Macintosh FAQ

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.

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