Modem Drama

[The Voice]

1. I operate a lappy and a desktop individually from the same dial up phone line.

2. The lappy doesn't have a drama at all and maintains the connection (unless in really bad weather, then it may become unstable)

3. The desktop on the other hand seems to 'lose' the connection for absolutely no reason.

4. I have been in contact with the ISP (yonks ago, as I thought it was them) .. I was using the desktop all the time and not the lappy, so thought it was their system .. now I am using both it is evident that the problem seems to be within the desktop system itself (girly logic .. but it works for me!!)

5. The ISP gave me a different dial up number (slower speed = more stable, so they told me) .. this hasn't cured the problem either

6. Can anyone offer a solution as to how (without spending a lot of time and $$'s) to see if there is in fact a problem with the modem and maybe do something to fix it .. a self help programme if you like.

the modem is internal with Triplex Spade 2 Dual Mode Modem Card I can copy a heap of info with driver/history info if needed .. I have noted that it will remain connected for approx 1.5 hours first usage of the day, then it can be re-connecting up to 5-6 times an hour ..

any ideas??

[timmcat]

Would suspect a dodgy modem. They are really cheap and easy to fit in a desktop.

Or you could try Modem Doctor. (http://www.modemdoctor.com/)

[The Voice]

Thanks Timm .. but for the life of me I can NOT get the damned page to load from Dr ...

any other ideas ..

Bueller .. Bueller .. anyone .. anyone

[amanoffewwords]

I'd try to swap the telephone cable from the laptop to the desktop and vice-versa (unless you're using the same one for both of course in which acquire/beg and or steal one from somewhere else to test).

I'd also consider removing the modem driver and re-installing it from scratch, assuming you have said driver available.

Have you got call-waiting on the line? (some modems will put the Internet connection on hold to allow you to answer the call).

Failing all that there is an outside chance that it may be caused by a virus/spyware/malware/trojan etc.. but you'd expect it to cause more hassle and on a more regular basis so I'd be inclined to say that's not an issue.

Is there any noise on the line - while connected pick up a normal handset - is there any discernable interference which the desktop modem might be more susceptible to?

Having failed this *free* options I'd say a replacement of the modem might be an idea if the issue warrants it (i.e. can you live with it otherwise).

My $2 worth anyway.

Charles

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

The Voice,

2. The lappy doesn't have a drama at all and maintains the connection (unless in really bad weather, then it may become unstable)

That sounds like a hint that there is possibly something wrong with the telephone line itself. Rain should not be a problem unless there is a part of the telephone wire exposed to the elements due to age or a cut in the line. I would first have the Telco check that out. (Do you get static on your phone line when it rains?)

If your desktop has a WinModem in it, I would replace it no matter what is found wrong with your phone lines. WinModems are junk and their only good use is as a key chain.

I would look at a USRobotics Performance Pro Modem or external USB Modem.

Performance Pro Modem:

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/25-104-131-08.JPG

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/25-104-131-04.JPG

USB 2.0 External Modem:

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/25-104-140-04.JPG

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/25-104-140-01.JPG

Take Care,

Richard