Frequently Asked Questions

General Account Questions

What is "Secret Code" for online bill pay account?

When setting up access to WNM Communications online bill pay, you will be asked to enter a secret code. The secret code is as follows: 060 followed by the last four digits of the main phone number on the WNM Communications account. For example, if the main phone number on your account is 555-1234, then your secret code would be 0601234. If you have problems accessing your account, you may need to call the main office (1-800-535-2330) to verify the phone number on the account.

Why should I use a surge protector or battery backup?

A good surge protector might cost you $40. A very basic battery backup will cost you anywhere from $60-$100. That might seem like a lot of money but consider this: A new dialup modem is at least $40, and probably more if you have it installed. A new DSL modem will be at least $100. A new monitor will cost you somewhere around $200 at the very least. And you probably wouldn’t be able to replace your computer for less that $500-$1000, and it would likely be more expensive than that. All of these things can be damaged or destroyed by power surges. That’s why you should have a surge protector, or battery backup.

What should I do if I’m going to move?

Before you move, give us a call and we’ll determine if you are moving within our service area.

Internet Questions

Is there a size limit to the attachments I can send via email?

Our servers will allow you to send a file, or group of files, in a single email that collectively add up to a maximum of 10MB.

Why can't I connect to the Internet?

If you are not able to establish an Internet connection, you should be getting an error message. Write down exactly what the message says, and call our customer support at 1-800-535-2330 for more specific help.

I already have my own high-speed modem: can I use it?

You’re free to use your own modem assuming it is compatible with our systems. WNMC provides a modem for a small monthly fee. The fee insures the modem as long as you keep the service. If the WNMC modem is faulty, it will be replaced without additional charges. You may also buy a WNMC modem.

What does the “account is locked” or “pop.lock is busy” error message mean?

Your email is currently being accessed. Double check to make sure that no one else or no other program is trying to check the same email account at the same time. Please note: you might see this error message if you leave your email running at home and then try to check your email from another location. If you are certain that no other program or person is trying to check your email, then shut down your email and leave it off for at least 15 minutes before trying again. If you still receive the same error message after rebooting, please contact our customer service department.

I can connect to the internet, and browse, but I can't get my email!

Have you set up your email on your computer? If you have set it up, and it has been working up until now, you should be getting an error message. Make sure you’ve set up your email client properly. Click here for instructions for setting up your email account. If the problem continues, write down the message, and give us a call.

Why doesn't WNMC actively filter my internet access and email?

The answer is we do. We filter your mail for most known viruses, and do a lot of junk mail filtering on the server side. Unfortunately, this is not enough to catch everything you can get from your email. That’s why virus protection and a spam filter on your computer is such a good idea. We don’t provide filters for your internet access. We feel that our customers are the best judges of what they want to use their internet connections for, and we want to make sure you have as much freedom of choice as possible.

What is the charge to move my DSL to a different house or office?

Unlike dialup internet, or your phone service, DSL requires quite a bit of additional work in order to move from one place to another. In a nutshell, moving DSL is exactly like doing a brand new installation. If you wanted to, you could simply sign a new service agreement, and we can waive this fee. If you do not want to renew your service agreement, we have to charge you the installation fee, which is $100.

What special equipment do I need for DSL?

You don’t need any special equipment or software to get the DSL service. The external DSL modem is supplied by us. You will, however, need to have an ethernet adapter in your computer. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to see whether or nor your computer came with one. If not, you will need to have one installed.

How can I keep my kids safe on the Internet?

First, and foremost, educate them about the dangers of using the web without supervision. Education is the most powerful security you can provide your children. Next, buy some parental control software like NetNanny or Cybersitter. One of these programs will allow you to control the content your kids access

What is adware and spyware, and how do I get rid of it?

Adware and spyware is software that is downloaded via the internet or email. Sometimes you will click ‘yes’ on something you haven’t read carefully, and that will load the software. Or you may have opened a spam email that had the software attached to it. A lot of adware and spyware works like a virus, getting onto your computer without your specific permission or knowledge. Adware specializes mostly in introducing pop-ups and other internet-based advertising. Spyware specializes in logging keystrokes, and keeping track of where you go on the internet. Both types of software can and do send your information to the company or individual that originated it. The best way to remove this kind of software is to run a program that searches for and removes adware and spyware.

I don’t want to be tied to one room. Can I create a wireless network here?

Yes. All you need is a wireless router. Connect your DSL modem to the router via an Ethernet cable and you can surf the ‘net from anywhere within the allotted range of your wireless router. For security, you should be sure to set up proper password protection for your network. Please call 1-800-535-2330 for help.

How many email addresses do I get with my high-speed Internet service?

It depends upon your service tier; most include at least 5 email address. If you need more, you can purchase additional email addresses through us or use a web-based email server e.g. gmail.

Why am I experiencing very slow connection and download speeds?

When you access a Web page or attempt to download a file, you are accessing one or more servers. If any of those servers are experiencing problems, it can impact the overall speed of your computer. If your connection speed does not improve after waiting a few minutes, try restarting your computer and/or modem to see if the problem is occurring in your system.

Why can I load some Web pages but not others?

Typically, this means that the server hosting the Web page you’re trying to access may be “down” or that the Web page has moved. Verify that you have the correct URL . Alternately, the Web page you’re trying to access is too busy. Try waiting a few minutes and then reload the Web page.

What can I do about all this Spam?

Junk email makes us all mad. Believe it or not, it really gets everybody here riled up, too. Unfortunately as soon as you do something to stop it, the spammers have two or three ways to get right back through. The simplest, and most effective solution is to run a spam filter on your computer. The most effective ones we’ve seen are ‘bayesian’ filters. There are several different spam filters out there. Do a search for “spam filter” on the web, and pick one that fits your needs. Never open an email that advertises spam filtering–because they’re spamming you!

Can I connect more than one computer to the DSL?

Yes. Theoretically you could hook as many computers as you wanted to your DSL connection. What you have to do in order to do this is buy a router, and install a small network in your home or office, and share the DSL through the network. It is probably advisable to have someone who is familiar with setting up networks do this for you, unless you are confident you can do it yourself. WNMC is unable to provide support for customers’ network

What is a firewall? Do I need one?

A firewall is software and/or hardware that is designed to keep hackers from getting onto your system and causing problems, or stealing data. If you are on DSL you probably want to be running some kind of firewall, because your faster connection make you a more attractive target. If you are on dialup internet you may also want a firewall, but it is not critical due to the lower bandwidth of a dialup connection. A firewall will protect a computer on dialup, but if you’ve kept up on your updates, it’s not likely that you’ll get much more protection from a firewall.

Why should I use virus protection software?

A firewall is software and/or hardware that is designed to keep hackers from getting onto your system and causing problems, or stealing data. If you are on DSL you probably want to be running some kind of firewall, because your faster connection make you a more attractive target. If you are on dialup internet you may also want a firewall, but it is not critical due to the lower bandwidth of a dialup connection. A firewall will protect a computer on dialup, but if you’ve kept up on your updates, it’s not likely that you’ll get much more protection from a firewall.

Why is it important to do my updates?

It’s as important to keep your software up to date as it is to change the oil in your car. The two most important things you can do to maintain your computer’s health is periodically run your Windows Update, and keep your virus protection software up to date.

Why does my computer keep asking me for my username and password?

Sometimes Windows will corrupt the username and password. The first thing to try is to make sure you’re entering the correct username. Also, make sure your capslock key is not on, and that you don’t have any extra numbers, spaces or punctuation. If you’ve tried all that, call our customer support at 1-800-535-2330.

Telephone Questions

If my electricity goes out, will my phone go out, too?

It all depends upon the type of phone service that you have and the kind of phone you use. VoIP phone services are provided through your Internet connection so an electricity outage will cause your phone to go out. With traditional phone services, you’ll still be able to use any corded phone in your house, even if the electricity goes out. Cordless phones, on the other hand, require electricity to operate. So if you have one of these phones, you won’t be able to use it until the power is turned back on.

I pay for Caller ID, so why don’t I receive Caller ID information on every call?

Certain types of telephone equipment or phone calls are currently incompatible with Caller ID technology e.g. automatic dialing systems, cell phones, etc.

FAQs