What do I do if my DSL connection is down?

First, check to see that the status and link lights on your modem are lit.  The modem is the box that the telephone line is plugged into.  If you don’t see a link light, unplug the modem, followed by the router, the box that the computer is plugged into.  After both are unplugged, wait about 10-15 seconds and plug the router back in, followed by the modem.  After doing this, the power and link lights should come back on.  This should always be the first thing ou try.  If this does not solve the connection issue, call Kinex and we will have a technician work with you to straighten out the problem.

My dial-up connection is slow.  What is the problem?

First off, wet phone lines and old splices in the line will decrease the quality of the connection.  If you suffer from a weak connection speed, try changing the number that you dial into first.  Those in the local Farmville calling area have a choice of three different numbers to choose from.  They are 392-1942, 392-9481, and 391-3450.  You can do this by going to the “Control Panel” and then “Internet Options.”  Click on the “Connections” tab and then open up “Settings” for the Kinex dial-up connection.  After the “Kinex Properties” screen pops up, click on “Properties” at the bottom and you will then find a place to edit the phone number.  If this does not fix the problem, call Kinex to speak to a technician about other possible solutions.

My dial-up connection keeps dropping out.  What should I do?

This problem could be the result of call waiting.  If you have call waiting, you can disable this service while on the internet by putting *70 in front of the dial-up number.  Follow the same instructions as listed above to edit the phone number.

I am having trouble establishing a dial-up connection.  What could be the problem?

Dial up connections use what is called TCP/IP protocol.  Sometimes, this part of the computer becomes corrupt and as a result, dial-up connections do not work.  Windows XP users can reset this by going to “Start” and then “Run.”  When the “Run” dialog box pops up, type in “cmd” and click “OK.”  At this point, the black Command Prompt box should pop up.  Type in “netsh winsock reset” and press the Enter key.  It should come back with “You have successfully reset the winsock catalog.  Please restart the machine.”  If you do not have Windows XP, this process can be done by using the Kinex Setup Disc that is supplied to dial-up customers when they come into Kinex to sign up.   The  program can be found in the "Additional Programs" list on the CD.

Another fix could involve the use of an initialization string, or “init string” for short.  This is the command that tells the modem in the computer what to do when you dial a number out to connect to the internet.  Depending on telephone line quality, you may have to put an alternate init string in to get a reliable connection.  You can call our technicians at Kinex for assistance in finding an init string that works with your particular modem.

What kind of surge protector should I use with my computer?

The ideal surge protector is one that has both electrical and telephone outlets.  More damaging electrical current comes through on a telephone jack than an electrical outlet, putting the modem at risk of being hit with an electrical surge as well.  These types of surge protectors can be found at any electronics store, and can be found locally at Key Office Supply and Wal-Mart.  They generally cost around $20.

How do I change my login username, password, or other account information?

You may need to change your login username or password occasionally. This is a two part process. First, you need to change it on the Kinex servers and then you need to change it on your computer at home or work.  Our home page has links to online account management where you can login to do this.  However if you do not want to change your account information online, you can call us at Kinex and we, will be glad to change your information over the phone.