One last Comcast Software question...

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SlimShady

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Aug 2, 2000
Messages
1,143
i just recently signed up for broadband finally, and i spoke to an online comcast rep about their ridiculous software needed to complete the self-install as i didnt want to install it if at all possible (also comes with their self install kit) he repeatedly mentioned the software was needed to complete the 'hookup' process, even tho i have seen posts where users can set it up manually by calling comcast.

first of all, ive read about this software and i dont want it on any PC. second of all, i dont even plan to hook up my modem to a PC, its going directly into my wireless router. even then is it still necessary?
 
From how I understand it, yes I think it is required. Your modem is basically in a "Not ready yet" mode, and installing the software tells the modem to send a signal to comcast saying "Activate me". Comcast then sends a signal back to the modem saying "Allow him to use the internet". I hate that crap they put on my machine, and I would take every opportunity you have to let them know what a-holes they are for putting it on your machine in the first place. Just tell them you KNOW they didn't have to do it this way.
 
Actually, there may be a way around this. The comcast technician was able to setup my friends modem without any additional software. All they had to do was connect the modem to the PC, open up Internet Explorer, and point IE to a proxy server. This proxy server launched the comcast website to initialize the modem. If they will give you the address, you may be able to do it without any extra software.
 
A new modem that is brought online should automatically initialize the comcast gateway proxy, which will prompt the user to download the software, which registers the modem's Mac, if that mac is not already in the system.

Installing the software is not required, as they can register the broadband modem's mac address to the account manually over the phone. It requires that you know the mac address though, which should be on a sticker on the modem.

To refuse I would tell them:
1. You are using Linux
2. You are temporarily using a friends laptop just to get connected
3. The computer belongs to your place of work and you aren't allowed to install software
4. Or just nicely refuse, and ask for a tech desk supervisor to manually register your mac

but the Comcast software SUCKS (imvho), and isn't needed to get up and running...
 
heh, those are some good suggestions, i think im going to try it that way and see what happens. the modem may end up going on/near my mothers computer, and if that is the case, ill just install it on hers. she'd probably enjoy it anyways.

when i asked an online tech earlier about it, i said i was hooking the modem directly up to a router so it wouldnt even be connected to a computer. their response was that then i needed to install it on a computer that was connected to the router (?)... and then quickly reminded me about how they dont offer support for routers. morons.
 
SlimShady said:
heh, those are some good suggestions, i think im going to try it that way and see what happens. the modem may end up going on/near my mothers computer, and if that is the case, ill just install it on hers. she'd probably enjoy it anyways.

when i asked an online tech earlier about it, i said i was hooking the modem directly up to a router so it wouldnt even be connected to a computer. their response was that then i needed to install it on a computer that was connected to the router (?)... and then quickly reminded me about how they dont offer support for routers. morons.
Click to expand...

Comcast's official stance is that they don't support networked connections unless you purchased the business plan. To be fair I can understand that; so just remember that you may have to directly connect a computer insted of your router if you ever call tech support for help..

The software is only a modem/mac address registration application, after the modem has been registered the software is never used again..

remember that when you call, your computer should be connected. Once things are up and running; then power off the modem, hook up the router... and things should come back online...
 
Um...not sure if this applies, but I setup a comcast cable connection on a linux box without their software.

Works just fine. ;)

I didn't need to do anything special, but then, the modem was used for this purpose before, possibly by comcast, so it may have already been registered.
 
aug1516 said:
Actually, there may be a way around this. The comcast technician was able to setup my friends modem without any additional software. All they had to do was connect the modem to the PC, open up Internet Explorer, and point IE to a proxy server. This proxy server launched the comcast website to initialize the modem. If they will give you the address, you may be able to do it without any extra software.
Click to expand...
same with me when I was in chicago and had comcast cable
 
I have not had to use the software to set up Comcast broadband.

They direct you to go to some site, I think sas.ne2.att.net around here, then they make you set up a proxy connection.

Give comcast a call, the operator can probably guide you through a non software install.
 
unless comcast has made a change in the past few months, i moved out of the states in april, and had comcast back then, you dont need any software running on your machine for it to work. All you have to do is hook up the cable modem to the coax cable (it is nicer if it has its one line with out tv's on it , but not needed (sorta like gold coax connectors nice but not needed) and you might need to talk to Comcast and register the modem with them over the phone, they dont need your mac (at least in Washing ton they dont) and plug in the modem to your router/computer and setup the the tcp/ip for auto detect ip/dns and what not and you are online.

let me know if you need help seting up email, all the hostnames and stuff are on there main customer support page.
 
well, my pc is due for a format soon anyways (im going to install an sp2 slipstreamed disc) so i figure im just going to install, get the damn thing running, and then format. software gone. if all the software is doing is registering the modem, then once its registered, its no longer needed, correct? i believe i have seen other people talk about doing this...

but of course i hooked it up last night and it wasnt working. couldnt even get past the connectivity check. couldnt detect the connection. so i waited on hold for two hours for nothing. got to call them back today. bastards.
 
I don't have comcast (wish I did), but my cable provider didn't require software. The guy came out and gave me a modem (SB4200), attached the coax and left. When I opened the browser it had a signup page, I filled it out and I was done. That modem along with my network card got fried by lightning. Damndes thing too, no thunderstorm in sight, no rain, just bam a huge bolt of lightning struck outside my window and fried my shit.

They sent a guy out to replace the modem, the gave me an old used SB4100. I had to call and give them the MAC address to get back on the network.

If they tell you that you have to use their software, tell them you run OpenBSD or something. :D I did that wth my dialup provider. They told me I had to install their crappy software, I told them I didn't need it or want it. They insisted, I knew they had some kind of Linux disk, so I told them fine give me the FreeBSD CD and I'll be on my way.
 
I'm using Comcast without any software or any special steps. I just connected the modem to the cable, gave them a call with the MAC and I was set.
 
I also didn't need to give them anything and didn't need to install anything.

I just had it installed 3 years ago at my place and a week ago at my gf's place.
 
I install comcast all the time for clients... I have never bothered with the disc, i think it only has a pdf with install instructions anyway. TCP/IP and an enabled account(comcast's end) are all you need.
 
The first time I set up my Comcast connection the software was required to initialize the modem with Comcast to get it all working.

I then installed my wireless router/switch between the modem and my comps and uninstalled their software and all is fine now.

I am guessing the software is needed only once to make sure you connect then you are done with it. Works for me.
 
to end this discussion, i went through the whole comcast deal (after having to have a technician visit to take off the filter) that you do not need the cd to get the internet service working.

it seems to me all the cd does is put in their proxy server address to authenticate your modem with them to get the ball rolling. then of course they install all that other crap that we so hate. i spoke with the installer and he said that comcast wants you to use the cd to prevent techs having to make house calls. they have more important things to do.

so, unless you have the broadband filter attached to where the wire comes into your house, no tech visits cds are necessary. a phone call will do.
 
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