How to Use NetZero without the NetZero Dialer Software

NetZero is a popular dial-up Internet service provider. NetZero offers dialer software specifically designed to make it easy to connect to the Internet via the company's services, but some users may find the software intrusive and buggy. If you don't like the NetZero software, you can use Windows instead to dial up NetZero and connect directly to the Internet, then use the browser and home page of your choice. You still need a NetZero subscription and your access phone number. Connecting to the Internet without the NetZero dialer is a simple and straightforward procedure.

Instructions

Set Up Connection

1. Click the Windows "Start" button, and select "Control Panel."

2. Click on the "Network and Internet" option, then click on the "Network and Sharing Center" link.

3. Click "Set Up a New Connection or Network." The "Set Up a Connection or Network" wizard will appear.

4. Highlight "Connect to the Internet," and click "Next."

5. Click on "Dial-up." Enter your NetZero dial-up phone number into the "Dial-up Phone Number" field. This is a local number NetZero gives you in order to connect to the Internet; if you don't know your dial-up number, contact NetZero.

6. Enter your full NetZero email address into the "User name" field, then enter the password for your NetZero account into the "Password" field. Place a check mark next to "Remember this Password" if you want Windows to remember the user name and password for the connection.

7. Enter "NetZero Dial-up Connection" into the "Connection Name" field. Note that you can type anything into this field that will help you identify the connection.

8. Place a check mark next to "Allow Other People to Use This Connection" if you wish to allow other Windows users to connect to the NetZero dial-up connection as well. Otherwise, do not place a check-mark in the box. Click "Connect."

9. Allow Windows to dial the NetZero connection number and attempt to connect to the Internet through the modem. "The Connection to the Internet is Ready to Use" will appear once the connection is completed. Click "Close."

Connect to the Internet

1. Click on the "Network Connection" icon in your task bar. A pop-up window will appear. The icon resembles cell phone bars.

2. Click on "Dial-up and VPN." A list of Windows dial-up connections will appear.

3. Click on "Connect" below "NetZero Dial-up Connection." A dialog box will appear pre-populated with your NetZero username and password if you selected the option when setting up the connection. If not, input your account email address for "User Name" then enter the associated account password.

4. Click "Dial" to connect to the Internet.

5. Launch your browser.

Tips & Warnings

• If connection is unsuccessful, check to make sure that the username and password you entered is correct. Also check the dial-up number to make sure it is correct.

References

• Earthlink: Create a Dial-Up Networking Connection on Windows 7
• NetEase: Windows 7 Dial Setup
• New Mexico State University: Dial-up Configuration for Windows 7
• Westnet: Creating a Dialup Connection - Windows 7