Low Modem Connect Speed & Dell 8100 Notebook

[Babs54]

I have a PIII Dell 8100 Notebook with an integrated modem/network card. I cannot get this modem to run any faster than 37K. Dell has sent me a new modem to install (done already) and I still get the low connect speed. Dell has given me all these links to try and I have done that. They even gave me a 3com phone number to test the modem through hyperterminal (had to download a free one to use)and the number is disconnected. I have used a speedtest site through MSN and it tells me that it connects at 27 or lower. I have also reinstalled my XP software and the MSN software.

I have taken this notebook all over the house and connected wherever I have a phone line and still 37K or lower. It is a straight through connection with the phone line running from the wall to the computer. I have even connected it where my Desktop AMD Athlon XP 1.4 runs and my IMAC 600 mhz both with 56K modems and still no connection beyond 37K. My other computers connect at 46+ but not this notebook. The modem used in it is a 3Com MiniPCI card.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get the connect speed up? Any AT strings? My internet connection is MSN and I have used all the phone numbers available in the Chicago area and still no luck.

Does anyone know anything I am missing? I am stumped!

 

[romangal]

My first question: Have this modem ever worked or is this a new computer?

If it's new and you've never been able to get the speed up even with a new modem, then you're probably looking at a port problem. I'd make them replace it.

If it's not new and you have had better success with the modem, then again I'd say it wasn't your modem that went it was the port.

The best thing would be if you could test another type of card (ie. NIC) in the slot. If it failed, you'd know it was the port. Of course if it worked you'd be back to square one.

I sympathize. I have had many frustrating moments with laptops and modems; especially card modems.