Paging all BT Anytime Subscribers.
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Paging all BT Anytime Subscribers.
Hello people, Hope you can help, . . I have been using this service since it's inception last Febrary 2001. I have windows 98se Operating system, A BT 'Home Highway' ISDN link, and use a ISDN pci card made by Billion, (Whoever they are ?). Considering that i have a fast ISDN link I would presume that my connection should be fairly quick, however here's what happens. I double click the The BT Anytime icon on the desktop, select dial when the pop up window appears , and within a couple of seconds i am connected, with the 'Two Telly's' and the BT logo in the system tray . Then the problems start, basically I then have to wait an age for the BT Openworld homepage to start up, sometimes it can be absolutely ages before it appears or sometimes not at all. I notice in the Browser Address Bar there is the usual sguiggles and Dial checker ? I can't type in a new address as there is an Hourglass. I have recently noticed that if I click on the '2 telly's' i get the details about duration and speed etc, this seems to kick start the computer into talking to BT and the homepage starts up, at other times It just hangs for ages, and I have to press Ctrl/Alt/Del, end task , then, end connection. I then attempt to log on again and every thing works fine connecting within seconds and launching BT Openworld. Does anybody know why this happens, why can i connect and log on first time only very rarely but have no problems with a second attempt shortly after ? does anybody else have similar problems ? If I was really cynical it would almost seem to me that BT was saying: "OK, we know you've paid your £14.99 , but do you really want to use the service THAT badly".. .Any Ideas's or KwikPhixes ? Thanx.
[ 26 January 2002: Message edited by: KwikPhix ]</p>
[ 26 January 2002: Message edited by: KwikPhix ]</p>
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KP wrote "Does anybody know why this happens, why can i connect and log on first time only very rarely but have no problems with a second attempt shortly after?"
Absolutely YES! Like you I've tried to be loyal to BTInternet Anytime right from the start but my situation is even worse than yours. But my problem is different.
I dial up normally using either IE or OE and will get a connect and logon almost instantly; and then almost instantly a disconnect. If I'm doing e-mail, it reconnects automatically almost instantly and then stays logged on most of the time. Whenever there is a disconnect, an automatic dial-up is re-initiated by my system. But this means I can't leave the PC to do timed connects for e-mail downloads.
As you say, It's OK after I show some determination and I've rarely had a disconnect during even protracted downloads.
But it's infuriating all the same and I keep telling myself that I'm going to send BT Openworld a broadside of invective.
Incidentally, in the 5 mins or so that I been typing this, the PC has been disconnected twice and has re-connected itslf automatically without a problem. So why does BT do it? It achieves nothing except aggravation.
Interesting to learn that I'm not alone.
{Edit to say that that was four disconnects while I composed that post!}
[ 26 January 2002: Message edited by: fobotcso ]</p>
Absolutely YES! Like you I've tried to be loyal to BTInternet Anytime right from the start but my situation is even worse than yours. But my problem is different.
I dial up normally using either IE or OE and will get a connect and logon almost instantly; and then almost instantly a disconnect. If I'm doing e-mail, it reconnects automatically almost instantly and then stays logged on most of the time. Whenever there is a disconnect, an automatic dial-up is re-initiated by my system. But this means I can't leave the PC to do timed connects for e-mail downloads.
As you say, It's OK after I show some determination and I've rarely had a disconnect during even protracted downloads.
But it's infuriating all the same and I keep telling myself that I'm going to send BT Openworld a broadside of invective.
Incidentally, in the 5 mins or so that I been typing this, the PC has been disconnected twice and has re-connected itslf automatically without a problem. So why does BT do it? It achieves nothing except aggravation.
Interesting to learn that I'm not alone.
{Edit to say that that was four disconnects while I composed that post!}
[ 26 January 2002: Message edited by: fobotcso ]</p>
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Thanks roach I forgot to mention that I never use a BT dialler; all my Internet access is via Dial-up networking using my own Dial-up settings.
It's my PC and I'm very choosey about what software I allow other organisations to put on it!
It's my PC and I'm very choosey about what software I allow other organisations to put on it!
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I'm using BT surftime (evenings and weekends).. .The connect icon they downloaded to me doesn't work, had to set up my own internet connection wizard. Have had occasions when it takes numerous attempts to connect, it's either busy - can't get recognized by the main computer or I get disconnected frequently. . .Funnily enough on the "pay as you go" BT service there is no problems !!!!. .Very annoying... I presume they are limiting access. Doesn't encourage customer loyalty though !!
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Avoid going through the BT-dialer...if you want to use your built-in dialer, here is the BT setup...
I am not familiar with W98SE...but all Bill Gates software work the same way.. .Open My Computer . .Open Control Panel . .Open Make new connection . .The wizzard starts and leads you through the setup.. .Use following details for ISDN connection. . Dial up to the Internet . .next . . I want to set up my connection manually . .next. . I connect through a phone line and modem . .next. .Now select the modem you have installed, usually this appears as default anyway.. .enter the phone number. .next. . 0808 9933001 . .and select the UK as country, check that use area code and dialling rules is checked.. .Click Advanced and check that PPP and Logon procedure none is checked.. .Click on the Addresses tab and see that. . IP address automatically provided and the. . DNS address automatically provided is checked.. .Click on OK and go to next. .Now you have to put your login name and the password in, only use the forward part of the login until the @.. .Next. .Now you can give your creation a nice name..... .next. .you do not need to set up the mail account as you have that already, so answer with NO. .next. .click on Finish . .and all is done.... .test it and you have a good and fast connection. Now open Internet Explorer (or whatever you use) and go to the website you want to have as startpage, tell the browser and that is it.
Any problems? let me know...
One more idea..the dial-up icon is now in the folder Network and Dial-up Connections , create a shortcut and put it on the desktop. Once all works, just delete the BT dialup shortcut on the desktop...
I am not familiar with W98SE...but all Bill Gates software work the same way.. .Open My Computer . .Open Control Panel . .Open Make new connection . .The wizzard starts and leads you through the setup.. .Use following details for ISDN connection. . Dial up to the Internet . .next . . I want to set up my connection manually . .next. . I connect through a phone line and modem . .next. .Now select the modem you have installed, usually this appears as default anyway.. .enter the phone number. .next. . 0808 9933001 . .and select the UK as country, check that use area code and dialling rules is checked.. .Click Advanced and check that PPP and Logon procedure none is checked.. .Click on the Addresses tab and see that. . IP address automatically provided and the. . DNS address automatically provided is checked.. .Click on OK and go to next. .Now you have to put your login name and the password in, only use the forward part of the login until the @.. .Next. .Now you can give your creation a nice name..... .next. .you do not need to set up the mail account as you have that already, so answer with NO. .next. .click on Finish . .and all is done.... .test it and you have a good and fast connection. Now open Internet Explorer (or whatever you use) and go to the website you want to have as startpage, tell the browser and that is it.
Any problems? let me know...
One more idea..the dial-up icon is now in the folder Network and Dial-up Connections , create a shortcut and put it on the desktop. Once all works, just delete the BT dialup shortcut on the desktop...
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I don't man this in a nasty way , but I'm glad I'm not alone. I am no Computer expert and initially I thought my problems where because of something stupid that I'd done. I now see that this problem is more widespread.. . Fobotcso wrote,. .I dial up normally using either IE or OE and will get a connect and logon almost instantly; and then almost instantly a disconnect.
I have been getting this as well , not too often though, and it seemed to start only recently, maybe in the last 2 months, as soon as i click to navigate to a new location or link, the connection is restarted immediately with no problems. I used to like doing downloads during the early hours when everyone was in bed , things like Anti virus updates and such like,but the connecting is so unreliable ,I don't bother now. I was sick and tired of coming downstairs to a Hung/Frozen computer.. . I have a Telephone next to my computer and i could almost guarantee that if anybody picked it up and pressed re-dial they would be connected to the BT service status line. I get the same "No Problems" message everytime, and everytime I put down the receiver saying, " LIAR!"
BTW , have you noticed there is no Customer service # you can call for free. I really object to having to pay 50p per minute to complain about a less than satisfactory service, If you e-mail your concerns , you just get a standard automatic response from a machine. I tried it once last year when the service was really bad (Last May), I wrote 4 or 5 different e-mails to different departments and got 4 or 5 responses back , within seconds, all saying exactly the same .....basicaly nothing. Any way enogh moaning from me. I'll have a go with some of the suggestions so far and see how i get on. Thanks for the input folks.
I have been getting this as well , not too often though, and it seemed to start only recently, maybe in the last 2 months, as soon as i click to navigate to a new location or link, the connection is restarted immediately with no problems. I used to like doing downloads during the early hours when everyone was in bed , things like Anti virus updates and such like,but the connecting is so unreliable ,I don't bother now. I was sick and tired of coming downstairs to a Hung/Frozen computer.. . I have a Telephone next to my computer and i could almost guarantee that if anybody picked it up and pressed re-dial they would be connected to the BT service status line. I get the same "No Problems" message everytime, and everytime I put down the receiver saying, " LIAR!"
BTW , have you noticed there is no Customer service # you can call for free. I really object to having to pay 50p per minute to complain about a less than satisfactory service, If you e-mail your concerns , you just get a standard automatic response from a machine. I tried it once last year when the service was really bad (Last May), I wrote 4 or 5 different e-mails to different departments and got 4 or 5 responses back , within seconds, all saying exactly the same .....basicaly nothing. Any way enogh moaning from me. I'll have a go with some of the suggestions so far and see how i get on. Thanks for the input folks.
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It happens to me occasionally too.
Any problems I have had with BT Internet I call 0800 309080; the staff there are incredibly patient and extremely helpful.
A tip - when you are calling them to fix a problem use your mobile. It helps to be capable of connecting to the net whilst in contact with the man - you can then try the fixes to make sure they work. If you don't, and call back, you will probably get someone else and have to start all over again.
Any problems I have had with BT Internet I call 0800 309080; the staff there are incredibly patient and extremely helpful.
A tip - when you are calling them to fix a problem use your mobile. It helps to be capable of connecting to the net whilst in contact with the man - you can then try the fixes to make sure they work. If you don't, and call back, you will probably get someone else and have to start all over again.
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Also if you ring 0800 7317777 it will give you a recorded message on any problems BT are having with the internet etc, and yes I get the same problems everybody else is getting with BT Anytime. <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">
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Room for cautious optimism with the solution to the problem of nuisance disconnects fom BT Internet Anytime ISDN.
I always felt that the problem I described above might just be with my equipment. I have Win2K with a fairly old Hayes Accura external ISDN TA in the serial port of the Dell Dimension PC running at 500MHz. So I didn't get around to complaining to BT.
Win2K doesn't support serial ports so the interface between the OS and the physical serial port is a "virtual" port.
So I bought a Hayes USB TA from PC World for £50 (GBP) and so far have had no serious problems. Tricky to install and it appears as a Network Adapter not a modem in the hardware. I needed help from Hayes Tech Support because the InstallShield routine was poorly written.
If the problem hasn't really been fixed, then I will have a stronger case to take to the BT complaints people. I'll report back after a decent period of trial.
I always felt that the problem I described above might just be with my equipment. I have Win2K with a fairly old Hayes Accura external ISDN TA in the serial port of the Dell Dimension PC running at 500MHz. So I didn't get around to complaining to BT.
Win2K doesn't support serial ports so the interface between the OS and the physical serial port is a "virtual" port.
So I bought a Hayes USB TA from PC World for £50 (GBP) and so far have had no serious problems. Tricky to install and it appears as a Network Adapter not a modem in the hardware. I needed help from Hayes Tech Support because the InstallShield routine was poorly written.
If the problem hasn't really been fixed, then I will have a stronger case to take to the BT complaints people. I'll report back after a decent period of trial.
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My motherboard just went 'phut' and my new upgraded board works well. However, I am now experiencing identical symptoms to KwikPhix.
FL310 - the set-up you describe is for an ISDN line, which I don't have. I am reluctant to mess around with settings without the level of knowledge that you have. Do you know how I should change the settings for a non-ISDN setup?
Thanks. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
FL310 - the set-up you describe is for an ISDN line, which I don't have. I am reluctant to mess around with settings without the level of knowledge that you have. Do you know how I should change the settings for a non-ISDN setup?
Thanks. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
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Re the above...
Okay, cracked the problem. Still had the fault, but solved by going to:
<a href="http://www.btopenworld.com/mybtopenworld/software_update" target="_blank">http://www.btopenworld.com/mybtopenworld/software_update</a>
You should find a box in the middle of the screen titled:
‘Dial-in Software for BT Openworld Anytime’
Follow the instructions and the new software will download in about 1 min. After that, no further problems.
Okay, cracked the problem. Still had the fault, but solved by going to:
<a href="http://www.btopenworld.com/mybtopenworld/software_update" target="_blank">http://www.btopenworld.com/mybtopenworld/software_update</a>
You should find a box in the middle of the screen titled:
‘Dial-in Software for BT Openworld Anytime’
Follow the instructions and the new software will download in about 1 min. After that, no further problems.
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Interim update, and thanks FL310.
The new USB ISDN TA seemed better for a while. Then the nuisance disconnects began again. But only for a day or two and then the whole caboodle crashed royally and BT are digging up the road as I write. I'm in a reversionary mode to write this using free minutes on my mobile 'phone.
Still room for cautious optimism (anyone got a cure for optimism?) as BT is now completly replacing the underground cable which had as much water in it as it had wiggly amps.
Don't miss the next exciting instalment.
The new USB ISDN TA seemed better for a while. Then the nuisance disconnects began again. But only for a day or two and then the whole caboodle crashed royally and BT are digging up the road as I write. I'm in a reversionary mode to write this using free minutes on my mobile 'phone.
Still room for cautious optimism (anyone got a cure for optimism?) as BT is now completly replacing the underground cable which had as much water in it as it had wiggly amps.
Don't miss the next exciting instalment.
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glad to be of any help... . .as for BT...got my ISDN box screwed yesterday, this because my line(s) went dead, this because of water in the system, this because the 6.5 years old cable are clamped at some places without any !!! insulation...but after some 50 residents complaint, all is up and running fine again now...beside the annoying 2 hours disruption...
. .as for BT...got my ISDN box screwed yesterday, this because my line(s) went dead, this because of water in the system, this because the 6.5 years old cable are clamped at some places without any !!! insulation...but after some 50 residents complaint, all is up and running fine again now...beside the annoying 2 hours disruption...
