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Modem Basics QuickLinks: Win Modems | Modem Drivers | V34 Init Strings | Computer Not Receiving Response From Modem Errors | Additional Resources | Dual Modem Shotguns | Home Page | 56k Modem Basics: You configure your modem in the Dial-Up Networking (DUN) properties for your DUN connection. Click My Computer -> Dial-Up Networking -> Right-Click ISP connection -> choose Properties. Be sure to add 3+ commas to the end of the phone number for a more stable connection. Click the drop-down list to select the right modem. Be sure to take note of the modem's name; e.g., US Robotics 56k Win Modem. Click the Configure button -> Set speed to 57600 -> don't checkmark "only connect at this speed." Click the Connection Tab -> Advanced Button -> Set for "soft data flow" IF it is a Win modem. Place any necessary "init string" in the Extra Settings box. Reconnect to the internet. <click here for screen shots>
Most PCI slot internal modems are "win" modems. They make the CPU emulate a real modem. As a result, they need "software data flow" because only hardware modems use "hard" data flow. External modems, V34 modems and laptop modems are not likely to be "win" modems but manufacturers are starting to produce a bunch of them. The most common "win" modems are: US Robotics 56k Win Modem; LT Win Modem; SupraMax 56k; HSP MicroModem; PCTel; Motorola SM56; ESS; Zoltrix; Shark; anything with an HSP in the name. Note #1: HCF modems are partially hardware and partially software modems. Rockwell says that they need "hardware data flow" so try that first but try "software data flow" if it doesn't maintain the connection. Note #2: The following init string works well for PCTel and HSP modems: AT&F&C1&D2&K3W1 If an internal modem keeps disconnecting within a few minutes then it is probably a "win" modem that needs software data flow and 3-5 commas on the end of the phone number. <back to top> <back to home page>
It is important that you have the most recent modem driver software. For example, Flex or X2 drivers will only connect in the 20 kbps range on a V90 port. The connection will also be highly unstable if the drivers are obsolete or mismatched. Be sure to match up the driver to the port. Most ports are V90 standard but some are X2 (VX) or K-Flex (VK) ports. Check the dial-up numbers list on your ISP home page for port specifications for any particular city. You can get updated modem drivers at www.modemhelp.org or www.56.com. These are also good websites for general training and "init strings." You may need to implement a V34 speed init string so that you can use your 56k modem to get to that website for updated drivers. That topic is covered next.
Sometimes you need to tell a 56k modem to connect as a V34 modem so that you can get a stable enough connection to get updated modem drivers. Here are two popular V34 init strings: ATS37=19 or AT+MS=V34 (no spaces)
Computer Not Receiving Response From Modem There is no magic button that we can push to make a modem work. However, it is possible that the DUN properties are pointing to a non-existent modem. It is also possible that bad "init strings" are being used. Check to see if the correct modem is set in the DUN properties: Open the DUN properties and click the drop-down list to see if the right modem is selected. If so, try removing the modem from the Modem Section of Control Panel. Restart the computer before reinstalling the modem. Afterwards, go back to the DUN properties and make sure that the "connect using" box has the new modem selected. Check to see if a bad "init string" is implemented: Click the configure button in the DUN properties -> Connection Tab -> Advanced Button -> remove any bad init strings in the "extra settings" box.
http://www.modemhelp.org (highly recommended) http://www.56k.com (init strings & drivers link -> sort by manufacturer) <back to top> <back to home page> |