Internet Help

System Requirements

We recommend these minimum system requirements for the best experience with your Qwest® Broadband service. In addition to the standards noted below, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for any additional system requirements.

Qwest Broadband

Windows (IBM® compatible)

• Desktop or laptop/notebook
• CPU: Intel® Pentium®-class processor with minimum speed of 200MHz
• Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME or Windows XP
• 16MB RAM minimum with 32MB RAM recommended
• Pre-equipped Ethernet Network Interface Card (recommended) or an available USB port
• 30MB hard disk space (additional space will be needed for ISP requirements)
• CD-ROM drive (internal or external)

Macintosh®

• G3 or greater
• Mac OS® 9.2.2 or higher
• 64MB RAM (desktop); 64MB RAM (laptop/notebook)
• 30MB hard disk space (additional space will be needed for ISP requirements)
• CD-ROM drive (internal or external)

Qwest Choice™ DSL with MSN® Premium (formerly known as Qwest Choice™ DSL with MSN® Premium)

Windows PC (IBM compatible)

• Up to 320MB of hard disk space needed to install, after install up to 180MB may be needed
• Microsoft Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2, or Windows XP operating system
• Multimedia PC with 500MHz processor or faster (800MHz recommended)
• Minimum 128MB of RAM (256MB recommended)
• Pre-equipped Ethernet Network Interface Card (recommended) or an available USB port
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
• Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device recommended
• 256-color VGA or higher resolution graphics card (SVGA recommended)
• Minimum 800 X 600 resolution recommended
• CD-ROM drive

Macintosh®

• MSN Premium is not compatible with Macintosh.

How and when will I receive my modem kit from Qwest?
Your Qwest modem kit will be shipped to arrive at your door step on or before the due date of your high-speed Internet service.  You do not need to be home in order to receive your kit. The shipping carrier will leave it at your door.

What's included in the kit?
Your kit includes the following items:

• Installation CD with step-by-step instructions for the complete installation process
• Qwest modem with built-in wireless gateway – actual model may vary
• Cables to connect the modem to your computer
• Four phone filters (three in-line and one wall mount)

What are phone filters? Do I need to use them?
Phone filters, also known as microfilters, must be used with your Qwest® Broadband service to ensure optimal performance. These filters eliminate the higher-end frequencies used for your high-speed access. When phone filters are not used, or not installed correctly, you'll experience static on your telephone line. The installation CD included in your Qwest modem kit provides step-by-step instructions on how to install these filters.

What if I need additional phone filters?
You can contact the Qwest Business Office to purchase additional filters.

Residential Customers: 800-244-1111
Business Customers: 800-603-6000

Will my high-speed Internet service interfere with my security system?
If you have a security system connected to the same phone line that will be used for your high-speed Internet service, we recommend your Qwest broadband service be installed by a trained Qwest Technician. You could also contact your security system company for assistance in connecting the filter to your security system. Your security company may charge you for assisting you in connecting the filter to the security system. In all cases, we recommend doing a test of your security system once your high-speed Internet service is complete.

Is high-speed Internet service easy to install?
Yes. Qwest provides you with a step-by-step installation CD that will walk you through the necessary steps to complete the installation process. The CD is included in your Qwest modem kit.

How long will it take me to perform the installation?
The installation process takes about 20–40 minutes. The exact length of time depends on the Internet Service Provider (ISP) you chose at the time you ordered your service, and the operating system and other applications you are running on your computer.

What will I have to do to install my high-speed Internet service?
Installation is easy when you follow the instructions provided on the Installation CD. Some of the steps will require you to plug in cables to your computer and to the modem. If you are not comfortable with connecting cables, we recommend you order a Qwest Technician Installation.

What do I need to do to prepare my computer for high-speed Internet service?
Ensure the following:

• Your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
• Your computer is free of viruses and spyware.
• Your computer is physically located close to a telephone jack.

What if I can't or don't want to install the service myself?
Qwest offers professional installation by a trained Qwest Technician.

Can Qwest install my high-speed Internet service and connect my computer for me?
Yes. At the time you place your order you can request to have a trained Qwest Technician install the high-speed Internet service in your home. There is a charge for this service.

Do I need to be home for Qwest to install my high-speed Internet service and connect my computer?
The Qwest Technician will need someone to let them in to obtain access to the computer. Prior to coming out, the technician will contact you to set up a time that is convenient for you to install the service.

What is the charge for a Qwest technician to do this?
There is a one-time tech visit charge of $99.99 for a Qwest Technician to install the service and connect your computer.

Will the Qwest technician deliver my modem?
No. Your Qwest modem kit will be shipped to you and arrive on or before the due date of your high-speed Internet service. You don't need to be home to receive your kit; the shipping carrier will leave it at your door.

What's included with a Qwest technician installation?
Installation includes:

• Connecting your modem to a single computer
• Connecting any necessary phone filters
• Configuring your modem to work with your service*
• Setting up your primary e-mail account*
• Ensuring you are able to surf the Internet*

*Subscribers with MSN and/or Qwest.NET (including Internet Basic or Internet Prime) service only.

How do I order a Qwest technician installation?
At the time you place your order, request that a Qwest Technician install your service. If you've already placed your order and haven't yet installed the service, contact our business office with your request.

Residential Customers: 800-244-1111
Business Customers: 800-603-6000

What has to be done to my computer so it's ready for high-speed Internet service?
Ensure the following:

• Your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
• Your computer is free of viruses and spyware.
• Your computer is physically located close to a telephone jack.

Can the Qwest technician connect multiple computers to my high-speed Internet service?
Currently Qwest does not support the installation of multiple computers. The Qwest technician installation supports the connection of a single computer to your modem via Ethernet or USB.

Can the Qwest Technician set up my wireless network?
The Qwest Technician can turn on the wireless feature in your Qwest modem. For configuration of other wireless devices, such as your wireless card in your computer, you will need to consult the instruction booklet that came with the card you purchased. Qwest Technicians are only certified to configure the Qwest-supplied modem.

Can I install my Qwest broadband service and connect my computer myself?
Yes. Please indicate at the time you place your order that you would like to do the installation yourself. Do-It-Yourself Installation help is available.

IMPORTANT NOTE: These steps are for Qwest Connect with MSN® Premium (formerly known as Qwest Choice DSL with MSN Premium) subscribers ONLY.

How do I install the MSN software?
The MSN software will be installed automatically when you follow the step-by-step instructions on the Installation CD that was included with your Qwest modem kit.

How do I install the MSN software for a Windows PC from the Web?

1. Open Internet Explorer and type: http://membercenter.msn.com/download.aspx
2. Select Install Now and follow the instructions. 
3. After downloading, the installation should start automatically. If not, double click the MSN Installer icon on your desktop to start the installation.
4. Select Next.
5. Select Type your MSN.com or Hotmail.com e-mail address and type in your msn.com e-mail address and password. Then select Next.
6. Type in your name. Then select I Accept.
7. Select Typical and then Next.
8. Now MSN will start the installation.
9. After you see the installation is complete, select Finish.
10. Launch MSN by selecting the MSN icon on your desktop.
11. Type in your password and select Sign In.

Detailed instructions (PDF) are available.

How do I determine if Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher is installed on my computer?

1. Open Internet Explorer. Select Help then About Internet Explorer.
2. A window will appear, displaying the version of Internet Explorer that's currently installed.
3. If the version of Internet Explorer is not 6.0 or higher, you need to download and install the current version of Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Detailed instructions (PDF) are available.

How do I set up my high-speed Internet service?
After 5 p.m. on the due date for your high-speed Internet service, you can begin set up. Start by installing the Installation CD included in your Qwest modem kit. We strongly recommend you don't install the modem or any other component until instructed to do so by the Installation CD.

Why is an Ethernet connection recommended over USB?
Ethernet connections utilize faster and more stable technology than USB connections.

How do I start my installation if the CD doesn't start automatically when inserted?

1. Select Start. Then select Run.
2. At the prompt, type in d:/setup.exe (Note: "d:" is the drive letter for your CD-ROM. If your CD-ROM drive letter is different, enter that instead of "d".)
3. Your installation should now begin.

Detailed instructions (PDF) are available.

• Start Here Guide (English and Spanish PDF)
• Qwest modem Rental/Purchase Agreement (PDF)
• Visit our modem support page for other guides and documents.

What is a network?
A network exists anytime you connect two or more computers to each other. This can be done by connecting wires (Ethernet cables) to each computer, or connecting them without wires by using a wireless access point.

Can my high-speed Internet service be used with a home or small business network?
Yes, you can set up a wired or wireless network with your Qwest broadband service.

Can I set up a wired or wireless network as I'm installing my high-speed Internet service?
Currently, we recommend you install your high-speed Internet service using the Ethernet or USB connection before setting up a wired or wireless network. For help setting up a network, contact your computer vendor or visit the Actiontec Web site for more information.

What is a static IP address?
A static IP address is a unique numeric address that identifies your computer on the Internet. Qwest, as your Internet Service Provider (ISP), can assign a static IP address to be a permanent address for your computer. Learn more.