modem upgrade

[mojaveguy]

I currently have a 28K internal modem and I believe that may be the reason my website downloads are so slow. I would like to upgrade to a 33k or 56k external modem. What do I have to do to allow the new modem to override the internal modem? Do I have to go into the computer and remove the current modem?

[iisbob]

28K! do they still exsist!? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif just kidding! and yes that i would most heartly conjecture my friend is your bottleneck! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif To add a new modem, get yourself a 56k pci card, before you install it, put your system into safe mode( keep pecking F5 when first booting up, it'll take you straight to safemode)-uninstall any drivers you have for the modem( use it's uninstall program if possible; if not use windows add/remove control panel ), the go into system properties find your modem and uncheck the box that says exist in this hardware profile and check the one that states disable in this hardware profile.

Shutdown, carefully open your system and insert the card ( check the manual to make sure you don't have to load the software first-some modem's require this) then point windows towards the driver disk when it detects it and asks for the drivers. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

If you have a modem that can physically be removed, follow most of the same steps above except that when you're in systm properties just click on the modem and select [b]remove]/b]. Then follow the steps necessary to install your new modem. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Luck! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

[Paleo Pete]

Sounds like the long way home...I usually boot into Safe Mode, same way, either [F5] or [F8] and use the boot menu, open Control Panel\Device Manager and remove all copies of the device. Reboot, if windows does not find and install it, use the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.

Try to avoid a winmodem, they are not highly recommended, use your CPU to do their work and therefore slow the system down, get unreliable connections, and unpredictable disconnections. Winmodems must also be installed using the exe file in the drivers, not by the Add Hardware Wizard. Many must be physically installed after the drivers are installed.

If your current modem is removable, by all means remove it. Leaving it can cause problems after the new one is installed. If it's an integrated, or built in modem, check the motherboard manual, you should be able to disable it in BIOS, then remove it from Device Manager as stated in the top paragraph. In some cases it might need to be disabled using a jumper on the motherboard.

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YOU! Out of the gene pool!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[nimnorf2]

Hey Mojave,
I read your original post and then the two posts in response. I get the sense that you're not comfortable opening the computer case. If this seems too difficult, post back. Really, you can do this. If I misread and you're actually a computer whiz than never mind and just do what iisbob and Paleo told you to do. The folks on this forum really are very helpful and can give you key stroke by key stroke directions if you need that much. You'll be "streched" but not "broken."
peace

[mojaveguy]

Hello Nimnorf2:

Very intuitive observation. Your right, I have never done any work inside my computer and am certainly reluctant in this regard. Any "walking me through" advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[nimnorf2]

Cool!
Again your kid playing with Legos can do this.

First, what's your operating system? Windows 95? 98? 98SE (second edition)?
What kind of a system is it? Dell? Gateway? Joe's Bargain Barn?

What kind of processor and speed? 100MHz? AMD? Intel? Cyrix?

Most folks today would be real frustrated running an old 28k modem. You can get a 56K modem for less than $50.00 and put it inside easily. You'll like and notice the significant difference in internet speed.

If money is real tight, ask around the office and see if you can find someone who put a Network Card in their system. Gives much faster internet access for them (they use a DSL or Cable, now) but means they don't even need their old modem anymore. Those buggers are less than $50.00 (they'll give it to ya for free! I like free! You?)
Let's get this info and then proceed to the next steps.

I could just tell you how to disable and remove your old modem and install a new one now, but let's make sure we're "on the same page."

[This message has been edited by nimnorf2 (edited 07-24-2001).]

[mojaveguy]

Hi Nimnorf2:

Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I was out of the office yesterday.

My system is an HP "knock-off" which I purchased in 1996. I'm running Windows 95 on Intel. I'll have to check the speed but it is probably whatever was standard in '96.
Money is not a problem as far as buying a good 56k unit.
I'll get some more details tonight.

Mojaveguy

[mojaveguy]

Morning Nimnorf2:

Here is what I have.

An NCA Alexis computer with Intel Pentium 32MB.
Modem is US Robotics 28.8 Sportster internal.

Hope that helps. Thanks for assistance.

[mjc]

Dig up the model number of that modem and go here (http://www.usr.com/support/s-main-menu.asp), there may be a flash update to take it up to at least 33.6 if not all the way to 56k...it is most likely an ISA modem and probably a "hardware" modem (all modem functions are carried out by the circuitry of the modem, not the CPU), could be a PCI winmodem, there still may be an update for it...

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.


[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 07-27-2001).]

[nimnorf2]

Yo Mojave,
I'm still here. Did you follow what MJC advised?
By the way, don't sweat posting on this thing. This is "your" thread, you started it. Take it wherever you want to. If people don't want to read it they don't have to. I want to see you get your 56k modem up and running. It's the only sense of "closure" I get in my day to day life. Working with people never ends but, fixing their computers, well, dag, that can be accomplished. Ya know?
peace

[mojaveguy]

Hello again,

I was out sick yesterday but I'll try MJC's recommendation tonight. Not sure if there are any updates for such an old modem but I'll give it a go. If I can't update than I'll go with a new internal 56k. US Robotics has a lot of data sheets on their web site so, hopefully, I can make the change out with minimum pain. If there are any "tricks of the trade" that would be helpful in the process I would appreciate knowing them.
Nimnorf2, thanks again for your kind thoughts and helpful advise. You have made visiting this site an educational experience and a real pleasure for a stranger passing through. Peace to you.

[mjc]

If it is the same model I had (which is likely, they didn't actually have that many) then yes there is and update to take to a least 33.6.....

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

Gun Control...hitting what you aim at!

[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 07-31-2001).]

[mojaveguy]

Hi again,

I downloaded the Wizard update program suggested by MJC. I was confused to find out that the program said I have a 33K and not a 28K which is indicated by the Modem section of the Control Panel. Bottom line...whatever I have is way too slow. I'll buy a 56k and get up to speed. Thanks for the suggestion on US Robotics and finding the product code,MJC. They have a lot of helpful information and I should be alright. If not I'll give a holler.

BTW, interesting Celtic thoughts you have included. Thanks for those.

[mjc]

One thing before you run out and plunk down your money for a new modem...what do you connect at now? And do you by any chance live in a rural area (although by no means confined to just rural areas)? Because the phone lines can be a limiting factor...there are many areas where even a reliable 28K connection is not possible.

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

Gun Control...hitting what you aim at!

[mojaveguy]

I connect to my phone line, unplug phone line plug in modem. I am not rural, I live on San Francisco peninsula and phone service is Pacific Bell.