[olug] Cox is demanding DHCP

[LP]

Who else got this email and is there a way to fight this?
I called and refused DHCP, but was pretty much told to "Go f#$% myself".
DSL isn't a option at this time.


Dear Cox @Home customer,
Our number one priority is to ensure that all of our Cox @Home customers
enjoy fast, reliable high-speed Internet service. To help us deliver on this
goal, the Cox @Home Network Team is performing network maintenance in your
area, which includes balancing network traffic needs and consolidating IP
address space.
Your computer has been identified as not using the DHCP protocol, a system
designed to automatically update your Internet address information. To
ensure optimum network performance for all of our Cox @Home customers, it is
important that everyone use DHCP protocol to connect to the Internet. Below
you will find several options to help you convert your computer from a static
connection to a dynamic connection (DHCP protocol). Please make the
necessary changes (as outlined below) to all computers connected to your Cox
@Home service. After any network maintenance, any computers not using the
DHCP protocol will not be able to connect to the Internet. The options below
will guide you through these changes. You will receive this e-mail for each
and every IP/DNS name that is assigned to you but not using DHCP.
Your Computer Name (DNS) is: CX383423-G
OPTION 1:
If you would like to take advantage of an automated tool, please visit
http://dhcpconv.home.net/. Before visiting this tool, please print out the
instructions in this document to assist you if you have any questions.
OPTION 2:
For instructions on configuring your computer, please choose the
corresponding link for your operating system. Before visiting these links,
please print out the instructions in this document to assist you if you have
any questions.
Instructions for Windows 95/98/ME:
http://www.cox.com/service/CoxatHome/DOCSIS_W9x_DHCP.asp
Before beginning, ensure you have your Windows 95/98/ME installation CD or
Diskettes.
Step 1. Click on Start, then click Settings
Step 2. Click Control Panel
Step 3. Double-click Network
Step 4. In Network, click Identification
Step 5. Verify that you have the correct computer name (above) in Computer 
Name
Step 6. Click the Configuration tab
Step 7. Select TCP/IP for the network card
Step 8. Click Properties
Step 9. In the IP Address tab, make sure that "Obtain an IP Address
Automatically" is selected
Step 10. Click WINS Configuration, select Disable WINS Resolution
Step 11. Click the Gateway tab
Step 12. Remove any numbers in Installed Gateway
Step 13. Select the DNS Configuration tab
Step 14. Select Disable DNS
Step 15. Click OK on TCP/IP Properties
Step 16. Click OK on Network
Step 17. Your WIN95/98/ME CD or Diskettes may be required
Step 18. Reboot your computer when prompted.
Instructions for Windows NT:
http://www.cox.com/service/CoxatHome/DOCSIS_WinNT_DHCP.asp
Step 1. Go to Start
Step 2. Click Settings
Step 3. Click Control Panel
Step 4. Double-click Network
Step 5. In Identification, make sure your Computer Name (above) is in the
Computer Name field. If not, click Change and type in your Computer Name
(above)
Step 6. Click Protocols
Step 7. Highlight TCP/IP for your Network card
Step 8. Click Properties
Step 9. Select Obtain an IP address from a DHCP Server
Step 10. Click the DNS tab
Step 11. Make sure your Host Name is your Computer Name (above)
Step 12. Click WINS Address
Step 13. Deselect Enable DNS for Windows Resolution, if selected
Step 14. Click OK for TCP/IP Properties
Step 15. Click OK on Network
Step 16. Restart your computer
Instructions for Macintosh:
http://www.cox.com/service/CoxatHome/Setup_MacTCP_OS85.asp
Some Macintosh operating systems (OS 8.5 & below) do not allow for DHCP
usage. The instructions below are for Macintosh version 8.5.1 and above.
Step 1. Open the TCP/IP Control Panel. Click on the Apple Menu, move down to
Control Panels and select TCP/IP.
Step 2. Click on the Edit Menu and select User Mode.
Step 3. Ensure that Advanced is selected and click the OK button.
Step 4. From the Connect Via Menu, select Ethernet. Other valid options may
be Ethernet Built-in, Alternate Ethernet, Ethernet Slot A1, etc.
Step 5. Select "Using DHCP Server" from the Configure menu. Type the
Computer Name (above) in the "DHCP Client ID" field
Step 6. Click the Options button to bring up the TCP/IP Options window.
Step 7. Ensure Active is selected and Load Only When Needed is unchecked,
then click the OK button.
Step 8. Close the TCP/IP control panel by clicking the Close box in the upper
left corner of the window. When the Save dialog appears, click the Save button.
Thank you for your cooperation with this conversion. If you have any
questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at dhcpnotify at cox.com.
As always, thank you for being a valued Cox @Home customer.
Network Management Team
Cox @Home