EarthLink Set-Up Instructions
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TOTAL ACCESS 2004 CD - Use any ISP CD with CAUTION.  Read and UNDERSTAND each question and the effect it may have.

That said, you may find the TA 2004 CD just what you need for a quick and comprehensive installation experience.  It will avoid the "select" and "click" instructions given elsewhere that may not fit your operating system.  It takes only a few days to get the CD after a call to 1-800-327-8454.  You do not have to sign up for Earthlink service before asking for the CD.  That way you have the CD in hand and the whole job is done in less than one hour.  Just be sure to mention "jimpool at earthlink dot net" when you do sign up.

I have tried the TA 2003 and TA 2004 CD's and find a marked improvement over the past year.  They still have a way to go to make it seamless, but that is never a completely attainable goal.

• Be SURE to un-install any ISP software including TA 2003 - do not save anything.
• Stick the TA 2004 CD in the drive - it will self start
• Do NOT install any extras like FastLane, Accelerator, Parental Control, Games, E-mail, . . . - you must un-check these items as they are suggested.
• Use Outlook Express, if available, rather than Earthlink's E-mail.  There are fewer problems at this time.
• Once up and running, do not ask to check for updates.  They will just suggest items that you already said you do not want.
• Do not download features that are on your CD.   Get a new CD rather than download.  It will save a ton of time and frustration.
• Once you have used the TA software for a few months, you may want to explore the other features, but do this with the same caution.

I want your EarthLink experience to be smooth, so please excuse my caution and "Do Not's".

If you get the "This page cannot be displayed" message when trying to surf with the "Web" button, you have fallen into the "Proxy Server Trap".  Call the 1-800-719-4660 Support line to get the fix and mention "Proxy Server".

If the above scares you, please use my connection page for a no-frills, rock-solid, experience.  Earthlink is still the best.