Can someone explain this?

[Robotron Hero]

Here's something I've oft wondered about but never heard explained:

Just what exactly does it mean when you're downloading something and all of the sudden a message appears saying that "the operation timed out"....and what (if anything) can you do about it????

Thanks,
Allan

[Paleo Pete]

It means the server you're downloading from hasn't recieved a signal from the server you're logged onto, (your ISP) or vice versa within a certain time limit. I think it's usually one minute, it's somewhere in your dial up networking settings. I can't find it, and I should remember but...

Usually it's a result of either noise in the phone lines or heavy Internet use. I always try to do most of my downloading during off-peak hours for that reason. After midnight usually works best. I would leave the settings alone, I doubt if it's anything on your computer causing it.

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[venkaya]

And you can't do anything about it, just try to get connected to the same server at other hours.

[tjaymadison]

Try a program like Download Accelerator or something similar. If the file you want is available on more than one site, it will coordinate a download from as many as four at once. Also has an "Auto Resume" feature, in case of interruptions/time-outs. Available free at places like Cnet or download.com I think.

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