Modem connection problem

[ibmman476]

Hi, I am using a Compaq presario 5304 with a Lucent Win modem. Until a few days ago it was working fine connecting to the internet. The problem is that now it connects to 24000 bps when it used to connect to 46000, I am using a dial-up internet service (Logical net). I also noticed that it takes the modem longer to connect to the internet. I have tried scanreg/restore and also all of the windows help troubleshooters. Any ideas?

[Murf]

Drop in baud rate all of a sudden is generally an indication that the ISP server is having problems. Therefore, before you pull your hair out trying to figure out why, I would contact Logical net as it could be their server that is causing the problem. Once that is ruled out let us know then we can start a diagnostic for you.

[ibmman476]

Thank you for your advice, I am going to call Logical net later and as soon as I am done I will post with their answer


Thanks,
Rob

[winsong]

Couple of other things to consider:
1. Storms in the area may cause this problem (rerouted signals due to down lines)
2. Noisy phone line - check with your telco and have them test the line.

[ibmman476]

Ok, I just called Logical Net and they just checked through my account and they told me that it is not their server that was faulty and everything is working as it should, and I also just had my phone company test the line and it was ok any other ideas?

[winsong]

What changes did you make to the system (hardware/software) prior to the problem occurring?

Do you have the volume up on the modem so you can hear the connection?

Is it possible that you have a conflict (Irq - Resource)?
Check the device manager

Also check and make sure there are not 2 or more occurances of your modem.

Are you running 98 or 98SE?

[ibmman476]

I haven't made any modifications prior to this occurance but I have upgraded my Internet explorer from version 5 to version 6 a week before my modem started to do this.

Yes my volume is up and when my modem connects it goes through the connecting cycle twice before it logs on, And I have also noticed that when it makes the long "woosh" sound it sounds more "liquidy".

I did not see any yellow exclamation points next to anything on the device manager.

There is only one modem listed in device manager (Lucent Win modem)

I am running Windows 98SE

Thanks for helping, I hope you can help me more with the info I just gave you

[winsong]

Couple of things to check:

1. Microsoft came out with a upgrade for dial-up and 98SE. I think it was version 1.4, make sure you have that.
Here is the link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/285189/en-us

2. Look in the control panel - modem - properties

Some where in there, there is a speed setting. Make sure it is not set to 24,000. I used to set mine at 56,000, so that was the speed the initial connect attempt ran at. Also there is normally a diagnostic tab - click on 'more info' and make sure your modem is listed in the correct com port.

3. Have you added any telephones lately? This can unbalance the line and cause connect problems.

4. Are you in a house or an apartment?

[ibmman476]

I just downlaoded 1.4 and it didn't change it any

the speed setting is set to connect at over 116700 but the check box that says "connect only at this speed" is shaded so i can't change it

I only have two phones

I live in a house

Thanks, Hope this info helps

[winsong]

Try down loading and running this - modem doctor

http://www.modemdoctor.com/

Do you dial-up and then start the browser or are you double-clicking a browser and having that do the dial-up?

[ibmman476]

Hey sorry it took so long responding, I have downloaded the modem doctor but when it finishes it asks me which file I want to open it with, it is not asking me which folder it is asking me which program I want to open it with what do I do?

I am clicking the icon that is on my desktop to connect to the internet.

Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,
Rob

[winsong]

What is the extension on the file you downloaded (zip, rar, etc)?

When I downloaded it, it was a ZIP file. Your will need Winzip to unpack it. Get it here:

http://www.oldversion.com/program.php?n=winzip

I'm running 9.0 SR-1

[ibmman476]

Ok I got modem doctor installed an then I clicked on "test my modem" here is what it came up with


Messages

, baud rate 19200
Dropping DTR Line for 500 ms
Raising DTR Line, pausing 500 ms
Testing Modem Microprocessor
No Response, Resetting Modem
No Response, Resetting Modem
No Response, Resetting Modem
Modem Off-Line or not Compatible


Diagnostic information

Baud Rate Selected 19200
Baud Rate Driver Pgm 19200
Modem Microprocessor Offline
Modem ID Type
Modem FAX Ability
Modem Memory/ROM Failed

[winsong]

I would uninstall the modem via add/remove programs or the device manager. Recycle windows and let it 'rediscover' the modem and re-install it. See if that makes a difference.

Slow connects can be due to any number of things including a flaky modem.
See if reinstalling it makes a difference.

[ibmman476]

Hey,

I have just reinstalled my modem and I still have this problem occuring is it possible that there could be some sort of crack or anything in the actual modem that I am not seeing?

[winsong]

Slow Modems, just like slow computers are tough to isolate.

The problem can be external:
ISP
Telco
House Wiring (telephone line)
The wall connection
The computer to wall cable

The problem can be hardware
The modem
The Motherboard
Resource problem (IRQ - memory)

The problem can be software
Device driver
Overhead (TSR and other apps stealing CPU cycles)

If you can try another modem, you can confirm that is not your problem. There is a Uart on the modem that is critical and if it is throwing errors you will not know it. Modems are cheap these days and if it does not fix it, you can always return it.

I think you have eliminated just about everything else.

[jtdoom]

Hi
a cyrix CPU is not a speedmonster, and winmodems are dependant on CPU.

if you can get hold of an external modem, grab it.
when you use that instead of the internal, then you will always have what the lines and ISP can do, because hardware wise, it uses a lot less CPU cycles to run it.