| REFERENCE LIBRARY |
| Installation and Setup Guide |
This chapter explains how to install Communicator. The order in which you read this chapter depends on the type of Internet connection you use (LAN or modem).
If you already have Internet access, check to see if you're on a local area network (LAN) instead of a dial-up connection that uses a modem and a phone line. You might be able to get Internet access using your existing LAN rather than through a dial-up connection with an Internet service provider. Talk to the person who administers your network to find out the best way to get Internet access.
If you use a dial-up connection and a LAN with Microsoft Networking Software and a network adapter, you might have conflicts with your DNS configuration. For more information, talk to your network administrator. §
Upgrading From a Previous VersionIf you already have a version of Netscape Navigator or Communicator installed on your computer, read this section before you begin installing. If you're installing Communicator for the first time, go to "Installing Communicator" on page 13.
If you already have an Internet Service Provider (ISP), your existing connection settings are preserved when you upgrade, and you'll be able to continue using your existing account. You don't have to do anything to make your existing connection settings work with the new version of Communicator.
If you are upgrading from Navigator 3.x or below, when you install Communicator, you will have the option of copying or transferring your bookmarks, connection settings, and preferences to the new version.
If you are upgrading from a previous version of Communicator, Communicator automatically transfers your bookmarks, address book entries, connection settings, and preferences when you install it.
For information about upgrading from other Internet programs, such as Eudora, please see "Frequently Asked Questions" in Appendix A, "Troubleshooting and Error Messages."
If you are upgrading from a previous version of Communicator, when you install Communicator, you can choose to either install in the default directory or in a directory that you specify. If you install Communicator in the default directory, all of your bookmarks, connection software settings, profiles, mail, and preference settings are saved, and your previous version of Communicator is overwritten.
Netscape recommends overwriting your previous version of Communicator.§
If you install in a directory that you specify, you can continue to use your previous bookmarks, connection software settings, profiles, mail, and preference settings without overwriting your previous version of Communicator.
(Windows 95/Windows 98) Communicator uses Windows Dial-Up Networking to connect to your service provider. If Dial-Up Networking has never been installed on your system, you'll be prompted to insert your Windows 95/Windows 98 disks or CD when you install Communicator. Make sure you have your Windows 95/Windows 98 disks or CD handy before you start installing. §
(Windows NT 4.0) If you're using Windows NT you must install Remote Access Services before you install Communicator. For more information, see the Windows NT online help. §
Installing CommunicatorFollow these steps to install Communicator:
If the Installer screen doesn't appear, double-click setup.exe on the CD-ROM. §
When doing a Custom install, you must select the Internet Setup module if you want to install Account Setup or the connection software. §
For help with installation problems, see Appendix A, "Troubleshooting and Error Messages."
What's Next?What you do next depends on whether you are a new user or whether you are upgrading from a previous version of Netscape Navigator or Communicator.
New UsersIf you're a new user, once you install Communicator and restart your machine, you're ready to use Account Setup to set up your computer to access the Internet. Go to Chapter 3, "Using Account Setup," where you'll either create a new Internet account or connect to the Internet using an account you already have.
UpgradersWhen you upgrade from a previous version of Netscape Communicator, Communicator automatically uses your previous settings, which are stored in your user profile. Your user profile stores your connection settings, Communicator preferences, address book, bookmarks, and other settings.
When you upgrade from Netscape Navigator 3.x or below, Communicator transfers your previous account and connection settings and creates a new user profile for you. Communicator will ask you to verify the information it's using to create your user profile.
To have Communicator transfer your previous settings, follow these steps:
You're ready to start using Communicator--for correspondence, research, business, and more. For information on using Communicator, see the online documentation available in the Reference Library.
If you installed plug-ins from other companies to use with your previous version of Netscape Navigator or Communicator, they may not be automatically transferred when you upgrade. You can try copying the plug-ins from their old "Plugin" folder (in the Program folder inside the Navigator or Communicator folder) to the new Plugin folder. If the plug-ins still don't work, you must delete them and re-install them.
Uninstalling CommunicatorYou can remove Communicator from your computer using the Windows uninstall feature.
Follow these steps to uninstall Communicator:
This procedure removes only the Netscape Communicator component from your computer. You must individually remove any bonus plug-ins or utilities that you have installed.