Things You'll Need

Instructions

Cable Modem

1

Make certain that the coaxial, or "cable" line is attached to the appropriate port on the modem. There is a small pin that inserts into the center of the port, and a nut will screw on to the end of the post to secure the cable. Most modems will come with a coaxial cable, and they can be purchased at most stores that sell electronics.
2

Insert the other end of the coaxial cable into the port on your wall. If you have both a television and computer in the same room, you may need to utilize a "splitter" to split the line. Connect the side of the splitter with the single port to the wall, and then the opposite ends will be used for the television and computer.
3

Make certain that your USB or Ethernet cables are hooked up properly. Also, be sure you are using one or the other (USB or Ethernet), not both. One end of the USB or Ethernet cable should be inserted into the appropriate port on the modem, and the other connected to the matching port on the computer.
4

Check to make sure the power cord is inserted into both the modem and a wall outlet. Then, make certain the modem is turned on. Most cable modems always have power, but some models, such as those manufactured by Motorola, have power buttons on them.
5

Run the installation disk to make certain that the correct drivers have been installed. Follow the instructions on the disk, and restart your machine. If you are still having problems, call your service provider's customer service desk.

DSL Modem

1

Make certain that there are line filters installed on every phone line, excluding the phone line that will be connected to the modem. Insert the filter into the wall, and then insert the insert the phone line into the filter. If there are any unused phone jacks, you still want to plug in a filter.
2

Check to make sure that there is a phone line in the appropriate port on the modem, and that the opposite end is plugged into a wall phone jack.
3

Make certain that your USB or Ethernet cables are hooked up properly. Also be sure you are using one or the other (USB or Ethernet), not both. One end of the USB or Ethernet cable should be inserted into the appropriate port on the modem, and the other connected to the matching port on the computer.
4

Check to make sure the power cord is inserted into both the modem and a wall outlet. Then, make certain the modem is turned on. It may take several minutes for the modem to boot up.
5

Run the installation disk to make certain that the correct drivers have been installed. Follow the instructions on the disk, and restart your machine. If you are still having problems, call your service provider's customer service desk.