A configuration server comprises a web server connected to an Internet and hosting a registration webpage accessible to a registrant on the Internet, the registration webpage including an input area receiving configuration information from the registrant, a configuration database connected to the web server for storing the configuration information, and a direct-dial interface connected to a telephone line and to the configuration database, the direct-dial interface operational to answer an incoming telephone call from an automatic appliance and, in response, transmit the configuration information to the automatic appliance. An automatic appliance configuration registration system comprises (a) an automatic appliance including a memory for storing configuration information for automatically configuring the automatic appliance, and (b) a remote configuration server interface operational to answer an incoming call from the automatic appliance and, in response, transmit the configuration information to the automatic appliance, the remote configuration server comprising (i) a web server connected to an Internet and hosting a registration webpage accessible to a registrant on the Internet, the registration webpage including an input area receiving the configuration information from the registrant; and (ii) a configuration database connected to the web server for storing the configuration information.