Are you currently experiencing intermittent connectivity or slow speeds?
Always make sure you can return your cable modem to where you purchased it in case it turns out to be incompatible.
Approved cable modems for all service areas as of February 27, 2023.
MODEM | MODEL | CHANNEL BONDING CAPABILITIES | DOCSIS VERSION |
Arris | SB8200 | 32 x 8 | 3.1 |
Arris | CM9200 | 32 x 8 | 3.1 |
Arris | CM8200A | 32 x 8 | 3.1 |
Arris | S33 | 32×8 | 3.1 |
Actual speeds may vary depending on the number, performance, and configuration of the following:
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Connected PC or connecting PC (Gigabit Ethernet NIC required for 100M or higher)
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Hardware (Processor, Single Core, Multi-Core), RAM, Hard Drive (write speed capabilities)
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Router and connecting adapters (Gigabit Ethernet interface required for 100M or higher)
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Software application
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Website/Server Limitations (Not all speed test sites are capable of testing all speeds)
How to setup your Outlook Express 6.0 email client on your computer:
Outlook Express 6.0
1. Go to Start>All programs>Outlook Express and click on Outlook Express.
2. Once Outlook Express opens it will typically display the Setup Wizard (first time setup). If it does not, choose Tools>Accounts and the Setup Wizard will be displayed.
3. The Display Name is the name you wish to have appear in the From area of emails. Use either your name or business name, and click Next.
4. Enter your full email address in the Email Address field and click Next.
5. On the next page you have the choice of using POP3 protocol or IMAP. POP3 will download the emails from the server to the first email account on the computer that accesses the mail server. This is a good idea if you are using only one computer to access email. IMAP is best if you access email from multiple devices or locations. After making this choice, enter the incoming mail server name: mail.rainierconnect.com. The outgoing server name is also mail.rainierconnect.com. Click Next.
6. On the Internet Mail Logon page, type the Account Name, this will be your full email address. Type in your email Password in the next space. Choose Remember Password. DO NOT choose Logon with Secure Password Authentication. Click Next.
7. You should now see a page that says Congratulations. Click Finish.
8. There is some more configuration required before actually using your email account. To complete the configuration of the email account, go to Tools>Accounts and on the Internet Accounts box choose the email account you have just created. Click on this so that it is highlighted and click on Properties (on the right side of the box).
9. You will see a Properties box with four tabs on it, choose the Servers tab. At the bottom of this page, checkmark My Server Requires Authentication and click on Settings. Ensure that Use Same Settings As My Incoming Mail Server is selected. Click OK and then click Apply on the Server page.
10. Click on the Advanced tab at the top right of the Properties box. Ensure that the Incoming Port Number is either 110 (for POP3 accounts) or 143 (for IMAP accounts). The Outgoing Server Port Number should be set to 587. There should be nothing more check marked on this page. Click Apply and OK. This will take you back to the Internet Accounts box. Click Close on this box. You should be back to your Inbox. In order to begin receiving mail, simply click the Send/Receive button at the top of the Inbox and watch the mail begin to populate the Inbox.
Most computer users today are aware of the large number of viruses that are out there just waiting to infect your computer. Lately, a large percentage of the calls to our technical support have been virus related. Let’s take a closer look at what these viruses may look like, and how you can protect yourself.
- What viruses do
- Many of the most common viruses we see are email viruses. Once a user’s machine is infected, the virus propagates by sending itself out to people in the user’s address book. Depending on the virus it may also send itself to other addresses that may be stored in other folders in your mail program, rather than the address book. The point of these viruses is to tie up your email program and your Internet provider’s email servers. There are other “malicious” viruses that can cause loss of files.
- How they arrive and what they look like
- Viruses can be contracted from downloaded files, other computers in a network environment, or from trading files using ICQ or other messaging programs. Viruses can also be carried on floppy discs, Zip discs and even homemade CDs.
Very often, viruses arrive as an email attachment or an infected email message. They will probably come from a name or email address that you recognize. The giveaway is usually the Subject line and/or the name of the attached file. Most viruses carry a known subject line.
For example, the Goner virus has the subject line “Hi” and the attachment is called Gone.scr. You can keep updated on this information by visiting McAfee. Here you can get a detailed look at the most recent, widespread viruses and learn how to spot them as well as search for info on older viruses.
Most email viruses are activated by clicking on or opening the attachment which contains the virus. If you are not expecting an attachment from someone, or have any doubts at all, DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT! There are exceptions to this rule. For example, the recent NIMDA virus infected machines if they visited an infected website. Future viruses may also use this approach to infect a computer. Also, there is a new breed of email virus that does not require the opening of an attachment to cause an infection.
Without any ant-virus software, its not a question of “if,” but “when” you will get a virus. Without a doubt, the best protection a user can have against viruses is anti-virus software. At Rainier Connect, we use Norton Anti-Virus 2002. There are other trusted products available including McAfee, TrendMicro, F-Prot, and PC-Cillin.
No matter which product you choose, there are some important procedures to observe. Many users are lulled into a false sense of security by purchasing antivirus software, installing it, and forgetting about it. Then they are surprised when later, their machine becomes infected. It is important to understand that as new viruses come out, you must update the software so that it can recognize and protect the computer against new viruses. In the settings of the antivirus program, there will be an option to do an update of the software. This will connect you to the manufacturer’s website and download the new virus definitions. Most antivirus programs provide a one-year subscription to this service included with the purchase. When doing the update, it is usually necessary to do it more than once. With Norton, you have to update until it tells you that there are no more updates available. Be sure to read the documentation that comes with the software and follow the instructions.
With the frequency that new viruses are being introduced, we recommend that you do the updates weekly, if not more often. Any antivirus software is only as good as its latest update. Always do a complete system scan after downloading the updates. By following these steps, you will greatly decrease your chances of becoming infected, and/or spreading viruses to others.
Outlook 2007 For Windows
- Open Outlook.
- On the Tools menu, click E-mail Accounts.
- Select the email account you wish to modify and click the Change button.
- Change the Outgoing mail server (SMTP) to mail.rainierconnect.com.
- Edit the User name to make it your full email address.
- In the E-mail Accounts window click the More Settings button.
- Click the Outgoing Server tab.
- Click to select the My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication check box.
- Click to select the Use same settings as my incoming mail server option.
- Click the OK button.
- Click the Next button on the E-mail Accounts window.
- Click Finish to complete the configuration changes.
- Exit from Outlook. The next time you start Outlook the new settings will take affect.
Outlook 2000 for Microsoft Exchange Server
- Open Outlook.
- On the Tools menu, click Services.
- Select the Internet Email account you wish to modify and click the Properties button.
- Click the Servers tab.
- Under the Outgoing Mail Server, click to select the My server requires authentication check box.
- Click the Settings button.
- In the Logon Information dialog box, click to select the Use same settings as my Incoming Mail server option.
- Click the OK button to return to the Services window, and then click OK button to return to Outlook.
- On the File menu, click Exit and Log Off to close Outlook. The next time you start Outlook the new settings will take affect.
Outlook 2003 for Windows (also known as Outlook XP)
- Open Outlook.
- On the Tools menu, click E-mail Accounts.
- Select the View or change existing e-mail accounts option and click the Next button.
- Select the email account you wish to modify and click the Change button.
- Change the Outgoing mail server (SMTP) to mail.rainierconnect.com.
- Edit the User name to make it your full email address.
- In the E-mail Accounts window click the More Settings button.
- Click the Outgoing Server tab.
- Click to select the My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication check box.
- Click to select the Use same settings as my incoming mail server option.
- Click the OK button.
- Click the Next button on the E-mail Accounts window.
- Click Finish to complete the configuration changes.
- Exit from Outlook. The next time you start Outlook the new settings will take affect.
Mac Mail 2.0
- On the Toolbar, click Mail and select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
- The Accounts window opens.
- In the Account column, highlight the account you’d like to edit.
- Locate the menu labeled Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP). This should be set to mail.rainierconnect.com.
- Select the Server Settings button.
- A new window will appear.
- Set Authentication to Password.
- Enter your full email address in the User Name field.
- Enter your password in the Password field.
- Click the OK button.
Mac Mail 1.3
- On the Toolbar, click Mail and select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
- The Accounts window opens.
- Select the Accounts button (@ symbol) at the top.
- In the Account column, highlight the account you’d like to edit.
- Locate the menu labeled Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP).
- Select the Server Settings button.
- The SMTP Server Options window will appear.
- Change the Outgoing Mail Server to mail.rainierconnect.com
- Set Authentication to Password.
- Enter your full email address in the User Name field.
- Enter your password in the Password field.
- Click the OK button.
Mac Mail 1.2
- On the Toolbar, click Mail and select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
- The Mail Preferences window opens.
- Select the Accounts button (@ symbol) at the top.
- On the left under Description, highlight the e-mail account you’d like to change and click the Edit button.
- Locate the menu labeled Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP).
- Select the Options button.
- A new window will appear labeled SMTP Server Options.
- Change the Outgoing Mail Server to mail.rainierconnect.com
- Set Authentication to Password.
- Enter your full email address in the User Name field.
- Enter your password in the Password field.
- Click the OK button.
Mac Mail 1.0
- On the Toolbar, click Mail and select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
- The Mail Preferences window opens.
- Select the Accounts button (@ symbol) at the top.
- On the left under Description, highlight the e-mail account you’d like to change and click the Edit button.
- Change the Outgoing Mail Server to mail.rainierconnect.com
- At the bottom of the Account Information tab place a check-mark for Use authentication when sending mail.
- Enter your full email address in the SMTP User field.
- Enter your password in the SMTP Password field.
- Click the OK button.
Outlook Express Mac
- Open Outlook Express.
- On the Tools menu, click Accounts.
- Click to select the email account you wish to modify and click the Edit button.
- Under Sending Mail, click the Click here for advanced sending options.
- Click to select the SMTP server requires authentication check box.
- Click to select the Use same settings as incoming mail server option.
- Click the small, square Close button in the upper left of the Advanced Sending Options drop down window to return to the Edit Account window.
- Click the OK button to return to the Accounts window.
- Click the square Close button in the upper left of the Accounts window to return to the primary Outlook Express window.
- Quit Outlook Express. The next time you start Outlook Express the new settings will take affect.
- Make sure you computer is connected to the internet.
- Start your AOL software.
- On the Sign On screen, click Setup.
- On the Edit AOL Setup window, click Add Modem.
- The AOL software will automatically scan your computer for ways to connect to AOL.
- On the Select Your Connection screen, choose Broadband or TCP/IP or ISP.
- Click Next.
- On the Confirm Your Selection screen, click Next. AOL will automatically sign on.
- Leave your computer on and unplug the power to the Broadband modem (only the modem) for approximately one minute.
- Plug the modem back in, then reboot your computer and try to reconnect.
Reinstalling Dialup Networking may fix some connection problems you are experiencing.
To uninstall and reinstall Dialup Networking, your Windows CD must be available.
Windows XP
- Go to Start, and select Run. Type “command” in the field and click OK.
- At the DOS prompt, type”netsh int ip reset c:\tcpipreset.txt” and press your Enter key. The computer may pause for up to a minute. The cursor will return, but not message is displayed.
- When completed, type “exit” and press your Enter key. Restart the computer.
Windows 2000
In Windows 2000, Dialup Networking (known as Remote Access Service, or RAS, in Windows 2000) is handled differently. All you need to do is delete your connection, then recreate it. Before following these steps, make sure you have your user ID, password, and your local Rainier Connect access number available.To delete your connection, go to Start. Select Settings, and then Network and Dialup Connections.
- Right-click Rainier Connect, and select Delete.
- Follow our Windows 2000 instructions to create a new dialup connection.
Windows 95 / 98 / ME
- Go to Start.Select Settings, and then Control Panel.
- Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. Click on the Windows Setup tab.
- Uncheck the box next to Communications and click OK. You may be asked for your Windows CD. If so, be sure to put the CD into your CD drive and click OK. Restart your computer if you are prompted to do so.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 to get back to Windows Setup. Check the box next to Communications and click OK. Again, you may be prompted for your Windows CD.
- If you are not prompted to restart, manually restart by going to Start. Select Shutdown, and then Restart. Click OK.
Windows 95 / 98 / ME:
- Click Start, then choose Run
- In the Open box, type “winipcfg” and click OK.
- In the top right of the IP Configuration window, make sure the drop down box shows your network card or USB cable modem. It should not read PPP Adapter.
- If the IP Address shows all 0’s or if it starts with 169.254, click Release All. It should change to all 0’s. Click Renew All.
- If your IP address no longer shows all 0’s or doesn’t start with 169.254, try connecting to the internet. If you are still having problems or you get an error when trying to renew, contact our technical support for further assistance.
Windows 2000 / XP:
- Click Start, then choose Run.
- In the Open box, type “command” and click OK. This will open a command prompt window.
- At the prompt, type “ipconfig” and press your Enter key.
- Look for your IP address.
- If it shows all 0’s or if it starts with 169.254, type “ipconfig /renew” and press your Enter key.
- If your IP address no longer shows all 0’s or doesn’t start with 169.254, try connecting to the internet. If you are still having problems or you get an error when trying to renew, contact our technical support for further assistance.
If you are getting an IP address but still can’t connect, try the following:
- Click Start, then choose Run.
- In the Open box, type “command” and click OK. This will open a command prompt window.
- At the prompt, type “ping www.rainierconnect.com” and press your Enter key.
- If you get 4 replies, you are connected to the internet. If you are still not able to view webpages, contact our technical support for further assistance.
- If you get Request timed out, type “ping 69.10.192.37”.
- If you get 4 replies when pinging 69.10.192.37 but not when you ping www.rainierconnect.com, you are connected, but there is something preventing you from doing DNS lookups. This is normally caused by firewall software. Disable or uninstall any firewall software you have. Contact our technical support if you require further assistance.
Check your configuration
- Your computer may have an incorrect setting. Follow these instructions to check your settings.
- Follow these instructions to uninstall and reinstall your network card or usb drivers. This will often fix various problems.
- If you still cannot connect to the internet, contact our technical support at 888-988-8508 for further assistance.
Modem Hardware
Make sure your cable modem is connected to our cable modem system
On your modem, there should be a light indicating whether the modem is synced up with our cable modem system. This light should always remain solid. The indicator light will vary between models.
For cable modems rented through Rainier Connect:
- 3Com HomeConnect: Bullseye light
- Scientific Atlanta WebStar: Status
- SMC 8002 EZConnect: Sync and Ready should both be solid
If the modem is not connected
- Double check the connection between the modem and the cable outlet. Make sure all the connections are secure. If you have cable TV through Rainier Connect, check your TV to make sure you are not experiencing a problem with your cable TV. If you are, this will also affect your cable modem. Contact our office for further assistance with cable TV problems.
- Power the cable modem off and back on. The modem should connect within a minute or two. If the cable modem does establish a connection, reboot your computer and try connecting to the internet.
- If you have a splitter on the cable TV jack you are using, try removing the splitter and see if the modem will connect. If the modem connects when you remove the splitter, reboot your computer and try connecting to the internet. If you are able to connect after removing the splitter, you may have a bad splitter.
- Try a different cable TV jack. You do not need to move the entire computer to a different jack, just the cable modem. Even when the computer is not connected to the cable modem, it should still show a connection. If the cable modem does connect on a different cable TV jack, you may have a bad jack.
- If the modem still does not connect, there may be a hardware problem with the modem or a signal problem with the cable TV. Contact our technical support at 888-988-8508 for further assistance.
- If the modem is connected Power the cable modem off and back on and wait for the modem to show it is connected again. Reboot your computer and try connecting to the internet. If you are using a router, power the router off and back on once the cable modem is connected and try connecting to the internet.
- If you are using a router, remove the router and connect your computer directly to the cable modem and reboot your computer. Try connecting to the internet. If you are able to connect to the internet without your router, there may be a hardware or configuration problem with your router. Contact your router’s manufacturer for assistance. If you still cannot connect after you remove the router, leave your computer directly connected to the cable modem for the remaining troubleshooting steps.
- Make sure the modem sees a connection to your computer
- On your modem, there should be a light indicating whether the modem is seeing a connection to the computer. This indicator light will vary between models and may be different depending on whether you are connected by Ethernet (network card) or USB. For cable modems rented through Rainier Connect:
- Scientific Atlanta WebStar: PC (light should always be solid)
- SMC8002 EZConnect: ENET or USB (should always be solid)
- If you do not see the indicator light, check your ethernet / network or USB cable. Make sure there are no noticeable problems with the cable. Unplug and plug it back in to both the back of the computer and the back of the cable modem.
- If the modem still does not show a connection to the computer, try reinstalling your network card or USB drivers. Follow these instructions.
- Verify you are getting an IP address. An IP (Internet Protocol) address is required for every computer to connect to the internet. To verify you are getting an IP address, do the following:
Finding your IP for Windows:
- Click the Network Connection icon and select “Open Network and Sharing System.”
- Double-click “Wireless Network Connection.” Or, if you’re using a wired connection, double-click “Local Area Connection.”
- Click ”Details” and your IP address will appear.
Finding your IP address on a Mac:
- Pull down the Apple menu and select “System Preferences…”
- Pull down the View menu and select “Network.” (Or you can double-click on the Network icon in the System Preferences window.)
- In the left column, click on the network connection, generally either Ethernet or Wi-Fi, depending on whether you have a wired or wireless connection.
- For an Ethernet connection, your local IP address will be shown.