I had another thread in Windows help, in regards to having to use recovery disks to re-install Vista on a new computer we put XP on.

I have my disks - and I'm scared ..... we made our mistakes the last time because we couldn't connect to the internet. Can someone give me some kind of cheat sheet ?

I have read the iprimus Netcomm NB3 USB setup, although I can only find it for XP. iPrimus does not support Vista.

Do I disconnect the modem first ? Do I have to reinstall the disks that came with the modem.

Is there anyone who can help me ? I am terrified to disconnect, and do the recovery in case I can't get back on again, and don't know how to get help !

Is this the link we are looking at?

http://support.iprimus.com.au/index....192&Itemid=120

I am moving this back to the Vista section and we will help you all we can. When I get a bit of time I will read the on-line guide.

Does the computer have an Ethernet port? I would recommend this right off the bat over USB.

Also is this the only computer in the house or can you be on-line with another while doing the setup?

If you do have Ethernet then this is the basic setup: (no software or drivers required)

http://support.iprimus.com.au/index....196&Itemid=120

If you are limited to USB then this is the process: (installing drivers required)

http://support.iprimus.com.au/index....203&Itemid=120

If the drivers are XP specific then this may be an issue. Using an Ethernet connection should by-pass all this plus give you a better (faster) connection.

Many thanks
I am reading this at work, so not at the computer in question. Not sure if I have ethernet. I would guess not, I think it was a fairly cheap modem that came "free" with the broadband connection. Or have I misunderstood ? Is the ehternet like a USB port ?

The drivers - are they modem specific? or do you mean the ones in the computer ? Is this what you install when you use the disks that came with the modem ?

Yes, the big problem is going to be an inability to go online for help once we start the process, we have another computer, but no wifi or anything. Actually that one has no power supply at the moment...

I have a feeling we have the Netcomm 3, not sure and will confirm when I get home. I have printed out the iPrimus guide for the Netcome 3, but am still unsure about it all. I honestly do not understand some of the terminology and language used. Do you think we will have a problem supporting Vista with this older modem?

I look forward to your help. Please also let me know if I have responded in the wrong area, I notice you said you were moving this thread.

An Ethernet jack/port is a slightly larger version of your standard phone jack:



The modem supports Ethernet the question is does your computer? Being new with Vista I would say it has an Ethernet jack.

This removes any need for modem software as that is all geared to the USB interface.

. Network Jack
This is also known as a "LAN connection" "Ethernet jack" or "RJ45". Most computers these days come with one built in. Just ask the sales person. It looks like a big telephone jack. You will need this to connect to your network port in your room. You will also need to purchase an Ethernet cable. The official name is Category 5 or "CAT 5". We recommend a 25-foot cable for the most convenience connecting your computer in your residence hall. Ethernet cables are available at most office supply stores.

The newest interface is CAT 6 but that is just an upgrade as to data transfer rates. Your modem should have come with one of these cables.

Netcomm NB5 Ethernet Setup
Please first ensure that you have connected your modem correctly. This involves:

a) Connecting the modem to your computer via the supplied Ethernet cable. The ETH/ACT light should be on. If the light does not come on, make sure your network port is enabled. b) Connecting your phone line to the modem. The DSL Link light should be on. This may take a minute once the cable is connected. If you have a phone connected to the same phone line, this phone should be connected via a micro filter.

The modem is an NB5.

Another question, if I install Vista successfully, and go to Start, then do I go to Internet Options ? Network Connections ? What will be my "start point " for connecting to the internet ?
Will there be a wizard to assist, and do you think there will be anything like the "Add Hardware" thing I should remember to do ?
Any other pointers for me, or do you think I've got it nailed now ?
I have printed out, and brought home the iPrimus specs etc for the NB5, that were kindly provided in the link.
In layman's talk - what am I actually doing when I configure the computer ?
Kind regards, Angela

With an Ethernet connection this link is all that should be required:

http://support.iprimus.com.au/index....196&Itemid=120

There might be a need to check for firmware upgrades:

http://kb.netcomm.com.au/kb/default.asp?id=1608&Lang=1

Also Netcomm has other articles but you need to register to download:

http://www.netcomm.com.au/Support/do...L&Products=NB5

But all that being said the first link should be all you need. The Ethernet setup should need no drivers or software. Just click IE7 and type in your modem address as shown and provide your details etc.

Thank you to all who helped.
Using the recovery disks was a simple process,although they sent me something called a supplemental disk I didn't need to use.
I also managed to connect to the internet - at last. Thanks to your help, and the links you provided. I had to use a USB connection, but will go out and buy an ethernet cable, as Vista seems to be running very slowly - much slower than XP ever did.
iPrimus is still not supporting Vista over the phone with tech help, although I did find the email configurations on their web site.
Thanks again, couldn't have done it without DAL.

Thanks for the update. I was wondering how it went.

The Ethernet is the best connection. Did you load all your drivers?

Did HP send a driver CD?

jephree - there certainly wasn't a seperate disk called Drivers. I used the disk that came with the modem to do that one, and I am getting prompted to Add New Hardware for the scanner and the web-cam.

Mind, I am not 100% sure exactly what a driver is...

I will be buying an ethernet cable to replace the usb connection.
Is the driver/s you mentioned available for download from anywhere, or should I buy it from somewhere ?