Troubleshooting Poor Dialup Connections

Reboot the computer
This means shutting down your operating system and turning off the power to your whole system for 10 to 15 seconds and then turning it back on. Many problems are temporary glitches and can be solved by a simple reboot.

Check what you are dialing
Pick up the telephone and dial the same number your computer dials. You should get a series of tones that indicate the modem on our end is answering. If you get an eternal ring, a fast busy signal, or a recorded announcement, please verify the number your computer is dialing.

If you experience failed connects, errors, disconnects, poor throughput, or modem retrains, please check the following:

Lower your UART buffers and DTE baud rates. 
Double click on MY COMPUTER and then DIAL-UP NETWORKING. 
Single Right Click on the Internet connection icon that you use. A menu should appear. Single left click on PROPERTIES. 
Click on the Configure button. Click on the down arrow and set the maximum speed to 57600. 
Click on the TAB marked CONNECTION. 
Uncheck box labeled "Disconnect a call if idle…" 
Click on button labeled PORT SETTINGS 
Drag both sliders all the way left to the LOW (1) setting. 
Click Ok on all windows until you are back to your desktop.

Check for line noise
Any noise on the line can cause failed connects, errors, disconnects, poor throughput, or modem retrains. Pick up your telephone and dial "1". During the silence, listen closely for any pops, static, hum, faint voices, or other noise on the line. Noise may be a result of faulty wiring in your home, or a poor connection to the telephone company. Contact the telephone company or a local contractor for service.

Upgrade your modem’s firmware
We support the V.90 56k standard. We recommend that you contact your modem’s manufacturer to get the most recent V.90 firmware upgrade for your modem. (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT) You can find links to various modem manufacturers at: http://www.winfiles.com/drivers/modems.html

Plug your modem directly into the wall
Bypass any devices such as telephones, surge protectors, fax machines, or answering machines. These can sometimes interfere with your connection. Use a surge protector on your modem to decrease the risk of damage to your modem and computer from power fluctuations.

Replace your modem
Disconnects and failed connects can be the sign of a failing modem or a poorly designed modem. Even new modems may have connection problems if it is of poor quality. Stay away from Winmodems or Software based modems. These rely more on your computer’s CPU and many cause problems.

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