Overview of the Internet Connection Wizard

This article provides an overview of what occurs when you run the Internet Connection Wizard. The following topics are discussed:

• Step 1: Setting up your computer for the first time
• Step 2: Signing up for an Internet account
• Step 3: Setting up your Internet software

The Internet Connection Wizard is included in every copy of Internet Explorer. The Internet Connection Wizard is a fully automated process that takes you through three important steps to set up your connection to the Internet. After completing each step, the wizard saves Internet connection information to your computer so that you will have the proper configuration for accessing the Internet in the future.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Computer for the First Time

During this step the Internet Connection Wizard does the following:

• Checks that your modem is set up properly. If it is not, the wizard runs the Modem Setup wizard so that you can configure your modem.
• Checks that your dialing settings are set up properly. If not, the wizard displays the Dialing Properties dialog box.
• Sets up the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol. This is the protocol that computers use to communicate on the Internet.
• Sets up Dial-Up Networking, and then creates a Dial-Up Networking connection so that you can create an Internet account.

Step 2: Signing Up for an Internet Account

After the Internet Connection Wizard has completed step 1, it runs Microsoft Internet Explorer and displays either the sign-up page for the Internet service provider (ISP) that comes with your computer or a list of providers for you to choose from.

To create an Internet account:

1. Choose an Internet service provider, if one is not included with your computer.
2. Complete the sign-up process for the provider. The sign-up process will vary, depending on the provider you use. The sign-up pages for your provider should include instructions that guide you through the sign-up process.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Internet Software

After you have signed up for an Internet account, the Internet Connection Wizard will start a Setup program to install and configure the Internet software required by your service provider. To set up the Internet software correctly, follow the instructions on the Setup screen. After your software has been set up, you can begin exploring the Internet.