just curious if anyone's had problems connecting to it
and what kinds of setup u're running
I'm on Eearthlink DSL and I have a switch setup
can I just connect the box to the swtich?

You should be able to. Try connecting you xbox directly to your DSL modem, just to make sure that you don't have any other issues.

example:

Line ----> DSL Modem ---> Xbox

If that works, then it could be that Earthlink only gave you 1 ip address. That means you need a router instead of a switch. There's more info in Flay's Ultimate XBOX Live Guide.

I'm really interested in getting X-box Live set up but I don't have a clue how to do it. This is what I know:

Pacific Bell seems to be the cheapest broadband SP in my area. I would set up a account with them.Does anyone know if Pacific Bell works X-Box Live?

What elso do I need? My apartment is already set up for High-speed internet, so will I need anything else?

Also, how does high-speed connect to my computer? Will I need some sort of converter?

I know it's embarrassing how little I know about the subject, but can anyone answer some questions for me?

Try this:

Ultimate Xbox Live Thread

you will get a broadband modem w/the installation of your service. then you can plug the xbox directly into the modem. it will be better to get a router since then you can plug both your xbox and computer into the router and router will be plugged into your modem.

Ok so I get home and am all excited to start playing on Live. Problem - I put in the live disc and I get a message saying -

Your Xbox can't recognize this disc. Make sure it's an XBox game, DVD movie, or audio CD. Also check to see if the disc is dirty or damaged. Remove the disc to continue.

There is one small scratch on the disc. Anyone else have a similar problem. I would exchange it but they are sold out. I heard somewhere that people were having problems with the beta discs. Would boiling the disc fix this problem?

I would turn off your xbox and turn it back on/or just eject the disc and reload it again. I had that happen the first time I stuck in my beta disc.

Now a scary fun tidbit from beta ppl was that some ppl said that boiling the disc for like 30 seconds helped resolve issues like this. Now I am not telling you to go boil your disc. Kinda funny huh?

Anyways, good luck and hope you get your xbox live to work. I believe there is a number for you to call if you need any help. Dont have the number right now but I can post when I get home.

I called the xbox 800 number. They game me a ticket# and said to call back tomorrow about getting a replacement disc sent out.

I want to play tonight so I am tempted to try boiling it.

Go ahead you've got nothing to loose. Just remember to boil it data side down and keep it submerged for the whole 30 seconds.

Hope ya get it working!

Just boil it, it should work just fine, like WOWZY said "you got nothing to lose". Don't be afraid - do it and see you online!!!!

Xbox Live Beta Tester
Gamertag: ShadowWarrior

Damn. I just figured a way around it. I put in Unreal T and went to play online and it took me through step by step. I just had to enter the pass code that came with the set. Guess I will have to wait to play Moto GP and Whacked until I get the disk replaced. Well I am off to play some NFL 2k3. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Xbox Live Gamertag: Gwanum

This is probably going to seem like the stupidest post ever,but boiling CD's gets rid of scratches or what?

The best way that I can explain what boiling does to the disc is (you guys feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) that during the production of the disc itself, the layers are put together with adhesive and heat pressed or rolled to cure the adhesive which in turn makes it clear. If the heat process isn't uniform, some areas of the disc may be opaque and hard for the drive to read.

Boiling the disc makes the adhesive complete its cure and make any opaque places clear enough that the drive can read it.

Considering all the problems during the beta period you think Microsoft would have solved the disc problems by now. The place pressing those discs needs to be investigated.

Can someone explain boiling to me? Do I just need to get the water boiling hot, throw the disc in for 30 seconds and pull it out?

That's pretty much it. The disk will float, but you will need to get some kind of hook to get it out.

Don't leave the disc in for more than 30 secs!

Good Luck.

Thank ya... I'm scared, but will let you know how goes.

I'm on Cable. I just went to Best Buy yesterday and picked up a Linksys 4 Port Router and had the computer and the Xbox all hooked up within a few minutes. Pretty painless.

DW

I had the same problem with my startup disk. I called MS and they said to return it, headset and disk for a replacement at the store. I dont know if im going to do it though. I got on fine using the unreal disk. Apparently every 'live' game will have the startup software.

I have earthlink DSL also. I had to call earthlink and ask them the DNS server numbers. You enter that, the username (dont forget the '@earthlink.net') and password and i got on just fine. Im using a router and i can surf and stay live its cool.

Is there anything we NEED on that startup disk? just demos right?

Well the only problem i had with the xbox wasnt a technical one but the subscripition code. The problem was that the sticker that covered it was so stuck to the cd holder. I was taking the sticker off and it ripped off the code. I was in a panic. I called them up and they told me to carefully take off the sticker from the piece of paper and to find the number. Geez i tell you. only me

No i had problems finding the code too.

It took awhile to realize you SCRATCH OFF the hologram on the sticker like a 'scratch and win' game card. this reveals the elusive 200 digit subscription code.

The only problem I have had is getting two friends to see each other in a game. I tried hosting a room the other night in Mech Assault and I could start a game with each friend alone but I could not get them both in the same game. In fact, I'd have them both in the lobby and they couldn't see other and one would be dropped out at start of game. When they tried to play each other without me, they couldn't start a game.

How's the sound quality when talking to other players?

Actually it's very good as long as people don't step on each other and refrain from using some of the incomprehendable voice masks. People also need to learn how to use team chat vs. global chat.