Intel chipset 815E and Dell Dimension 4100

[sebjenkins]

Hi,

I have a DELL Dimension 4100 running Windows ME and I have it connected to a USB DSL modem using boardband provided by AOL.
I am getting terrible connection issues, when I'm trying to connect to the internet, AOL sits there trying to initialise the modem forever then just when it looks like it will connect it just disconnects again. I have spoke to AOL who confirm the AOL setup is fine and I have resinstalled the DSL modem drivers too.
I am wondering whether its down to the PCs USB ports and perhaps the chipset drivers may need updating ?
The DELL Dimension uses Intel chipset 815E

Has anybody else had similar problems ?

 

[franklin97355]

Have the DSL connection checked before you start changing things with the computer. Many DSL modems work just fine with the dell computers.

 

[cdogg]

It's got nothing to do with the brand of your PC or type of motherboard.

Most likely, it's one of the following:

1) spyware/adware infection problem slowing your connection (see the FAQ section in forum760)
2) physical problem with your phone line (bad wiring/shielding, long distance from the nearest frame relay circuit, etc)
3) conflict with a firewall policy that's running on your PC (try disabling any personal firewalls you have running temporarily)


Have AOL verify that they can access your modem with normal response times. That will "help" rule out the phone line possibility.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[kmcferrin]

There are a couple of general rules regarding Internet access that I like to live by.

1. When connecting via broadband, always use an ethernet connection.

In the past year or two it has been popular for some ISPs to deploy DSL or cable modems that have USB connectors on them. In theory, this allows for a simple connection method without having to understand concepts of TCP/IP networking and ethernet configuration. In practice, it's a pain in the rear because you're trying to adapt ethernet technology to work over an interface that it wasn't designed for. Because of this, if you use the USB interface then you need special drivers to use the cable/DSL modem. If you have driver problems with that device (or there aren't drivers for your OS) then you're out of luck. You don't typically have that problem with ethernet (and if you do you can buy a new NIC for $10). If you're lucky and your modem has an ethernet port in addition to USB ports, then try switching to ethernet.

2. Stay away from AOL.

Sure they're the world's largest ISP, but not because they have a superior product. AOL is so full of proprietary protocols and software that many applications that require a browser or Internet connection to work will fail to function correctly. Many businesses won't even support web/Internet-enabled applications if you are trying to run them over an AOL connection.

 

[sebjenkins]

I ran Ad-aware on this PC and it found lots of malware (Webenhancer) and tracking cookies etc etc
Funnily enough, it was after that the broadband connection will not work anymore at all !
I reinstalled AOL and modem drivers but no joy....

 

[cdogg]

Something you disabled or removed unknowingly ruined your setup somehow then.

I would recommend you uninstall all AOL software and modem drivers, reboot, then reinstall everything. Before you do that though, also run Spybot (just for added security) and HiJack This! (post the log here).

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884