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| Thread ID: 22491 | 2002-07-22 12:53:00 | Meltdown | Naraku Kasai (1028) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 64383 | 2002-07-22 12:53:00 | Ok, well it's not that bad, but about 1 in every 5 times (not in that order..just randomly) I try to connect, it connects fine, but everything won't work. I mean, msn, outlook express, ie, kazaalite.. Nothing will work on it, and I have no idea why. I run up to date virus software, have no spyware and my pc is entirely problem free except this fault and one other minor prob which I'm working on. I run a 56k modem on WinXP. I'd love to see why it's doing this. Thanks. -Nk. |
Naraku Kasai (1028) | ||
| 64384 | 2002-07-22 19:58:00 | Is it an internal "winmodem" (soft modem?) These are heavily dependant on software and hardware configurations, and are hit and miss at the best of times. First determine exact make and model, visit the manufacturers site and get the latest drivers. If you want to be disappointed, search google for problems with winmodems... "Many new computers come with 56k modems that are referred to as "WinModems". Basically this means your modem has no processor and all of the work must now be done by your Pentium chip. This slows the computer down. These modems are also called "Rockwell based" or "Cirrus logic" or "Software based" modems. Since the designation "WinModem" is coming to have such a bad reputation, The newest name disguise is "PCI modem". In addition to this, we have seen a variety of connection problems with WinModems that we don't see with standard modems. In some cases some customers have had to re-install their modem every week or two to resolve these connection problems. Talking to the manufacturers has been a waste of time. Because of this we don't believe that WinModems are worth the trouble. For approximately US$30 more, you can get a real modem that really works ALL OF THE TIME. A US Robotics WinModem is US$89 and a real US Robotics modem is US$119. This is the WRONG place to try and save a few dollars. " |
godfather (25) | ||
| 64385 | 2002-07-23 01:52:00 | I'm pretty sure that's the problem..I think mine's called a PCI Modem (I'm not at home right now). So basically you're saying I'm better of buying a new modem? |
Naraku Kasai (1028) | ||
| 64386 | 2002-07-23 02:58:00 | If you can afford it, and you will be with dial-up for a while, then you will have higher reliability with a hardware modem. Wont be faster in all probability but wont give you aggro. Just make sure that what you get is a hardware one. If it can work in DOS its likely to be hardware. If its RS232 serial port connect its likely to be hardware. It will also be external. Avoid USB modems though as I think they are winmodems with additional USB translation overhead? Dynalink and d-link both make externals, about $140 - $180 retail? US Robotics and Swann also make them I think, but they will be expensive. I used a d-link one and it was happy under Win 95, 98, ME and XP even under generic drivers. |
godfather (25) | ||
| 64387 | 2002-07-23 06:34:00 | godfather, I'm really surprised you haven't done a FAQ on this by now. You're making me think you want your number of posts to stay way ahead of mine. ]:) Shall I suggest a number? How about FAQ #36a Why does my internet connection keep playing up?. I'm willing to bet it will be the most heavily thrashed FAQ of the lot put together. :D Incidentally, I will be purchasing an external this week and am surprised at the lack of choice with Dynalink ones. If you don't want a USB one all they've got is a "new" Dynalink 56K e-modem, the rural one or the Dynalink VoiceDesk56 Pro External 56k V.90 modem (V1456VQE-R1) which is now discontinued and replaced with the e-modem. Dlink have a bit more choice but I don't understand all the jargon on their specs. I want a faxability one which will distinguish between phone calls and faxes and it has to be FAX/VOICE/DATA. If I can figure out what Dlink model is similar to the Dynalink VoiceDesk56 Pro External 56k then I could compare prices and go and buy. I've no idea what the difference is between that and their e-modem either. Maybe I'll just get the former and be done with it. ?:| |
Susan B (19) | ||
| 64388 | 2002-07-23 07:05:00 | Incidently, my modem isn't PCI..I was thinking of something unrelated I read lately. My modem is "SoftK56 Data Fax Voice Speakerphone CARP" No idea if that helps. It seems ironic I can't get this thing going, since I fixed my uncles modem less than a month ago successfully, but I guess if it's beyond my comprehension; as you implied then I will just have to look elsewhere. I don't use it for phone capabilities, faxing or anything else. Just for the internet. I have little experience in terms of hardware, but as you said about v.90 Susan, it's v.91 or v.92 the standard now? Could be wrong, but I have a feeling that's right. Anyway, as I was saying, I just want it simply for the net, so is it really worth the cost and time to replace it? Thanks for the help so far. :) -Nk. |
Naraku Kasai (1028) | ||
| 64389 | 2002-07-23 07:46:00 | Susan the d-link one is here: (d-link DFM560e) www.dlink.com.au DSE have them ex stock at $183 retail (if you know how, you get trade!). This is the model I have, it works OK even with the generic XP drivers (as when I last looked there werent any for XP) as a serial RS232 device is fairly driver agnostic. If you want to use the fax on XP you may need a driver, dont know. They come with fax software for 98 etc usually. I used to buy these by the 100's direct from the importer and they have proven very good. If you want to rest run one I have one you can try for a few weeks |
godfather (25) | ||
| 64390 | 2002-07-23 07:55:00 | Susan, the DFM560e XP drivers are now on the site for downloading. | godfather (25) | ||
| 64391 | 2002-07-23 09:11:00 | Thanks for that godfather. It would be nice if Dlink could speak plain English like Dynalink do. :-( I think I've managed to understand as much as I need to know though. The DSE price is a bit steep, the cheapest I've found so far is $149.89 but I haven't finished hunting yet. I don't know how to get trade at DSE or how much cheaper trade is but if it's less than that I'm listening! It's amazing the difference in prices everywhere. Some places have the Dynalink as cheaper than Dlink and others the reverse. The Dynalink VoiceDesk56 Pro has a five year warranty according to their website but the e-modem model has only two. Thank you for the offer of lending me one, I'll let you know if I decide to take you up on it. :-) |
Susan B (19) | ||
| 64392 | 2002-07-23 09:48:00 | Trade at dse has no logic, I bought a usb powered hub the other day, $88 and was $77 trade. Other things are often the same as retail, some bits like connectors etc are almost 1/2 price. The dse website has the best english description of the d-link. Before I used d-link, I bought large quantities of dynalink, which also were good. d-link were cheaper so would expect them to still be so. I think I paid about $125 for mine (excl GST, aint it great to be registered!) I think you once said your hubby had a limited ticket. Get him to go into dse and fill out a form for a cash trade card - free, no cost. He could just use his ticket also, but a trade card could be used by you as well.... 5 year warranty is ok, but you may be on broadband well before that, and warranty doesnt cover lightning... |
godfather (25) | ||
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