How to Connect AT&T DSL to a Desktop

You can quickly connect an AT&T DSL modem to a desktop.

AT&T sends you a DSL modem and instructions in the mail when you add new AT&T, or Fast Access, DSL Internet service. You can elect to have a technician come out to set up the connection for you, but it will be an additional charge. If you are confused about how to connect AT&T DSL service to a desktop, don't pay the additional charge. It is not difficult to do and only takes a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• DSL modem

Instructions

1. Power down your computer if it is turned on. It is easier for the computer to pick up the new Internet connection if it is turned on after the modem has been connected.

2. Connect the power adapter to the modem, but wait to plug it into an electrical outlet. Connect the modem to the desktop using the Ethernet cable that came with the modem.

3. Plug in a filter to the telephone outlet. Use a dual-port filter if you want to plug in a telephone and modem into the same wall jack, or else use a single-port filter. Plug the filter into the wall jack. Run a telephone line from the DSL port of the filter to the modem. You can connect another phone line to the telephone port of the dual-port filter to a telephone device. Filters come with the modem and cancel out noise interruptions from the telephone line. Not using this filter can result in connection problems.

4. Plug in the power adapter into the power outlet and power on the computer.

5. Wait for Windows to finish loading and for all of the lights on the modem to turn a solid green. If there are any red or blinking green lights, check your cables again before calling customer service. There is something wrong with the connection or the modem. Windows will recognize the new device and install the drivers for it. It will also establish a connection to the Internet for you. Open a browser and start surfing the Internet.

Tips & Warnings

• If Windows doesn't install the drivers for you automatically, use the disk that came along with the modem. Insert the disk in the CD-ROM drive on your computer. The autorun utility will start automatically. Follow the instructions in the installation wizard to install the device and establish an Internet connection.

References

• AT&T: Self-Installation Guide for Modem Equipment