ADSL modem query

[TeddyUK]

Another strange query..... a computer, only 7 days old, Athlon 2400+ processor, 60Gb hard drive, 512Mb RAM, running Windows XP, last night started having trouble booting up with the cable modem plugged in (it's a USB SureTouch modem).

Thought it was a problem with the ADSL connection first, but after hours on the phone to the ISP, and after uninstalling and reinstalling drivers many times, and trying to boot up with and without the modem in, and lots of other fuss, the support guy at the ISP came to the conclusion that the modem couldn't draw enough power from the PC to start properly, if it was plugged in to the PC at boot.

The solution given was to boot up, then plug the USB modem back in, then re-install the drivers, every darn session! ISP guy said there may be a way to solve this problem by tweaking soft/hardware, but couldn't say what it was.

Does anyone know anything useful here?

I want my mate Gav to take the thing back to PCWorld and demand a refund and go get a better machine, as he's had nothing but crashes and lockups since the day he first got it (last Saturday). But he wants to see if there's a way to solve the problem first, as PCWorld are being bastards.

Thanks

[KMIELKE123]

From my own experience - I have been on BT Openworld since Oct '02 and had to post here twice for help with 48 hrs but as usual the members here resolved my probs My ADSL Modem is a Speedtouch and it comes with a PPP diagnostic program that shows up in Systray.

My problem was and still is that when I click on the Speedtouch shortcut on Desktiop to go online it comes up with one of two errors either No Dial Tone or Network Server Not Responding.

BT told me to uninstall and reinst Modem Drivers and DUN entries. Did that and it worked. However they said in future just unplug modem from USB Port and plug straight back in. You then see the abv. mentioned Diagnostic icon go red when mdm. unplugged, then yellow when initialising, and finally blue when ready. Clicking again on Speedtouch shortcut then gets me online.

This does not happen to me everyday and indeed the BT techs cannot explain it. Perhaps its just the way DSL is designed - ie you don't need to logoff hence 'always connected' but I don't leave my PC on 24/7 so always click disconnect only to have this problem when I want to reconnect.

This is my own experience of probs with DSL - perhaps others using Cable can shed light on what difficulties they have.

Don't know what you will do vis a vis returning the PC due to the other faults your friend had but here are some links to DSL related online help tweaks :


http://www.speedguide.net

http://www.dslreports.com


Hope you get it sorted soon.

[f117nighthawk]

I think the fault lies in the modem, not the PC. Try returning the modem for a refund.

[TeddyUK]

To clarify what's happening now: if he starts the machine with the modem plugged in, it takes 15 minutes to boot up, adn the red light is on both the modem and the desktop. Nothing on earth gets it to change to yellow or green, or to connect at all.

If the computer is started with the modem unplugged it boots in a flash! But when he plugs the modem into the USB port, either it does not detect new hardware, or it detects but the install fails ad infinitum, until he gives up.

The modem is a year old, and worked - and still works - perfectly on the old Win98 computer.

We have the latest driver version for that modem from the manufacturer. No help.

PCWorld (who he bought the comp from) advised him to buy a different modem and try it, so I await him to report back on that.

I guess it sounds like some conflict between the old modem and the new hardware (or XP)???

I've advised him that if the new modem won't work, to take both that AND the computer back to PCWorld and demand a full refund.

[davmail]

Is the PC a Packard Bell?They are notorious for various problems,also if modem is not getting enough power have you considered getting a powered USB hub, thats what I use for my Fujitsu ADSL modem, works a treat.Hope this helps.

[TeddyUK]

It's not a Packard Bell (though I've had to repair 2 of those b-stewards in a month), it's PC World's own brand, the Advent 3211. Which doesn't have a great reputation, anyway. And their customer service has always sucked, in my personal experience. I told him so, but would he listen??? Nope.

Anyway, it's going back to the shop tomorrow because now nothing will work in any USB slot. No mouse, no keyboard, nothing. Seems it may have been a weeny problem with the onboard USB.

Thanks for the input

[KMIELKE123]

Good Luck with your exchange - post back with any news either good or bad as there are bound to be more posts of a similar nature sooner or later.


Best Wishes,


KMIELKE123

[104456]

The main problem with this type of modem is it draws near or can even draw above the max amperage allowed on a USB port which is where the problems start.

[Sal_gal]

When I first got DSL service they sent a USB modem. Bad choice, because it was a disaster. Crashed and burned. So I went to an ethernet adapter modem (Speedstream) and had no problem. Another thing is the length of the phone line you're using. I was told the limit is 15 ft. I was using a 25 ft line and got disconnected several times.

Are you overseas? This may not apply to u.

[TeddyUK]

Resolution: the friend in question couldn't get a refund despite going up to the Area Office. He got a replacement box instead. Typical PCWorld. Anyway, he wouldn't fight his corner hard enough, but luckily new box is working with old modem, no problems at all.

So, whatever it was in the old box.... it was the old box, not the modem, software or hardware.

Fingers crossed this one keeps on working OK!

Thanks everyone for your input, it's appreciated

Teddy