In Windows, why do I have trouble connecting or staying connected when dialing into the 856-520X modem pools?

If you are having problems connecting or staying connected to Indiana University Bloomington's modem pool, you should first visit your modem manufacturer's web site to make sure you have the latest drivers and firmware updates for your modem.

You can also try lowering the maximum port settings for your modem. Follow the appropriate steps below:

Windows 2000 and XP with the classic Start menu

1. Click Start and select Settings, then Control Panel. Double-click Phone and Modem Options.
   
   
2. Click the Modems tab. Click your modem and then click the Properties button.
   
   
3. For Windows 2000, you will see the setting for maximum speed on the General tab. For Windows XP, you will have to click the Modem tab to see and change the maximum speed. Set the maximum speed to 9600. If that helps, you can try raising it back up incrementally until you experience problems again, then move it down one setting.

Note: The Windows XP default desktop view and Start menu are different from the Windows Classic View (e.g., in Windows 2000). Therefore, navigating to certain items can be different. In the interest of broad applicability, most Knowledge Base instructions assume you are using Classic View. For information about switching your Windows XP default view to Classic View, see In Windows XP, how do I switch to the Windows Classic View, Classic theme, or Classic Control Panel?

Windows XP with the default Start menu

1. Click Start and then Control Panel.
   
   
2. In the border on the left, click Switch to Classic View. Then on the right, double-click Phone and Modem Options.
   
   
3. Click the Modems tab. Click your modem and then click the Properties button.
   
   
4. Click the Modem tab to see and change the modem speed. Set the modem speed to 9600. If that helps, you can try raising it back up incrementally until you experience problems again, then move it down one setting.

Windows 95, 98, and Me

1. Click Start and select Settings, then Control Panel. Double-click Modems.
   
   
2. In the Modems control panel, click the Properties button. Lower the maximum speed to 9600. If that helps, you can try raising it back up incrementally until you experience problems again, then move it down one setting.

Also, many 28.8K to 56K modems use a V.42 standard that conflicts with the modem pools at IU. If you get connected but then get immediately disconnected, or if you get error messages every time you connect, first check all your settings. If everything seems fine, try reinstalling Dial-up Networking and TCP/IP. If that doesn't fix the problem, you need to disable V.42.

The manual that came with your modem should give you an initialization string that will allow you to disable V.42, or you might be able to find the initialization string on the Internet. Check the following web site for an initialization string for your modem: http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/acs_serv/as5200/as52mfw/mod_strg.htm

To disable V.42 once you have obtained the proper initialization string, follow the appropriate instructions below:

For Windows 2000 or XP with the classic Start menu

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon.
   
   
3. Click the Modems tab. A new panel will open.
   
   
4. Click the Advanced tab. In the "Extra Settings" field, type the proper initialization string.

For Windows XP with the default Start menu

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
   
   
2. In the border on the left, click Switch to Classic View. Then on the right, double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon.
   
   
3. Click the Modems tab. A new panel will open.
   
   
4. Click the Advanced tab. In the "Extra Settings" field, type the proper initialization string.

Windows 95, 98, and Me

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click the Modem icon.
   
   
3. Select the modem you use to connect.
   
   
4. Click the Properties button, and then click the Connection tab.
   
   
5. Click the Advanced button, and type the proper initialization string in the "Extra Settings" field.
   
   
6. Click OK twice.

Once V.42 is disabled, you should have no problems when you connect.

Also see:

• What should I do if my modem gives me a "No dial tone" error?