Comcast installer software is now mandatory?

[preslove]

Hi, I've had comcast internet for ~7 months and just this friday any browser I open on my mac or pc goes to a comcast site that tells you to download their software to set up email and to "get highspeed." I really don't want to install their crap software on my pc, and the mac software doesn't even work. This really, as every cable internet provider I've used has just required dhcp and no set up software.

If I call comcast, will they be able to do anything? Calling them up will be a pain in the ass because the account is in my housemate's (I live in an efficiency off the side of a house) name, and he is pretty flaky.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: preslove
Hi, I've had comcast internet for ~7 months and just this friday any browser I open on my mac or pc goes to a comcast site that tells you to download their software to set up email and to "get highspeed." I really don't want to install their crap software on my pc, and the mac software doesn't even work. This really, as every cable internet provider I've used has just required dhcp and no set up software.

If I call comcast, will they be able to do anything? Calling them up will be a pain in the ass because the account is in my housemate's (I live in an efficiency off the side of a house) name, and he is pretty flaky.

I happily install all the crap they send out, always in a virtual machine, and then if tech support (shudder) ever needs me to 'run their software' it's available.

 

[JohnG86]

I have Comcast and none of my computers have ever needed the software installed. I have only seen that Comcast software page when connecting a new cable modem that needed activation. I use IPCop as my router with several comps behind it playing online games most of time.

 

[ch33zw1z]

When I had Comcast installed, the software was required ONLY to activate the line. Tech Support can activate it anyways tho...

 

[preslove]

Originally posted by: ch33zw1z
When I had Comcast installed, the software was required ONLY to activate the line. Tech Support can activate it anyways tho...

Huh, so maybe a phone call (and the hassle of getting a hold of my annoying housemate) is what is needed.

What's weird is that it happened after several months of use. Could this be just a random deactivation?

 

[Cooky]

I've had it happen to me a couple of times before.
It looks like they somehow lost your registration info...a call to the tech support should take care of it.
You can tell them your roommate's name & phone number when you call, if you don't want to deal w/ the annoying roommate.

 

[preslove]

Originally posted by: Cooky
I've had it happen to me a couple of times before.
It looks like they somehow lost your registration info...a call to the tech support should take care of it.
You can tell them your roommate's name & phone number when you call, if you don't want to deal w/ the annoying roommate.

Thanks, man.

Does anybody have comcast's tech support phone #? I can't find it anywhere on their site, just their *shudder* live support.

 

[JohnG86]

1800COMCAST

 

[Mogadon]

It also happens if you fail to pay your bill and they cut off your service, a phone call and payment should reconnect you if this is the case.