Choosing your Internet connection

When you run the Network Setup Wizard, you must select your Internet connection from the list of network connections displayed in the wizard.

External DSL and cable modems are typically connected to an Ethernet network adapter. If you have more than one network adapter installed in your computer, you must determine which one is connected to your DSL or cable modem.

Here are some ways you can determine which network adapter is connected to your DSL or cable modem:

Check the documentation that came with the DSL or cable modem. It might have the name of the network adapter on it, which should correspond to one of the listed network adapters in Network Connections.
On the back of the DSL or cable modem, find the attached Ethernet cable. It looks like a large telephone cable. Follow the cable to the back of your computer to where it is plugged into the network adapter port. Unplug the cable from the port. In Network Connections, under LAN or High-Speed Internet, a red "X" should appear on the network connection.
If you have a broadband connection that requires you to log in with a user name and password, select the broadband connection, not the network adapter that the DSL or cable modem is attached to. This connection typically appears under Dial-up in Network Connections.

If your broadband connection is always on, meaning you do not have to log in with a user name and password, the connection appears under LAN or High-Speed Internet in Network Connections.

After determining which network adapter is your Internet connection, restart the Network Setup Wizard and select the adapter.

Notes

To open Network Connections, click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
Local area network connections are named Local area connection by default and are listed in the Network Connections folder. This can make it difficult to determine which connection is your DSL or cable modem connection. We recommend that you rename the DSL or cable modem connection. For example, you could use the name of your Internet service provider, or call it "Internet connection."