Windows 98 Installation & Configuration Handbook

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- 18 -

Configuring Modems


by Rob Tidrow

Choosing a Modem

A modem converts computer signals to telephone signals and back again so that you can use the telephone lines to communicate with other computers. You can use a modem to send email, faxes, and files to and receive them from any other computer with a modem. Also, you can use your modem to connect to online services such as America Online and CompuServe, and even the Internet. Windows 98 includes various programs you can use with a modem, including HyperTerminal, Internet Explorer 4.0, Outlook Express, Phone Dialer, and a handful of online services, such as America Online and the Microsoft Network (MSN).

Windows can autodetect and install any of hundreds of modems by using the Modem Wizard. Alternatively, Windows enables you to install your modem manually by choosing the manufacturer and model from a list.

You can choose from numerous modems, and the one you choose governs how fast your computer communicates over the phone lines. You'll really notice the speed of your modem when you transfer large files to or from another computer. The faster your modem, the more efficiently the data transfers. You can find information about manufacturers of modems by visiting http://wwww.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Companies/Computers//Hardware/ Peripherals/Modems/.


NOTE: A device that converts from digital (computer signals) to analog (telephone signals) is called a modulator; a device that converts from analog to digital is called a demodulator. MOdulator-DEModulator is how modem got its name.


NOTE: When you're deciding whether to use an internal or external modem, keep in mind that an internal modem is generally less expensive and takes up less space on the desktop than the external. Internal modems also do not require you to purchase a separate serial cable, which you must do with external modems.

On the downside, however, internal modems require you to remove the case or cover of your PC and install the modem inside your computer. Although this task is not difficult, it may intimidate some users who have never done this kind of work before. Also, external modems have status indicator lights that provide you with visual cues to what the modem is doing, such as connecting to another modem or transferring data.


Understanding Modem Speeds

The speed of a modem is measured in bits per second (bps). Make sure that you get the fastest available; today's maximum analog modem speed is 56,000 bps. However, 33,600 bps and 28,800 bps are the most typical type you find on PCs being sold today. Slower modem speeds are 14,400; 9,600; and 2,400 bps. A 14,400 bps modem is also acceptable, but don't use anything slower, or you'll be disappointed with your communications.


NOTE: Windows 98 supports both of the 56,000 bps modem "standards." Lucent Technologies and Rockwell Semiconductor are working together on a standard called K56flex that will enable modems rated at 56Kbps to interoperate with each other. Other companies supporting this standard include AST Research, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and Toshiba. Although 56Kbps modems are available today, many online services and Internet service providers (ISPs) may support only one of the 56K modem types. If you decide to purchase one of these modems and have an account with a service, make sure that you contact your service to find out whether it can support your modem.

On February 6, 1998, a compromise over the 56K modem war was reached. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) released the V.90 modem standard. This new standard "harmonizes" the two standards and will allow ISPs and online services to support both X2 and K56flex modems. If you have a 56K modem, you should, in many cases, be able get software from your modem manufacturer to make your existing 56K modem compatible with the V.90 standard. For more information, visit http://www.v90.com.


The two modems must communicate using the same speeds. If your modem is 28,800 bps, and the modem on the other end of the phone lines is only 14,400 bps, for example, your modem slows down to 14,400 to accommodate the other modem.

Understanding ISDN Modems

One of the most recent developments in modems is ISDN modems, which you can use to transfer data while connected to an ISDN line. ISDN, which stands for Integrated Services Digital Network, is a type of high-speed telephone network that offers both voice and data capabilities over the same line. This capability enables you to use your modem and telephone at the same time--a capability that is currently not feasible with normal telephone lines. ISDN lines also provide faster communications than normal phone lines, providing speeds as much as five times faster than what a 28.8Kbps modem can achieve. If you're suffering with slow World Wide Web connections or remote access hookups, ISDN promises a substantial speed increase.

At present, not all areas offer ISDN services. Likewise, if an area is set up to provide ISDN, many ISPs do not offer ISDN connections to the Internet. Another limiting factor to ISDN is that it is usually much more expensive than normal phone lines, and usually includes tariffs for each call you make. Fees range from $30 to $130 per month, plus an initial installation fee of $100 to $600 depending on the phone company that installs the service. In addition to the service, you also need to purchase a modem specifically designed to work on ISDN lines. ISDN modems usually start around $140 to $180. In addition to the phone service charges, ISPs generally charge much more for ISDN service than analog service.

If you are interested in obtaining ISDN service, contact your local telephone company to see whether your area provides the service. If so and its cost is within your budget, you should then call around for ISPs in your area that offer Internet access via ISDN.

Understanding Cable Modems

Another fast connection to online resources is through cable modems. These modems are attached to your computer and are then connected to your cable TV wire. This type of connection can be up to 100 times faster than a standard 28.8Kbps modem.

Windows 98 supports cable modems that connect to cable modem services, such as the Time Warner Road Runner service. A true cable modem is not really a modem; it's a network interface card that connects to the fiber-optic or coaxial cable network. Some services use both a network interface card for incoming traffic and a regular modem for outbound traffic (stuff you're uploading). Most cable modem companies require that a service representative install and configure your cable modem service (much like when you order cable television service). For that reason, this chapter does not show how to install cable modems under Windows 98.

The future for cable modems looks positive. Many cable television companies have invested money into providing Internet access to home users via the cable wire. @Home (http://www.home.net) is one of the largest cable modem suppliers, with investors from several companies providing funding, including Netscape, TCI, Comcast, Intermedia, Marcus, and Cox.

Time Warner's Road Runner service, mentioned earlier, is available in a number of cities, including San Diego, Tampa Bay, Portland (Maine), Akron, Columbus (Ohio), Memphis, and other cities. To use its service, you must configure your computer with an Ethernet card. To give you an example of the type of hardware you would need for the Road Runner service, look at the following list of cards supported by Road Runner:

If you want more information about the Road Runner service, visit the Web site at http://www.pathfinder.com/rdrun.

Installing Your Modem

Windows includes a wizard that can detect a modem you've added to your system and identify the port, install the appropriate driver, and identify the modem speed. You can let the wizard configure your modem, or you can manually configure your modem.

Install your modem by first turning off your computer and then attaching the cables to the external modem and attaching the phone line. When you're finished, turn on the modem and restart the computer.

Letting Windows Autodetect the Modem

When you use the Modem Wizard to identify your modem, Windows queries the attached modem and ascertains the port, speed, and driver needed for the modem. Windows asks you to confirm its findings and then sets up the modem for you.

To use the Modem Wizard to set up your modem, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and double-click the Modems icon. The Install New Modem dialog box appears (see Figure 18.1).

FIG. 18.1 After attaching your modem to your computer, you can use the Modem Wizard to configure the modem for you.

2. Click the Next button to tell Windows to begin checking for your modem. The second wizard dialog box appears. The wizard searches for your modem and identifies the port to which it's connected.

3.
When the wizard finishes querying the modem, it displays the Verify Modem dialog box. If the modem is the correct one, choose Next; if you want to change the modem, click the Change button and then refer to the next section, "Manually Specifying a Modem."

Also if Windows cannot locate your modem, click Next and see step 2 in the following section.

4.
Windows sets up your modem and then displays the last wizard dialog box. Choose Finish to close the dialog box.

5.
When the Modem Wizard dialog box closes, Windows displays the Modems Properties dialog box, in which you can adjust the modem's settings and troubleshoot modem problems. Click OK to close the dialog box. You can learn more about modem properties in the section "Modifying Modem Properties" later in this chapter.

Manually Specifying a Modem

If you prefer, you can identify your modem instead of letting Windows detect it. You might want, for example, to use the manufacturer's driver with your modem instead of one supplied by Windows. The driver supplied by your manufacturer may be more current than the one included in Windows. If so, always use the most current driver you have.

Windows enables you to specify both the manufacturer and the modem type, as well as to install the driver from a disk.

To manually specify your modem, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and double-click the Modems icon. The Install New Modem dialog box appears.

2.
Choose the Don't detect my modem; I will select it from a list option and then choose Next. The next wizard dialog box appears (see Figure 18.2).

FIG. 18.2 You can choose the manufacturer and model of your modem in this wizard dialog box.

3. In the Manufacturers list, choose the maker of your modem. In the Models list, choose the appropriate model of your modem.

If you do not see the manufacturer or if you want to load the driver from a disk, choose Have Disk. The Install From Disk dialog box appears. Enter the drive letter in the text box and click OK. Windows installs the driver from the specified disk.

4.
Click Next to continue installing the modem. Windows displays the next wizard dialog box.

5.
Select the port you want to use with the modem. When you click the Next button, Windows installs the modem.

6.
When the wizard is finished, Windows displays the last wizard dialog box, telling you that the installation was successful. Choose Finish to close the dialog box. Windows then displays the Modems Properties dialog box, in which you can adjust the modem's settings and troubleshoot modem problems. Click OK to close the dialog box.


CAUTION: Windows lets you set up any type of modem and assign any port to that modem, regardless of whether it's correct. If you assign the wrong port or model, the modem does not work when you're ready to use it. If you are unsure of the port or the modem model, let Windows autodetect the modem for you, as described in the preceding section.

Modifying Modem Properties

You can adjust the modem settings at any time after you install your modem. For example, you might want to change ports, adjust the speaker volume, or change the designated speed. Additionally, you can set the modem for specific dialing preferences, change the location from which you're dialing, set up the modem to use a calling card, and so on.

Finally, you can adjust the advanced connections settings, such as flow control, error control, modulation type, and so on.

Modifying Dialing Properties

Use the Dialing Properties sheet to modify how calls are dialed and to set options such as dialing with a calling card, specifying various locations from which to call, and using tone or pulse dialing.

To modify dialing properties, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and double-click the Modems icon. The Modems Properties page appears (see Figure 18.3).

FIG. 18.3 Adjust modem and port settings in the Modems Properties page.

2. To set dialing preferences, click the Dialing Properties button in the General tab of the Modems Properties page. The Dialing Properties page appears (see Figure 18.4).

3.
Enter information and/or choose options as described in Table 18.1.


TIP: The dialing properties you define apply to any program from which you dial on the computer.

FIG. 18.4 Customize the dialing properties to suit your needs.

Table 18.1  Dialing Properties

Option Description
I am dialing from Choose the first location you want to set up from the list. To set up a new location, choose New and enter a location name in the Create New Location dialog box; then click OK. To remove a location, select it from the list and choose Remove.
I am in this country/region Choose the country you're in from the drop-down list.
Area code Enter the area code from which you are dialing.
To access an outside line Enter the number for local and/or the number for long distance in the appropriate text boxes; if you do not need to access an outside line, leave these text boxes blank.
To disable call waiting, dial Select the check box and enter code to disable call waiting.
For long distance calls, use this calling card Select (check) to display the Calling Card dialog box; enter one or more calling card names and numbers. Choose Advanced to enter specific rules for your calling card, such as dialable digits, area code, pauses, second dial tone, and so on.
This location has call waiting Check if you have call waiting.
Dial using Choose either Tone dialing or Pulse dialing.

4. Click OK to close the Dialing Properties page.


NOTE: As you fill out the Dialing Properties page, you can click the Area Code Rules button to set up rules on how Windows should dial numbers in your area code. From the Area Code Rules dialog box, click the top New button to add the phone number prefix in your area code that Windows should use. Likewise, click the bottom New button to specify a prefix in your area code that Windows should not use. Click OK to save your settings.


TROUBLESHOOTING: I can hear the modem sending tones as it dials, but nothing happens afterward. Check the telephone cables to be sure that they're properly connected to the modem and to the wall jack. On some modems, you may need to plug the modem directly into the telephone line wall jack instead of plugging your telephone into that jack.

Verify that the modem is dialing with pulses or tone by checking the Dialing Properties page.




TIP: One of the Microsoft PowerToys created for Windows 95 that you may want to run under Windows 98 is the Telephony Location Selector utility. You can find this utility at http://www.microsoft.com/Windows95/info/legacy.htm. When you run this utility, which sits on the Windows 98 taskbar (next to the clock), it enables you to change your dialing locations quickly. This capability is handy for mobile users who have set up multiple dialing properties for different locations, such as office, home, hotel, or remote office. Also, the Telephony Location Selector includes a menu from which you can display your dialing properties and execute the Phone Dialer application.

Modifying Your Modem's Properties

You can have more than one modem attached to your computer, and you can choose each modem and modify its specific properties. Each modem's Property dialog box may contain slightly different options, but the following example gives you an idea of the options you can modify.

To modify a specific modem's properties, follow these steps:

1. In the Modems Properties page, select the specific modem you want to modify and click the Properties button. The modem's Properties page appears (see Figure 18.5).

2.
On the General tab, set your choices for the following options:

FIG. 18.5 Set the properties of your specific modem in the modem's Properties page.

3. On the Connection tab, choose the options you want to modify (see Figure 18.6). Table 18.2 describes the options in the Connection tab.

FIG. 18.6 Set preferences for your connection and dialing for your specific modem.

Table 18.2  Connection Preferences

Option Description
Connection Preferences Area
Data bits Set the number of data bits--each data character consists of 7 or 8 bits--specified for your modem.
Parity Set parity--a formula for adding a bit to each byte before sending in data communications--to None, Even, Odd, Mark, or Space.
Stop bits Set stop bits--the last bit in a set of data--specified for your modem.
Call Preferences Area
Wait for dial tone Choose this option unless you must before dialing manually dial before dialing the phone for the modem.
Cancel the call if not connected within _ secs Check this option and enter an amount of time for the modem to continue trying to connect before disconnecting.
Disconnect a call if idle for more than _ mins Check this option to hang up the phone if no activity occurs within the specified amount of time.


TIP: See the following section for information on port and other advanced settings.
4. Click OK to close the specific modem's Properties page. Click Close to close the Modems Properties page.

Modifying Advanced Settings

Windows enables you to modify specific settings for your modem so that you can control the flow of data between your modem and your computer and between your modem and the modem with which you're communicating. If you have a question about any advanced settings, refer to your modem's documentation. Not all modems support all the following controls.

Port Settings  If data sent from the computer to the modem is transferred faster than the modem can move it across the line to the other modem, the FIFO (First In, First Out) data buffers (in conjunction with flow control) keep information from being lost. You can adjust buffers in the Advanced Port Settings dialog box. To change advanced port settings, follow these steps:

1. In the Control Panel, double-click the Modems icon to open the Modems Properties page.

2.
In the General tab, choose the modem from the list and select Properties. The selected modem's Properties page appears.

3.
In the Connection tab, select the Port settings button. The Advanced Port Settings page appears (see Figure 18.7).

FIG. 18.7 Set the FIFO buffers for the modem's port.

4. Deselect the Use FIFO buffers option to disable it.

5.
Click OK to close the dialog box, and click OK again to close the modem's Properties page.


TROUBLESHOOTING: My modem connects with the remote modem but locks up. Make sure that you are using the proper modem-to-computer flow control and error control for your modem (click the Advanced button on the Connection tab of the specific modem's Properties page). The preferred method to use is the Hardware option in the Use flow control area.

Advanced Connection Settings  The Advanced Connection settings govern the use of error, flow, and modulation control. Error controls ensure accurate data transmission; corrupted data sent across the line is automatically detected and retransmitted. If your modem supports error control, you can also choose to compress the transmitted data, which compacts the data before sending it across the lines. The receiving modem then decompresses the data before sending it to the computer. Compressed data travels faster and more efficiently over telephone lines. Flow control designates the protocol used between your computer and the modem. The flow defines how fast the data can be transferred between your modem and computer. The protocol you choose must be compatible with your modem, the serial cable (if your modem is an external one), and your computer. You can use either hardware or software flow control. Most modems do not support the software-only option, whereas the hardware option is universally supported. Check your modem documentation for more information.

To change advanced connection settings, click the Advanced button on the Connection tab. The Advanced Connection Settings dialog box then appears (see Figure 18.8). In this dialog box, you can modify the following options:

FIG. 18.8 Set advanced settings such as flow control and modulation type.


TIP: If you're unsure of any of the settings in the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box, refer to your modem's documentation.

Click OK to close the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box; click OK again to close the modem's Properties page. Then, to close the Modems Properties page, click OK.

Troubleshooting Modems

You can fix many common modem and connection problems yourself. Additionally, Windows includes a diagnostic tool that can help you identify your modem's connection, driver, speed, and so on.


TIP: One source of updated drivers is the modem manufacturer. You can try calling the manufacturer's technical support line or accessing its Web page if it has a presence on the Web.

The first things you should check when you have a modem problem may sound simple, but checking them can save you a lot of time and energy. The following list describes the initial checks you should make:

Using Diagnostics

Windows includes a Diagnostics tab in the Modems Properties dialog box; you can use it to help you identify your modem's connections and to find errors.

To use Windows' Diagnostics, follow these steps:

1. From the Modems Properties dialog box, choose the Diagnostics tab (see Figure 18.9).

FIG. 18.9 Use Windows Diagnostics to identify your modem's driver, port, interrupt, address, and so on.

2. Select your modem in the Port list and choose the Driver button. Windows then displays a dialog box similar to the one in Figure 18.10.

FIG. 18.10 The Current Communications Driver dialog box describes the driver you're using for the modem.

3. Note the size, date, and time the driver was loaded. Installing a more recent or updated driver may solve your problem. Click OK to close the dialog box.


NOTE: If, when you install Windows 98, your modem is already installed and working, Windows Setup attempts to identify the modem and install drivers for it. If Windows can't identify the modem but can detect that it is there (two different things), Windows sets up a standard modem driver for it. This driver may not be the right driver to run your modem at its optimum. It might, for example, install a 28.8Kbps driver for a 33.3Kbps modem. This might be the case as well if you add a modem and Windows detects it when you start your system for the first time after installing the device. If this is the case, update the driver to one written specifically for your modem. See Chapter 5, "Installing and Configuring New Hardware and Software," for information on updating device drivers.
4. Click the More Info button. Windows displays a Please Wait message box while it checks your modem. Then it displays the More Info dialog box (see Figure 18.11).

5.
The following text describes the options in the More Info dialog box. When you're finished, click OK to close the dialog box.

FIG. 18.11 Diagnostics checks your modem and communications port and reports the results in the More Info dialog box.

Port Information Area

In the Port Information area of the More Info dialog box, the Port lists the port to which your modem is attached (almost always a serial port, such as COM1, COM2, and so on). Although PC architecture allows for as many as four COM ports, most systems have only two installed (COM1 and COM2).

When the serial port is installed to the system, it's configured to use specific interrupts and I/O (Input/Output) addresses. An interrupt, or Interrupt Request (IRQ), line enables access to the device; the I/O address is the port the modem uses to connect to the computer.

The standard IRQs and I/O addresses for the serial (COM) ports are as follows

Port Interrupt Address
COM1 IRQ4 03F8
COM2 IRQ3 02F8
COM3 IRQ4 03E8
COM4 IRQ3 02E8

Because no two devices can use the same COM port, a conflict may arise if, for example, your mouse and modem are assigned to the same port. Carefully read the documentation before installing any new hardware. You might even keep a list of addresses and IRQs you've already assigned to keep conflicts to a minimum.

If your modem is not working and you suspect an IRQ conflict, remove one of the devices, such as the mouse, and see whether the modem works. If the modem does work, the two devices were conflicting in interrupt or address. Open the Device Manager to help you diagnose and troubleshoot your modem problem.


TIP: You can use Microsoft Diagnostics (MSD), a program supplied with Windows, or purchase other diagnostic software programs that identify available IRQ lines and create a template detailing your communication channels.

The Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, or UART, chip controls breaking parallel data in the computer into serial format and then converting the data back again. A 16550A UART serial chip or higher is best suited for high-speed communications. If your UART is 8250, 8250A or B, or 16450, your problems could be coming from the slower chip. Lockups, slow communications, or inaccurate data could be caused by the UART chip. Additionally, the 16550 UART had a few bugs in the buffer area; the 16550A UART corrected these problems.

Highest Speed refers to the baud rate of the modem. Baud rate is the rate at which a signal between two devices changes in one second. Most modems transmit several bits per baud, so the actual baud rate is much slower than the bps rate. Use the highest speed listed in the More Info dialog box when your communication between modems is slow. If your modem speed is 14,400, for example, and the highest speed listed in the More Info dialog box is 56K, you know your port is fast enough to handle the modem speed, and the problem is more likely with the line connecting the two modems.

Modem Area

The Modem area of the More Info dialog box contains an area specific to your modem. Diagnostics runs AT (ATtention) commands to test the connection to your modem and then lists the response next to the command.

If you see an ERROR code listed in the Response window, something may be wrong with your modem. The command ATI2, for example, performs a checksum on firmware and as a response either returns OK or ERROR. Alternatively, an ERROR code can be returned for a command that is not applicable to your modem. For information about your modem's response to AT commands, see your modem's documentation.


TIP: Commands beginning with a plus sign (+) and an F designate a fax AT command.


TROUBLESHOOTING: I hear the call being answered at the other end, but there's no tone indicating a connection. The modem on the other end of the line is not working correctly, or no modem is there. To solve this problem, you must contact the person on the other end to turn on his or her modem. Or dial a different number that you know is connected to a modem that is turned on.

After connection, I see many data errors on the screen. Make sure that no one else is using the telephone line. Try calling the other modem again at another time or from a different phone line to get a better connection.

My modem cannot sign on to the remote modem. Check the communication parameters of the remote station and make sure that your software is configured for the same number of data bits, stop bits, and parity. (See the Connection tab of the specific modem's Properties page.)



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