menu. We can't tell you the phone number to use, or your account identification, or other specific info of course.

[AcaCandy]

I think I'd get a new email address quite frankly. Gmail is free. Yahoo is free.....etc. etc. etc.

[cameraman]

Thanks TerryNet, I am on XP. Will doing as you suggest to create a dial up account cause any conflict with my broadband connection and how do I switch between the accounts?

[TerryNet]

After you get the dial-up working go to Control Panel - Internet Options - Connections tab. I think that the USB DSL connection is a "LAN." If I am correct then in the middle of that 'Connections' page set "Never dial a connection." If, however, the USB DSL is considered "Dial-up" then set "Always dial my default connection" and set your DSL as default.

This way you will normally get your DSL; when desired disconnect that and dial up the other account.

There should be no conflicts, but there may be an annoyance. After I set up or use my (emergency, backup) dial-up account I will get a pop-up window asking if I want to connect to my dial-up even though I am already connected to broadband via ethernet or wireless. I check the "don't bother me again" box and decline the invitation; after about a week or so the pop-ups apparently get fatigued and go away.

[cameraman]

Thanks again. When I've got time to give it a go I'll do so and let you know how I got on.