If you are an Internet service provider (ISP) and already have an HTML-based sign-up process that you do not want to alter, you should use this sign-up method in your Windows® Internet Explorer® Administration Kit 8 (IEAK 8) custom browser package.

Important

The Internet sign-up option is not available for the Windows Vista® operating system.

An Internet sign-up server is an HTTP server that automates the task of adding new customers to an ISP customer database. The steps for ISP sign-up using kiosk mode are as follows:

  1. Internet Explorer is installed (computer restarts).

  2. The Internet Connection Wizard (Icwconn1.exe) starts. This wizard checks for hardware and software configuration, and installs appropriate configuration, if necessary.

  3. Isignup.exe starts.

  4. Signup.htm starts.

  5. User clicks link to Signup.isp on Signup.htm.

  6. Use Signup.isp to connect.

  7. Create connection files.

  8. Dial.

  9. Open browser with URL from Signup.isp.

  10. Download .ins files (.cab if necessary).

  11. Apply branding and other customizations.

  12. "Task Complete" message appears.

Note

If the user's security options are set to high, the sign-up server will not work, because the necessary files will not be downloaded.

As you create your custom browser package using the Internet Explorer Customization Wizard 8, IEAK can create an .ins file for each dial-up location that you specify. You can also edit these settings manually, if needed.

To provide multiple, custom-branded versions of Internet Explorer to different customer groups, you should maintain a variety of sets of branding information on the server for downloading in the .ins file. This means that all the setup CDs you send out will be the same, but they will be branded differently when the user signs up with your Internet service. Differences might include custom logos, special links on the Links bar, and the location for online assistance.

Additional references