Internet Connection or Modem Problem

[vozzie24]

For almost a month now I have been having problems connecting to AOL. I finally called them for help and they guide me through what to do and if I have further problems to call them back. Well I have called them back at least 7 times. My problem first started when I tried to log onto AOL. I got a meesage saying: "Your modem was unable to establish a connection"
So we fixed that and i was able to sign on. Well the next day I turned on my computer and when I tried to log on to Aol I got a message that said something like: "A connection could not be establish". And we fixed that, so I thought. So now everytime I want to connect to AOL, I have to delete my modem and phone #'s then reinstall the modem and put in the access phone#'s manually. I have windows 98, Aol 4.0{I did have Aol 6.0}which is sitting in my Recycle Bin because I can't copy my favorites into AOL 4.0.
Please Help

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

[tjaymadison]

Welcome, vozzie! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Don't have AOL myself. But I see a problem right away.

Why is 6.0 in the Recycle Bin? Did you uninstall it or just delete the AOL
folder? If you deleted without uninstalling, I think you are in for a
series of problems that will continue for some time. This could be the
major reason for the problems you are having.

You need to tell this to AOL customer service. You have parts of both
versions 'bumping in' to each other. They should be able to help if you
tell them you forgot to uninstall 6.0. Good Luck.

------------------
"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)

[This message has been edited by tjaymadison (edited 05-12-2001).]

[danleff]

Yes, by all means call AOL. I have AOL as my backup service and know that the newer versions generally install in a seperate directory - but they may share folders. If AOL 4 has a "my favorites" dropdown menu, you can recover your favorites. AOL 6 has this feature that lets you save your favorites to a disk, or the "download" sub directory in AOL 6. Ask them if you can recover AOL 6, save your favorites in the download directory in AOL (or on a floopy if the file was not too large) and go from there. The problem with not being able to connect was a problem with earlier versions of AOL and was supposed to resolved in version 6, especially with win me. Once you have your favorites saved, then have them guide you on reintstalling the version they recommend for your version of windows and the ability to recover your favorites.

[bassman]

Hello Vozzie, These are very common issues with AOL. I finaly fixed mine by getting the phone company out enough times and standing there with the tech to get them to admit there was a problem with the connection at the pole. They ran a new line form pole to house, tested all connections and all is well. I still get an occasional logon error, but not very offten.
In other words, not really an AOL problem. Aol is hesitant to tell you this to avoid problems from the phone companies (lawsuits and such) but from what I have seen it doesn't take much line noise to get dropped.
Let us know how you do

------------------
They say to eat before you go to the grocery store so you don't buy so much. That doesn't work at the liquor store does it!

[vozzie24]

Ok I deleted aol 6.0 and i'm still getting the same problems. So what should I do now? Also just to let you know that i had to re-install windows98.

[vozzie24]

Oh yea one more thing. I have another computer in my other room and it's been having the same problems but not as often and I have aol 6.0 on that one.

[danleff]

Some more thoughts;

Did you uninstall AOL6 or just delete it from the recycle bin?

Do you have any other phone devices connected to the phone jack, or is the phone jack connected directly to the wall and computer only?

Do you have a telephone answering machine on the same phone line?

I would also make sure that the phone numbers you chose for AOL are compatible with your modem 56K flex?? X2??

Choose phone numbers, if you can, that match your modem type.

Change the order of the phone numbers in AOL that dial-up and try that. If you find one that works, use that as your first choice to dial up.