Need someone who uses MSN DSL (preferrably through Qwest)

[Hossenfeffer]

Please drop me a PM/email if you use MSN DSL ("Powered by Qwest", preferrably). Trying to do a bit more of my own troubleshooting since over 120 phone calls to their tech support have proved fruitless.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Hossenfeffer, I use MSN, but another provider for broadband, what's the issue you are having? For most of my broadband issues, the "Networking" forum has helped me out quite well.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Have had nothing but nightmarish troubles since the "migration" from Qwest to MSN at the end of October. Since then I've had all of 10 days where I've been able to connect. Received 3 incorrect CD's (which I neither needed nor wanted), none of them having the keycodes for my account. After a buttload of calls, I got some keycodes (no one knows how the woman was able to give them to me) and was able to connect. On the 1st, I started getting Error 691 (user name/password invalid). Started the calls again to get to the bottom of things. Got an email from qwestts@msn.com a week later. The subj field was "a trouble ticket, my username, Qwest DSL, Severity -4" with a message field of "null". On a whim, I tried connecting when I saw the email. I could connect (2 weeks ago this Tuesday) and I rejoiced, thinking all was well... for 2 days. Since that Thursday, I've been unable to connect again (same error, 691)

I've gone through about every troubleshooting step 3 times by myself before I even started calling to humor techs by going through the steps with them. Get the problem in both 98SE and 2000 so it all but rules out anything in my computer. Rather, it's either a keycode (validation) issue, or some issue between my machine and the DSL connection at the CO.

In a nutshell, I'm trying to find someone who would let me use their keycodes for all of 5 minutes. It's a stretch, I know, but if anyplace, I'll find someone here. On the off chance that keycodes aren't strictly assigned to a particular DSL number, this would let me know if my keycodes were valid or not. If keycodes are dsl number specific, it wouldn't tell me all that much.

 

[isekii]

I had msn dsl.. a long time ago.. when it was with northpoint..

and when it was with northpoint..

i was connected 24/7

All I needed to do was turn on my pc.. and I was on..

 

[Hossenfeffer]

If they gave me anything other than the Intel USB 3200 modem I could be connected all the time and not have to deal with this connection dialog at all. Was supposed to have a Cisco 675 till the salesman said "Oh wait, that would cost you $200".

 

[Brutuskend]

What "modem" are you using?

I have a ethernet connection using the Cisco Router and had some troubles awhile back with the CODE RED virus.

If you are useing a Cisco Router I suggest you call and have TECH support walk you through the software update.

Mine seems to work fine now.

BTW: Qwest tech support sucks as a rule!

 

[Hossenfeffer]

haven't been overly impressed with any of the tech support...

 

[RossMAN]

I was one of the first to get DSL in my neighborhood when it was available October 1999 and I've been using it ever since. Fortunately I've never had to call QWest DSL tech support, I've heard the horror stories and I'm sure they've multiplied since. Everyone I've spoken to has said to avoid using QWest as your ISP, so I only pay QWest $29.99 every month for a DSL line and pay my local ISP $25 a month.

Waaaaaay back then they were offering FREE external Cisco 675's those were the days, now they're giving out cheap POS stuff.

Yes I know none of this will probably help you out, just think of it as a sympathy bump.

 

[Viper GTS]

If I was still doing Qwest support I might have some help for you, but I haven't been doing Qwest since before the MSN switch-over.

And Ross, the 675's were awesome. I did LAN support, you can do all kinds of cool stuff with them. So many people have no clue what they're capable of.

Viper GTS

 

[RossMAN]

And Ross, the 675's were awesome. I did LAN support, you can do all kinds of cool stuff with them. So many people have no clue what they're capable of.

Yeah they are, found out you can telnet into them and do all sorts of stuff. Works nicely with the LAN setup I have at home also.

I have an extra brand new Cisco 675 not sure how much I can get for it locally, here in the FS/FT or on eBay. Probably will try the latter since that's where I'll probably get the most money for it.

 

[rahvin]

Save yourself some trouble and buy a Cisco 675.

 

[Viper GTS]

675's are worth virtually nothing nowadays. Ever since Qwest switched over to DMT circuits (all new accounts are provisioned in DMT) 675's have been useless except on old accounts.

678's are DMT and CAP capable, 675's are CAP only.

Sorry.



And I second the save yourself some trouble comment, the 67x routers are a dream to work with compared to the PCI/USB solutions. It is unbelievably helpful to have a device that is capable of training & pinging the outside world by itself.

Viper GTS

 

[RossMAN]

*shrugs* That's what I get for being a lazy ass procrastinating cheap tight assed Ferengi

 

[Viper GTS]

<< *shrugs* That's what I get for being a lazy ass procrastinating cheap tight assed Ferengi >>



You had your router in your ass?

Viper GTS

 

[Hossenfeffer]

I'm tempted to try and pick up a used Cisco... So a 678 is what I'd yernin' for?

I had Verizon DSL for 2 years with zero tech support calls. When I moved in July, the switch-over to Qwest was horrendous! Thought things would lighten up on the migration to MSN...

I just wish I would have taken the time to realize that I could have used any ISP... Ugh. MSN is too big for my taste. Give me a local ISP or at least an ISP where I know someone on an upper level of tech support. I detest having to humor a lower level tech by going through the normal troubleshooting steps. I'm surprised I haven't flown off the handle at some of these folks...


Me: "I don't want to waste any of your time. Looking for any sort of update on my trouble ticket. I've gone through the following steps multiple times by myself and then with technicians: Reinstalling the Intel Modem, Reinstalling Dial-Up Networking, Renaming my PWL file, using every conceivable username/password combination, tested with 98SE and 2000, etc."

<pause>

Them: "Ok, sir? I want you to double-click My Computer. Let me know when you've done that..."

<pause while I consider jumping out a window>

Me: "Ok, what's our objective here? Are you taking me to the Control Panel to reinstall any networking components or are we trudging toward Dial-Up Networking so I can tell you what connections I have listed?"

<pause>

Them: "Ok, did you double-click My Computer?"

(repeat ad nauseum)

 

[Viper GTS]

I detest having to humor a lower level tech by going through the normal troubleshooting steps. I'm surprised I haven't flown off the handle at some of these folks...

Having worked both the Tier 1 support, Tier 2 support, and DSL LAN I can tell you that 90% of all calls that come in are due to user error and/or system corruption/misconfiguration. There's a reason the techs are required to go through those steps. You're only supposed to have to do them once, though, they shouuld have bypassed those steps if you had a previous call record stating it had been done or a trouble ticket (MB/PB/EB).

Viper GTS

 

[Hossenfeffer]

<< You had your router in your ass? >>


That explains the inflammation!

 

[RossMAN]

<< You had your router in your ass? >>



LOL

Nope, but even if I did ... I certainly wouldn't tell you since you'd probably want PICS.





<< I just wish I would have taken the time to realize that I could have used any ISP... Ugh. MSN is too big for my taste. Give me a local ISP or at least an ISP where I know someone on an upper level of tech support. I detest having to humor a lower level tech by going through the normal troubleshooting steps. I'm surprised I haven't flown off the handle at some of these folks... >>



Good thinking. I also favor local ISPs as opposed to nationwide ISP's.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

<< Having worked both the Tier 1 support, Tier 2 support, and DSL LAN I can tell you that 90% of all calls that come in are due to user error and/or system corruption/misconfiguration. There's a reason the techs are required to go through those steps. You're only supposed to have to do them once, though, they shouuld have bypassed those steps if you had a previous call record stating it had been done or a trouble ticket (MB/PB/EB). >>

I do tech support privately and I completely understand what the situation is and I try to make that clear to the techs I speak with. Granted, as an upper-level tech, I wouldn't want every Tom, Dick, and Harry who was a self-proclaimed tech wiz to be directed to my phone, but sheesh, after this many calls and me helping the techs understand what's going on... It's beautifully horrific. What is so frustrating is that it's like pulling teeth to get through to someone who can actually do something for me.

Me: "I received 3 incorrect CD's. I really am not interested in the installation CD. All I need are the Keycodes attached to my account."

<pause>

Them: "But you have to use the CD or your computer won't work"

<pause as I stare at the wall and ponder proposing a program for forced sterility>

Me: "Oh."

 

[Viper GTS]

The only problem with a third party ISP is you tend to get bounced between the ISP & line provider:

Line: You need to call your ISP, we're sending them packets but we're not getting anything back
ISP: You need to call Line, we're not getting any information from them. You need to ask what your VPI/VCI are.
Line: I'm sorry, we can't give out the VPI/VCI info to end users. Your ISP should know who to call for that info.
ISP: We don't know who to call, it MUST be an issue with Line. Call them.

Etc, etc, etc.

Other than that I would say that a good local ISP is better than using a national ISP.

Viper GTS

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Still looking for somebody who uses MSN DSL and would be willing to share the keycodes with me for a few minutes to test my connection (and the validity of my keycodes)

 

[JellyBaby]

I opted not to be assimilated into the MSN collective. As Viper said, it's a bit difficult to switch to a local ISP if you run into issues because the ISP is forced to deal with the circuit provider (Qwest) who may or may not be on the ball. Tip: try to locate a sales and/or customer service supervisor and work with them.

I'm tired of being a helpless sheep (customer) in a world of hungry wolves (corporate empires). It's refreshing to deal with a smaller company for a change, one who actually works hard to get your business.

I think DSLReports has some message boards covering the MSN transition. A lot of negative feedback on it, that's for sure, at least there was a month ago when I transitioned away from MSN.

 

[Russ]

HMM...I'm in the Seatlle area on Qwest DSL and I didn't get switched over to MSN. Bwuahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

Hossenfeffer,

If you can pick up a Cisco 678, and get the line re-provisioned to work with it, it would be the best connectivity money you've ever spent.

Behold the wonders of the 678.

Russ, NCNE

 

[Hossenfeffer]

<< Bwuahahahahahahahaha!!!!!! >>



Bastard!

I'll definitely be looking into a 678. Until then, I'll keep looking for the elusive Qwest/MSN customer (dear lord... hindsight is 20-20)

 

[Viper GTS]

If you ever find a 678 & need help with it, PM me. I still remember a fair amount of what I once knew about them.

Viper GTS