Changing the Melb PC Dialup Number

The  Melbourne PC User Group Internet Service has consolidated the Melbourne Metro dial-up numbers ( 0386265000 and 0396974000 ) to the one number - 0396974000.  This number is the ONLY number available for Full Internet Subscribers.    The previous 0386265000 group is now discontinued.

The special number for members with free mail accounts will become 0396974004 - this is the only access number available for these users. They will continue to have access to their Mail (including Webmail), Melb PC Webpages, and Melb PC News as previously.

How to check and change the dialup number

The first step is to double-click the Melb PC Internet icon on your desktop, which will open a dialling window as shown below.
 



The typical dialup window in Windows XP



The typical dialup window in Windows Vista

In the Dial number box near the bottom is displayed the dialup number you are currently using.  If this is shown as 0396974000 you have nothing more to do, but continue dialling as usual. 

However if another number is shown, simply click on this box to highlight the number and enter the new number 0396974000

To commence dialling the new number simply click on the Dial button as usual, and because the number has been changed a new window will open to ask "Make the phone number change permanent?"

Click the "Yes" button and the new number will be remembered and used for all future dialups.

These instructions also apply to members with free mail accounts except that the new number is 0396974004 instead of 0396974000 shown in the examples.

  

Using the Melb PC Internet Configuration Kit

Many subscribers have used the Melb PC Internet Configuration program to configure their Internet dialler, the default Melb PC home page, and Mail and News programs.  There is a new version now available which can be downloaded from http://www.melbpc.org.au/help/MPC2008.EXE or obtained from the Melb PC Monthly Disk.  Although primarily intended for new subscribers, this program can be safely used to modify the phone number, change the home page, and it will not cause you to lose your mail and news.  If you are able to make these changes manually there is nothing extra to be gained by using this program.

Members with free mail accounts who use this program will still need to change the dial-up number to 0396974004 as detailed above.

Subscribers using Linux or other unix type operating systems are probably competent themselves to make the necessary changes.

Changes to the Internet Services Page (previously the MOTD page)

With the introduction of the new Melb PC Internet Services Page which replaced the old MOTD page, it is necessary to modify the Home Page setting in your browser.
 



In Internet Explorer click on Tools then Internet Options, and
then in the General tab shown above, enter the new address as
shown:   http://www.melbpc.org.au/isp/



Firefox users click on Tools and then Options, and then in the
Main tab in the Home Page line, enter the new address as shown:
http://www.melbpc.org.au/isp/


What to do about that annoying Dial-up Connection box that keeps appearing.

Sometimes subscribers complain about the Dial-up Connection window (see sample below) that keeps popping up at annoying intervals while you are working offline.  With this setting dialling will only commence when prompted by double-clicking the Melb PC icon on the desktop.

Luckily the answer is quite simple - look at the example on the right.



A sample of those nagging
windows
In Internet Explorer go to Tools, then Internet Options and then the Connections tab.  Then move the radio button spot to "Never dial a connection".

or

Go to Control Panel and then Internet Options, and you will be presented with the same page as shown on the right. Again - just move the radio button.

Return to:  The Internet Services Page   or   Melb PC External Page   or    PC Update Online   or   Melb PC Monthly Disk