I know it's a fairly common problem, but I can't figure this out.

Running an old Compaq laptop with Win 98SE, with an even older 28.8kbps non-descript external modem. Can't find the original drivers for the modem so am just using generic Windows drivers which have managed fine on other machines.

Problem is that it disconnects after about 10 minutes use, then on a second go it disconnects within a minute or two. When I say disconnects - it doesn't actually drop the connection, just stops sending or receiving any data. A Windows reboot gives me a fresh 10 minutes' worth.

I have a feeling that running more than one window of IE (5.5) agrivates the problem and make it lose the connection sooner. Opera (4.1 - waiting on a disk of 7 from a mate) lasts longer but doesn't solve the problem.

Any ideas folks?

Cheers,

Ben

are there no markings on the modem? My first stop would be to try to lock down the correct driver.
Next I'd phone bt (or your provider) and get them to run a check over the line. Dont say "coz my modem keeps disconnecting" otherwise they'll just try to flog u dsl or isdn. Say it "Crackles when I'm on the phone" they'll just run some standard tests on the line to find a fault. They can generally do this while your on the phone.

other than that reinstall 98 :( sorry can't help any further.

i have an almost brand new 56k external modem for sale with box,int disk, manual, etc if you're interested
robby@ntlworld.com

Thanks Dizzy.
I'll have another look at the modem but as I recall there's nothing that'd help me find a driver. I'm sure I'll come across the driver disk one day! Can't do the BT thing as the line I'm using is a communal line in my uni hall of residence. Thanks for your help :)

Robby, is the modem you have for sale serial? Don't have USB on this laptop. What make is it? How much you after? £10 inc P&P do for it?

Cheers folks.

look on the modem for the Fcc ID No, there should be a logo on the modem like this :
http://www.fcc.gov/images/fcclogowords.gif

then search for the modem manufacturer here:

http://members.cnx.net/reboot/modems/#fcc

and the driver here:

http://www.modem-drivers.com/

Scoobyster, if you look at www.pcworld.co.uk under modems on page 2 you'll see it - Sitecom V92 £39.99 , yes it's 9 pin serial

£15inc p+p

Many thanks for the reply mj. My modem doesn't have that on it though. All I have is a sticker on the front saying V34 28800bps, and a sticker on the underneath that says "605780 REN=1 Serial No: A106578". That doesn't seem to be in the right format to use on that site, any ideas?

Robby, would you meet half way (with a poor student ;)) at £12.50? If so and I can't get my modem working adequately, we'll have a deal. :)

Cheers,
Ben

[Edited by scoobyster - 2/18/2003 4:55:56 PM]

[Edited by scoobyster - 2/18/2003 4:56:57 PM]

Ben YHM