So, 25 years ago I knew everything there was to know about computers, now-a-days I know how to turn them on. I just moved and signed up for Verizon DSL, used it for about 4 days, and today I go to get online and all my favorites that I had added are gone. Anyone have an idea of what happened, or how I can fix it? As far as I know nothing changed between yesterday and today except that the only things now listed in my favorites are the preloaded stuff. I had a bunch of links for job openings and things I really would like to get back if someone can help me out here.
Thanks in advance,

 

it's possible that when you used the verizon cd, it installed a new version of IE.. wiping out your current favorites. although, usually IE updates never touch favorites. also, when I worked for verizon I never came across anything like that, so I'm guessing whatever did happen, wasn't in result to the verizon software, but possibly in you getting a virus, now that you're on verizon's network. as for getting them back, if you have winxp and still have system restore enabled, you could try going back to yesterday, then backing up the favorites and attempt to re-install your dsl (mind you, if you have XP, you do not need the verizon cd) just create a pppoe connection, or if it's static, set the static IPs, or if it's dhcp, just surf, no settings required. good luck

 

Bummer Greg... Man, the WORST thing that people can do is to "install" the provider CD. It's a load of crap... You don't need to install ANYTHING on your machine to get a DSL connection to work. The network support is already there with Win2K or WinXP.

IE is a hard one to deal with since it doesn't store the bookmarks/favorites in a file - each entry is a file entry in a directory under IE's Application Data subtree ("{bootdrive}:\documents and settings\{username}\application data\microsoft\internet explorer")

green91runner had the best idea... try to do a system restore to a point before you ran the install and it SHOULD bring back your IE favorites.

Past that, I'd be happy to show up on your doorstep and get your DSL connection setup without having to use that install disk. Just drop me an email.

 

Just in case...

Favorites are set "per user". If you have multiple logins on your computer (for your kids or wife, etc) make sure you're logged in under your account.

You can also look in the C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Favorites folder (on Windows XP) for them. If you don't find them under the Documents and Settings folder for your user account, check any others that are listed. I'll be suprised if they are totally gone.

If you don't find them using either suggestion above, System Restore is certainly a good option.

And, midiwall is right. The CD your ISP provides you makes a pretty good coaster (except for that hole in the middle), but not much else. It definitely isn't needed and usually just tries to force you to use services provided by the ISP.

 

Thanks guys. I checked all the users on this computer and none of the favorites files show anything more than the defaults. I don't think this was a problem with the DSL install because it was working for the first few days and then went away. I just found out my GF was on the computer shortly before this happened (have to be sure not to mention it to her and make her feel bad) but she tried to sign in to our old IP (Earthlink) and I think that messed something up. I guess I'll figure out how to do a system restore and go from there. Thanks again.

 

Sorry to correct you, but Win2k does not have PPPoE support, you would be required to use the install cd. Same with Win9x/Me. What I recommend for those computers, or any computer is pick up a cheap router, keeps the connection on 24/7, and gives you a decent hardware firewall, saving on system resources. Also, the price of a router is usually cheaper then firewall software...

 

True, but he's on Verizon which isn't using PPPoE. I'm using the same DSL service... All he needs is a network card in the computer and a 10BaseT cable to the modem.


Again, this isn't PPPoE.


True, but the modems that Verizon are providing in this area have NAT built in, which will be fine for him right now.

My point to Greg was to help him get online quick without having to worry about running out to find a LinkSys or NetGear box. He'll be protected enough with NAT for now.

First things first... I didn't want to confuse the issue.

 

Do a Windows find (WINDOWS KEY-F) and search ALL LOCAL DRIVES for *.URL That should return all the Internet Shortcuts (which your favorites are) located anywhere on your machine. See if you find a set you recognize.

 

I figured out that the Earthlink software I was using is still on the computer and was causing the conflict. I turned off DSL and logged back in on dial-up and everything came back. Time to do some cleaning on this thing and get rid of some problems. Thanks again everyone for the help, and Mark I may be calling you to reconfigure this thing.

 

No sweat Greg just drop me a line and we'll figure out a time to get together.

I'm out of town 14-16, and 19-23... But we can do this during the day 17 or 18 if you're around.

 

Okay, Verizon offers PPPoE, DHCP and Static service..

In the former GTE area.. (West USA, and Florida) you can get DHCP and Static.. with a few LATAs getting PPPoE. In the former Bell Atlantic footprint you get PPPoE and Static, ONLY. Yes, of the modems Verizon provides, the Westell 2110, 2200, 6100, 6110 and Versalink 327, the 2200, 6100 and 327 do have NAT built in. My comments were directed at those that have the 2110 and 6110, which are straight pass-through modems. Also, while using Westell you get horrible customer support from them, I believe there is one guy at Westell that actually knows what he is doing. He is the same guy that wrote the Virtual GUI for Verizon's DSL tech support. Other pitfalls of the Westell modem is sometimes VPN lacks to work, and when using the 2200 you only get 1 port to plug into, requiring you to use a hub, switch or router to get more then 1 computer to use that connection.

Anyway, wasn't entirely directed at him, cause I seen that you had his computer issues covered. But, more for anyone else that read this thread and might want some good suggestions for their PPPoE connection, or if they received one of those few modems from Verizon that didn't provide the NAT function.

One last note, if you are in the west and using a DHCP connection by Verizon, then you should be aware that their servers bind your MAC address when you obtain an IP. So, if you have a pass through modem (2110, 6110) and you plug into a 2nd computer, unless you release the IP address before you switch, it will not receive an IP. Also, if you add a router into the equation, take the MAC address off either the computer or the NAT modem (then turn it to bridge mode) and clone that MAC address on the router, to get an IP, if you don't you will be scratching your head. Or calling tech support (which is equivelent to banging your head against the wall).