SLOW CONNECTION PROBLEMS
My connection to Surfmore Net seems slow or is not working, what can I do to fix it (Windows 95)?

Solution:
This problem can have many causes ranging from noisy phone lines to not having the correct modem initialization string, or the latest drivers for your modem. First thing you should do is get the lastest drivers for your modem. Just because the modem or computer is brand new, doesn't mean that it was made yesterday, and may still not have the latest version of the drivers for it.

Phone Line Problems are either in the house or on the pole. Even in new houses with newly ran wire, phone lines can be a problem. Some common problems are cheap long phone cords, cheap splitters, bleed over, and cordless (not celluar) phones.

Cheap phone cords and splitters, such as the $6 specials at walmart are a big culprit. Get solid copper telephone wire from Radioshack or a store such as MCree's plumbling & electric.Every phoneline "Y" or splitter is an extra break in the connects and the les the better.

Bleed Over is when one person on one phone line can here another poerson on a seperate phone line, cause they both run through the same cord. Run a seperate cord for the line the computers is on.

Cordless phones send radio frquency down the phone line, and change the line's impeadance. Never hook a cordless phone into the back of the computer, and you should avoid using the same or really close phone jack.

One of the best things for any internet connection is to run a seperate solid copper phone cable from the computer to the phone box on the outside of the house. If your fairly handy you can do this easily enoughfor $20, or Bell South will do it for around $100. Some electricians also do this type of service.


Modem Compatibility Issues

Use the following procedure to set your modem's serial port speed to the most efficient value.

  1. Select "My Computer".
  2. Select "Control Panel".
  3. Select "Modems".
  4. You should see the following display. If your modem is not a SupraExpress, then you will see a different name for your modem in the picture below.



  5. Select your modem and then Properties, and you will see the following display.


  6. Set your Maximum speed according to the following table:
    Computer Mhz Modem Speed Maximum Speed
    386 25 14400 bps 19200
    386 25 28800 bps 38400
    486 or Pentium >50 Mhz 14400 bps 38400
    486 or Pentium >50 Mhz 28800 bps 57600
    486-Pentium II 50Mhz 56000 bps 115200 (or 57600)

    If your modem an external model, it is very important that your serial port have a 16550 UART or  better chip . Most of the newer computers have these fast 16550 UARTs, so it probably will not be a problem if your computer is new. Do not check the "Only connect at this speed." box.

  7. Next, select the "Connection" tab. You will see the following display.


    Verify that your settings are as shown.
  8. Then, click the "Advanced..." button and make sure that your settings are as below, and enter the string for your modem below..


    Modem Disable x2 Disable v.42 Disable V.90 Disable V.90 & x2
    Sportster/USR S32=34 S15=128 S32=66 S32=98
    Courier S58=1 S27=32 S58=32 S58=33
    Disable KFlex Disable V90 Disable V90&Flex Disable v.42
    Rockwell Dual +MS=12 +MS=56 +MS=11  &Q6
    Rockwell HCF & Soft56 +MS=V90,0 +MS=K56,0 +MS=V34 +ES=1,0,1;
    Lucent LT s38=0 -v90=0 s38=0-v90=0   \n2
    Lucent Venus s109=2 s109=0 s38=0   \n2
    PCTel HSP n0s37=14 n0s37=13 n0s37=12

    The brands listed here are the companies that make modem chips. ALL modem modems made in the last 3 years contain chips made from one of these companies.

    ACS Computers: AOPEN 56 ITU are Rockwell Dual, and The LT WIN MODEM is Lucent LT

    Compaq: If the Compaq has a 56K modem and say "COMPAQ 56K", it's an LT WIN MODEM, and get the Latest LUCENT DRIVERS. If it is a Rockwell use +MS=V90 and then try +MS=V34

    Only USR or X2 modem contain Sportster/USR Chips. Lucent modem are usually LT WIN MODEMS.

    Most other brand name modems are rockwell dual or hcf if they're a pci modem.

    Cirux and other completely no name modems are a toss-up between Rockwell and PCTel.

    All users should try disabling KFLEX or X2 depending on your modems chips set, and then try disabling x2 & v90  or  k56flex & V90.

  9. Once you have verified these settings, you can select OK three times to take you back to control panel.
  10. Try your connection to Surfmore.net again and verify that your connection stays up. If it doesn't, call tech support or the following sites on the web are excellent references for solving this type of problem:

    www.808hi.com/56k  The best reference for 56k modem problems.

    www.gateway.com     For the latest drivers on Gateways, fixes most problems.

    www.lucent.com          For the latest LT WIN MODEM Drivers, makes it one of the best                                     modems out there.

    www.3com.com         For the USR robotics upgrades and firmware drivers.

    www.compaq.com    For Compaq's

    www.aopen.com      For Acer's