Qwest broadband services offers a self installation option that is sent over night an express envelop with two sheets of paper in it along with its "Quick Connect" installation CD. The problem with this CD is that it does not set up all listed modems that Qwest supports and that uninstalling the CD does not entirely uninstall all its configurations leaving subscribers with stranded installed applications running on their computer along with a number of ugly Internet Explorer add-on left installed and active. This article is all about a work around for such self-install that will allow you to activate broadband services without using the Qwest self-install CD.

Configuring Your DSL Modem or Wireless Gateway

With any DSL provider who uses PPPoE, all one needs is a working username and password to properly set up their DSL service. But with Qwest its a little more complicated due to their fairly extensive use of PPPoA along with the fact that they won't tell you whether they are using PPPoE or PPPoA in your area.

Still, a good place to start is using your DSL modem's Setup Wizard. The Netgear setup wizard works extremely well. To access the setup wizard, simply connect your computer to the Netgear modem via wireless connection or Ethernet cable and access the modem's admin web page:

http://192.168.0.1

username: admin
password: admin or password or blank (nothing)

And then launch the setup wizard.

Qwest provides temporary Internet settings to allow your modem or gateway to gain access to their service. This information can be summarized as follows:

PPP Username: dsl@connect.qwest.net
PPP Password: 4internet

If the DSL modem's setup wizard fails to configure your service for you, the only other option you have to complete the work around is to configure your DSL modem manually. This can be accomplished in the following two simple steps. First click on the "Basic Settings" link under the "Setup" section of the DSL modem:

Note that it is critical that the "Idle Timeout" be set to zero (0) or the modem will disengage when there is no activity. This can result in lengthy delays during intermittent usage and be problematic when using multiple computers in the home. If the timeout is set to zero, the modem will nail up the PPPoA or PPPoE connection indefinitely and if for whatever reason it looses connectivity it will reconnect immediately - the default is like 5 or 15 minutes. Once all these settings are correct, click "Apply" and then click on the "ADSL Settings" link under the Setup section to complete the last remaining ADSL setting adjustments.

Note that the VCI setting of 32 seems to be critical for Qwest services. Once these are complete just as previous screen, click "Apply" to save these settings. Shortly after entering these, you should see your DSL modem's Internet light come on as it should permit a usable DSL connection between your DSL modem and the telephone company.

Obtaining Your Permanent PPP Access Information

Once you have obtained this DSL connectivity, you can now obtain your permanent PPP access information. To do this, click on the following link to enter Qwest's QuickConnect self install and follow directions. Using the link below, you will be show the list of supported DSL modems and if yours is not on the list, select other.

Using the link below, you will be show the list of supported DSL modems and if yours is not on the list, select other. Upon selecting pretty much any modem type, will take you to the following QuickConnect entry page:

The QuickConnect access information is included in the self-install kit you received in the overnight envelop you received from Qwest. The QuickConnect Number is the same as your phone number and the QuickConnect Code is the unique to your self install - meaning you need to use the code from your self-install kit for this all to work. Once this is entered, click "Next" to obtain your permanent PPP access information which will be displayed on the resulting web page.

While this resulting page may look confusing, there is only two pieces of information that is pertinent. That being the PPP User Name and the PPP Password. Obtain copy this information and paste it into the body of an email with the subject of "Qwest Connection Information - Keep" that you will eventually email yourself once you complete this next step.

Configure Your DSL Modem with Permanent PPP Access Information

Now armed with your permanent PPP access information you can now swap out your DSL modem's temporary access information with your new permanent PPP access information. Simply return to your DSL modem's  "Basic Settings" page (as before) and replace the the following settings:

PPP Username: dsl@connect.qwest.net
PPP Password: 4internet

With your new permanent PPP access information obtain from Qwest's QuickConnect web site above and then click "Apply" to commit these settings to your DSL modem. Your modem should reboot upon clicking apply and you should once again see your DSL modem's Internet light come on indicating that you are now connected to the Internet. If you try your computer should now be able to surf the web. If so, another good test is to power cycle your modem (disconnect the power, wait 5 seconds, and reconnect it again). Once the DSL modem comes online, attempt to surf the web again. If it all works you have completed the self install without having to load all of Qwest's harmful Internet Explorer extensions or using its default DSL modem settings - both of which are great for Qwest while less than optimal for individual users.

When you are all done, send that email you authored previously to yourself with your access information and perhaps even print out the email and store it in a safe place and enjoy your DSL service. I'm still trying to remove all the Qwest software that was loaded on my computer - so take comfort in knowing that you don't have to worry about that.

Feedback received on article:

Birds-Eye.Net

Just wanted to say thanks for the article "Qwest Self Install Work Around: How to self install Qwest broadband services without using their ugly self install CD". It really helped us.

Anca Scaesteanu

Can Birds-Eye.Net help you or your Company?
Receive your Birds-Eye.Net articles and white papers hot off the presses by adding our RSS feed to your reader.