WVNET provides Email services for dial-up modem account holders and participating institutions throughout West Virginia. You can either obtain e-mail access through your local institution, or by requesting POP3 mail capability when you apply for a WVNET Internet modem access account. Some institutions such as WVU and Marshall* provide e-mail accounts using their own mail server and do not use WVNET.  If you request POP3 mail capability at mail.wvnet.edu it will be ready in approximately 24 hours.

For information on obtaining a K-12 e-mail account, please contact the West Virginia Department of Education.

* Note that some schools (i.e., WVU, WVU at Parkersburg and Marshall) maintain their own e-mail servers. Information needed to access those e-mail accounts and service-related technical support must be obtained from the local Help Desks .

How do I use my WVNET e-mail account?

E-mail is a wonderful tool for communication. Getting started using your e-mail, however, can sometimes be a little confusing. Each person with a WVNET account has an e-mail account. This kind of e-mail is called POP mail. This means that when someone sends you a message it waits on the server here at WVNET until you tell your computer to check in and download the messages so that you can read them. To read your e-mail you need to set up a program or "e-mail client" to collect and present your e-mail to you. There are many e-mail clients you can choose to use, but we recommend, for simplicity's sake, two different programs, all free to download and use: Outlook Express and Netscape Mail.

To begin sending and receiving mail, you must first set up your e-mail program. If you have Microsoft Internet Explorer you probably have a copy of Outlook Express. The same applies to Netscape; you should already have a copy of Netscape Mail. 

You should check to see if you have the latest version, however. If you do not, you can download it from our Software Archive: Windows | Macintosh

Follow the links below to set up your e-mail program. If you need help, call the WVNET Help Desk at (304)293-5192.

Connecting to WVNET with Mac OS 8.0-9.x by modifying Remote Access (formerly known as PPP)

Other relevant info: Checking and changing your TCP/IP settings

Remote Access and PPP can most easily be configured by using the Internet Setup Assistant . The instructions below, however, show you how to modify the settings without the assistant. These instructions explain how to manually configure your Macintosh that uses PPP OR Remote Access to connect to the WVNET 500 number.

Go to the Apple Menu>Control Panels
Then select Remote Access.
This will bring up the Remote Access window. To change the phone number, simply place your cursor in the appropriate box and delete the old number. Replace it with the new number. You can make other changes here as well, such as changing your user name and password.
To manage your configurations go to File>Configurations. Note that you can have multiple setups, but we recommend, for simplicities sake to only have one.
The configurations window displays all of the configurations that you have set up to connect to the Internet. This is where any other configurations that you have established using the Internet Setup Assistant will be displayed.
To make a particular configuration active--Click the "Make Active" button.
To delete unwanted configurations, click the "Delete" button. You may also create other configurations here by selecting one of your current configurations and clicking the "Duplicate" button. Then you can click the "Rename" button to name it something that you will remember. If you do this, however, you need to remember that your Mac can only use one configuration at a time and must be told which setup is the "Active" one. SO when you create a new configuration, remember to click the "Make Active" button.
Check your TCP/IP Settings! If you are having difficulty connecting to the new 500 number and have made the changes to Remote Access. You may want to check your TCP/IP settings. Follow theses steps to modify your TCP/IP settings As with Remote Access, TCP/IP can also have multiple Configurations. If you make changes in Remote Access you will want to make certain that the TCP/IP Configurations correspond. If you use the Internet Setup Assistant to configure your settings, the TCP/IP configurations are automatically created. If you modify Remote Access by itself, the TCP/IP settings need to also be modified.
Go to the Apple Menu>Control Panels Then select TCP/IP. This will bring up the TCP/IP Window. IP Address, Subnet Mask, Router Address should all be listed as "." In the box listed as "Name server addr.:" two lines of numbers should be listed. 129.71.254.5 129.71.1.1 The search domains box can remain empty, but you may put "wvnet.edu" there (without the quotes) if you still experience problems.
To check TCP/IP's configurations, go to File>Configurations.
As with Remote Access, you can have multiple setups, but we recommend that you have only one. You will notice that the window looks identical to the Remote Access window. The advantage to this is that the process for adding, deleting and making configurations active is exactly the same.

Connecting to WVNET with Mac OS X (OS 10)

You may have noticed that Mac OS X or OS 10 is a good bit different than previous incarnations of the Macintosh OS.

Don't worry, it's still easy to use. If you have questions about OS X or need help figuring something out, Apple has a great page for for those of you getting used to the new interface at http://www.info.apple.com/usen/macosx.

Go to the Apple Menu in the upper left-hand corner of the screen and select "System Preferences."
In "System Preferences" select "Network."
The Network Window will display your location and how you are connecting. You will see two pull-down menus: Location: Home (or work - not really important) Show: Internal modem (unless you are using an Airport wireless network to connect.) Below this there are different tabs you will need to check to set up your connection. The TCP/IP tab should indicate the following: IP Address, Subnet Mask, Router Address should all be listed as "(Provided by PPP server)." In the box listed as "Domain Name Servers (Optional):" two lines of numbers should be listed. 129.71.254.5 129.71.1.1 The "Search Domains" box can remain empty, but you may enter "wvnet.edu" (without the quotes).
The PPP Tab is the most important tab as it contains your WVNET 500 Information. It should indicate: Service Provider: WVNET500 Telephone Number: 15006998638 (or the local number for your area if you are not a Verizon customer) Account Name: your username followed by @wvnet. (example: username@wvnet) Password: The password you were provided when you received your account. You may also put a checkmark in the "Save Password" box if you would rather not type it in every time you connect.
Next you may want to check your computer's PPP Options. After clicking on the PPP Options button, you will see various Sessions Options. These are based on personal preference, but we recommend the following be checked: - Connect Automatically when starting TCP/IP applications - Disconnect when user logs out - Redial if busy Under Advanced Options, check: - Send PPP echo packets - Use TCP header compression Please contact us if you have questions about the other options.
The Proxies tab should not have anything checked.
The Modem tab shows the modem that you are using to connect. We recommend the following be selected: - Enable error correction and compression in modem Sound: On Dialing: Tone - Wait for dial tone before dialing. - Show modem status in Menu bar. (This will show whether or not you are connected in the upper right-hand corner of your screen - next to the time.)   After you are finished, click "Apply Now" and the settings will be saved. To connect, open any program that you wish to use that connects to the Internet such as Internet Explorer or Mail.

Macintosh Software

Following are some links to some Macintosh software sites, which the Help Desk recommends.

• Tucows - a nicely organized site that features popular software categories and popular downloads
• C/Net Download.com - the Mac version of the popular Windows archive. Some freeware in addition to various "try and buy" packages
• MacOS Archives - An impressive site with listings for lots of freeware and shareware for the Mac enthusiast

FAQ's

Please let us know if there is a question you would like to see addressed in this section or if you need more information than provided on this page. Windows FAQ can be found here .

Troubleshooting
The Internet provides numerous places online for Macintosh Information and Troubleshooting. Below are some links that can help you find the answer to just about any Macintosh question:

Macintosh User Groups

Get help from other Macintosh users at Apple's User Group forum.

http://www.apple.com/usergroups/

Apple's online Macintosh troubleshooting resource

Apple's Tech Info Library - http://til.info.apple.com

Online Macintosh Users Magazines:

MacWorld - http://www.macworld.com

MacAddict - http://www.macaddict.com

My browser isn't working!

Q: Why does Netscape give me the error: "Netscape is unable to locate the DNS entry..."?

This generally means that your computer has not negotiated a connection to WVNET. Try dialing using another program that requires your modem to dial like Internet Explorer or your email program.

If you still cannot bring up sites in your web browser, check your configurations. Go to our Setting up your Macintosh to Connect to WVNET pages. Follow the links that best describe your system and you will find the settings you need.

If these settings are correct try deleting the your Netscape preferences file. Go to your System Folder on your hard drive and look in the "Preferences" folder. There you will find a file named "Netscape Preferences." Drag this file to the Trash. Empty the Trash and try connecting again.

Q: Netscape tells me it cannot begin "java." What does this mean and how can I keep from getting this error?

Java is a programming language like HTML and is frequently used in web page design. Older browsers do not support Java. It is recommended that you download a newer version of Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer so that these errors do not occur. An updated version of your browser will enable you to view all of the new features on the Internet. Some links to Mac-related software sites are available at Macintosh Software .

If you still experience problems, call (304)293-5192 for assistance.

TCP/IP, MacTCP, PPP, etc.

Q:Why is there no PPP icon in MacTCP?

You need to put the PPP extensions in the System Folder. These can be found on your WVNET installation disks. Call your local help desk or (304)293-5192 if you do not have the disks.

Modems

Q: How do I know what kind of modem I have?

The type of modem your system has is most likely one that came with your Mac. These are often Global Village or GeoPort modems, however, you should check in your system documentation or call Apple to find out if you do not know.

Q: When I try to connect, I get the message "Link dead."

This usually means that you need to reset your modem or that you are not connected when you open a web browser. Power your system off and on to see if this might be the problem. If this does not help, call the Help Desk at (304)293-5192.

Internet Dial Up Assistant & Open Transport

Q: I just upgraded to OS 8.5 from 7.5 When I try and set up my Mac to connect to the Internet it tells me I need to have something called Open Transport 1.1.1 or higher. What is that and how do I get it?

Open Transport is the Networking and Communications software for the Macintosh. You need this to connect to the Internet. If you have an older Mac, you might need to get an updated version of Open Transport to set up your dial-up connection. If you need this please call the WVNET Help Desk for assistance. You can also visit the Apple Web site and download disk images to put onto floppies for back-up purposes.

If you have upgraded from version 7.5.2 or higher to 8.0 or 8.5 you will notice that you cannot set TCP/IP to connect via PPP. The reason for this is similar to the problem above. You do not have OPen Transport or it will not work on your Mac. You can still connect, however, using MacPPP (a.k.a. ConfigPPP). This can be sent to you by calling the WVNET Help Desk at (304)293-5192 and asking for the Mac Connections Disks.

Other Troubleshooting Questions

If you get a message stating that you are "not registered with an Internet service provider," do the following:

• Open your hard drive by double clicking its icon (usually labeled Macintosh HD).
• On your hard drive, locate the System Folder and double click to open it.
• Inside the System Folder, locate the Preferences folder and double click to open it.
• Inside the Preferences folder, locate a folder named Internet Dialer Folder, and drag this entire folder to the trash.
• Go to the Special menu and choose Empty Trash. Now try connecting again.

If you are unable to connect properly even though you can hear the modem sounds, the following are possible causes to the problem:

• You have incorrectly entered your account information (A common mistake is to use an "o" instead of a "0")
• Your account has been deactivated due to nonpayment. Did you forget to send in your payment?

Note: You can check on the status of your account by calling 293-5192 or your local help desk.

If you have an internal modem and when you click on the Open PPP Connection nothing happens:

• Go to the Apple menu, select Chooser, and then set AppleTalk to Inactive
• Restart your computer
• If you have an AppleTalk printer connected, this may disable it while you are on the Internet (To use the printer again, set AppleTalk to Active and restart your computer - you will have to make this switch every time you print or use the Internet).

If Open button in ConfigPPP is greyed out and won't let you connect:

• Go to the Apple menu and select Control Panels.
• Go to either MacTCP or TCP/IP, whichever appears in Control Panels.
• In MacTCP choose PPP. If it is already selected click on LocalTalk and then click on PPP. Close MacTCP and try connecting again.
• In TCP/IP, for Connect via: PPP, close TCP/IP and try connecting again.

If you have further questions regarding email or using a Macintosh online, contact the WVNET Help Desk at (304)293-5192.

Windows Frequently Asked Questions

Installations

 How do I configure Windows to connect to WVNET?

Troubleshooting

Where can I find more information about common connection problems?

Modem Information

Q. Does WVNET support 56kb modems?

A. Yes. WVNET Internet dialup modems support the V.90 protocol, as well as the X2 protocol, for 56K access.

Q. Does WVNET support the KFLEX protocol?

A. Yes, if your KFLEX modem supports the V.90 protocol.

Q. Do WVNET modems support WebTV?

A. Yes. See the document Configuring WebTV to Connect to WVNET for instructions. 

Dial-Up Networking

Q. How can I access my modem account from out-of-state?

A. Since the 500 numbers only work within the state, you must dial one of the regular in-state numbers, which would be a long-distance call.

Q: How do I make Dial-Up Networking remember my password?

A. See Saving your password in the 'Connect To' box

Q. Is there a toll-free (i.e., 800) dialup modem available?

A. Yes, but it's availability is restricted to persons authorized by their local college or university, which is responsible for paying the fourteen cents-per-minute connect fee. Contact your local Computer Center Director for details.

Q. How do I change my modem account password?

A. You must contact either your local help desk or the WVNET help desk for assistance in changing your dialup modem password.

email

Q. How do I configure my e-mail application to connect to WVNET?

A. Visit our E-mail @WVNET section for more information.

Q. Can I access my POP3 email through the web?

A. Yes. Although WVNET does not provide a direct web interface to your POP3 email account, you can pick up your email from any computer on the internet by using mail2web.com.

Q. I have an e-mail file too large to download on the server. How do I get rid of it so I can download the rest of my e-mail?

A. We recommend that you use POPTray Mail Notifier, an open-source Windows program, which allows you to delete messages from the server without downloading them.

Q. How do I change the password to my email account?

A. Visit the link http://mail.wvnet.edu/passchange.html

Q. Can I set up mail forwarding from my WVNET email account?

A. Yes, visit the link http://mail.wvnet.edu/forwmail.html for the procedure.

Various Q and A:

Questions and Answers regarding computer viruses

Q. How do I set up my personal web page at WVNET?

A. Visit our Setting up your Web Space page for more information.

Q. Can I connect to AOL through a WVNET modem access account?

A. Yes. Install your AOL software as usual on a machine that is properly configured to access the WVNET Internet dialup modems. Make sure that your Internet link with WVNET is active. 

• Launch your AOL application and click "Setup" on the AOL "Sign On" screen.
• On the next screen, click "Edit Location."
• Select "TCP/IP" from the Network drop-down menu, then click "OK."
• Click "OK" to return to the "Sign On" screen, then sign on as usual.

Password Change Procedure

Mail Forwarding Procedure