topic Re: I'm Getting Frustrated in Community Chat

I'm Getting Frustrated

wismiss — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:10:04 GMT

I am trying to get a medical alert system set up. I am technology challenged, so please be kind in your responses. I switched to Spectrum last week because the previous provider I had was not compatible with these medical alert systems. The Spectrum installer moved my base unit to the downstairs family room. It was in my master bedroom. Now I have to take the medical alert system down there and plug it in to the modem. What????

Also, since he has been here, I don't have a wi-fi connection that works for my smart phone and my Kindle. So I tried calling Spectrum------used the phone number that was listed on their site---was referred to another number, so I called that and they said as of April 13 I had to call this other number. So, I called the third number--------45 minute wait. I'm getting impatient, frustrated, and sometimes just feel like living off the grid might not be a bad idea.

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

esmerelda — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:10:46 GMT

@wismiss Trying to be helpful...on both Kindle and smart phone go to settings and look for wifi. You'll need your wifi/modem password.

if this doesn't help, someone else is right behind me (or ahead of me) and maybe they can.

Take a deep breath. We'll get this done. ❤️

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

HerRoyaLioness — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:13:34 GMT

@wismiss Just sympathizing with you - what a frustrating situation! Dealing with cable companies is usually never a good thing.

I know nothing about medical alert systems - do they have to be set up with a cable company or are there independent ones available. I'm headed towards one pretty soon.

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

wismiss — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:14:20 GMT

@esmerelda: I did that and selected the one he told me I would now have for wi-fi service. Put in the password he gave me and it seemed to be all set. Next time I go to use the Kindle or the smart phone, it says "No wi-fi connection".

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

occasionalrain — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:17:30 GMT

@wismiss That Spectrum representative let you down. He should have checked that your phone, kindle etc all were connected and operational. You could try the electronics forum, they are always so helpful.

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

Porcelain — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:19:12 GMT

@wismiss wrote:
I am trying to get a medical alert system set up. I am technology challenged, so please be kind in your responses. I switched to Spectrum last week because the previous provider I had was not compatible with these medical alert systems. The Spectrum installer moved my base unit to the downstairs family room. It was in my master bedroom. Now I have to take the medical alert system down there and plug it in to the modem. What????
Also, since he has been here, I don't have a wi-fi connection that works for my smart phone and my Kindle. So I tried calling Spectrum------used the phone number that was listed on their site---was referred to another number, so I called that and they said as of April 13 I had to call this other number. So, I called the third number--------45 minute wait. I'm getting impatient, frustrated, and sometimes just feel like living off the grid might not be a bad idea.

Can the medical alert people help you?

If you have to connect your medical alert system directly to the modem, that requires a cable called an ethernet cable. The ends of it look like phone jack plugins. Your medical alert place should be able to send you one.

For the wifi connection, the installer should have left you the name of the new network and the password. Or he may have asked you what you wanted as the network name and password. Once you get through to customer service, they can look it up for you. Be sure to write it down someplace you can easily find it! (I know that one from experience.)

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this stuff. It's never fun. Just take it slow and give yourself something else to do to distract you while you work your way through the customer service maze.

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

esmerelda — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:19:23 GMT

@wismiss Mine here at home is always connected. But I remember at the gym I had the opportunity to "always join" or "join autoatically" or something like that. See if you have that option. Or if you have an "Ask to join networks" make sure that is on. Again, in settings, wifi.

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

fthunt — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:35:01 GMT

Life Line is simple - no wi-fi involved. Machine can go anywhere there is a phone. (landline) One cord plugs in electrical outlet or strip power supply - plug the other end in the back of phone - cordless answering machine phone okay.

That's is.............done

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

Imaoldhippie — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:59:03 GMT

You might ask a mod to move this post to the electronics forum to get more answers. There are very knowledgeable people there.

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

Still Raining — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 19:24:25 GMT

This whole thing can be crazing making.

First make sure that you change the name and password on the new modem.

While in there, check to see if you need two pathways. Perhaps the existing items do not work on 5g. I had to this for my paper white.

Not really too scary. Instructions are out there.

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

loveschocolate — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 21:23:23 GMT

@dooBdoo , can you help?

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

Drythe — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 22:15:05 GMT

@loveschocolate wrote:
@dooBdoo , can you help?

@loveschocolate

My thought exactly. But, I know @dooBdoo mentioned earlier that there was huge damage in her area from last night, and that she was having power outages.

My is with her. I know she will respond if she sees this tag.

Re: I'm Getting Frustrated

dooBdoo — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 20:58:58 GMT

@loveschocolate, @Drythe, Thank you for your votes of confidence❤️, but I'm not sure I have much help to offer other than adding a couple of suggestions to start the process for everyone.

There are some good ideas already here. @wismiss, I see that you have 2 threads that aren't identical but they are related (the other one in "Electronics" about your printer).

You might want to consolidate the problems into one discussion and also provide more specifics.

Getting so many devices to "play well" with each other can be confusing, for sure. I agree with @occasionalrain that it seems Spectrum let you down, especially since they just gained you as a new customer.

Since you can't seem to get them by phone, you could try their social media accounts to see if they are more responsive there. Currently, getting tech support from the different companies involved might be harder right now with some of them working with limited staff.

For any of us, here in the Community, to help or troubleshoot more effectively, it would help to know specifically the brand and model of each device you're using. While the general principles are usually similar, the advice can and probably will vary depending on the make and model of each device and even the software it uses.

Or, if you don't want to list them all for us just go online for each of them and look at the advice for each one -- most often, they'll have step-by-step explanations. Take them one at time, starting with the base unit and working out from it, and it won't feel quite so overwhelming.

Let us all know how you're doing, and if the problems still persist just provide some additional details and I'm sure someone here will have the answers. I'm sorry I'm not more help! If I could, I'd come there, sit by your side, and work this out. I understand the frustration, and hope it's all resolved soon.🌻