Switching to MAIN!

Have you or someone you know wanted to switch to MAIN, but you thought it might be too much hassle to say goodbye to your commercial ISP? We can show you how to make the switch in a few easy steps. You are protected by our 60-day money back guarantee!

General instructions come first, then you'll find links to

specific instructions related to other ISPs.

Note - The instructions below are for the general case; if you need assistance, please call the Help Desk at (828) 255-0182, or (866) 962-6246 (Tech support toll-free outside Buncombe County).

The whole process requires only a few easy steps:

1. Sign up for M@IN!
2. Set up your account
3. Cancel your former service and
4. Update your web browser

First, sign up with MAIN

All we need is a simple application and we'll be able to set up your MAIN account. Be sure to visit our account information page for details about our services and pricing.

Next, set up your account.

When your application has been approved, you will receive an account

information sheet and easy instructions for setting up your computer to access the Internet web pages and email through MAIN. You can also use the links below to get the directions or installer online. (After you click the link for your Operating System and follow instructions, then click Back in your browser to come back here and finish the process.)

For Windows Users: Download the MAIN Installer click here or get setup instructions: click here.
For Macintosh Users, get setup instructions: click here.

Notifying others of your address change

Email everyone on your address list your new address.
Check mailing lists and other services you have subscribed to and update or unsubscribe/subscribe to your current address.
Update printed material with your email address, such as business cards, letterheads, etc.

Forwarding email from your old provider

You may be able to have your mail forwarded from your former

provider for a period of time. Contact them to request this and use the standard setup instructions once it has been set up.

If you need to use both your old provider and MAIN regularly (rather than just MAIN with the

email forwarded from your old address) please contact the Help Desk for assistance.

Then, cancel your former service.

Changing

your service to MAIN from some ISPs may require specific steps. If your current ISP is listed below, click on the link for more detailed information. If your ISP is not listed below, visit their Web page and look for instructions there. If you need additional help changing your account to MAIN, please call our Help Desk at (828) 255-0282, (866) 435-7517 (Tech support toll-free outside Buncombe County) or send an email to help@main.nc.us or click here to submit your question via a form.

• AOL/Compuserve
• BellSouth
• Juno
• MSN
• PeoplePC
- Cancel your service by calling the Customer Service department at 1-888-587-9669. Customer Service is available Monday - Friday, 9:00 am 9:00 pm EST. Ask about help removing the software.
• Netzero
• SBC/Yahoo, which was AT&T (Worldnet) and Prodigy

Finally, update your Web Browser

Favorites/Bookmarks in browsers

Your favorites/bookmarks that you used previously will work with MAIN’s Internet service, except for "Favorite Places" from AOL.

Converting your AOL Favorite Places

They do not make it easy. There are two methods:
The simple but tedious method: You can convert your AOL favorite places by opening AOL and then Internet Explorer (or other browser) at the same time, go to each of your AOL Favorite Places in the AOL browser and copy the website address. Then switch into Explorer and paste it - go to that site - and then save it as a favorite place in Explorer. You can also use the software Bookmark Buddy available for download at URLORG to convert them in a batch. At this writing, the program is a free demo for 30 days.

Setting your home page to MAIN:
If you have not already done so, you may set your homepage to MAIN. Click here to automatically set your home page to MAIN. If that does not work due to your security settings, you can set your home page manually with the directions here.