Problems with USB Modem

I know I had a problem with a USB modem. It was due to a AMD/VIA problem. This was with running 98SE. MS came out with a patch. After I install the patch it worked fine. Here is where that patch can be found if you are using 98SE.

 

Report read and contains pretty much what I expected.

Those problems do not seem to exist with a Serial Port Modem.

At least I never had any.

As I have said before, I can not count the machines and OSs that mine has been on.

And I am quiite sure it will be on its way to Atlanta, Georgia with me this weekend to replace a non-working Intenal. ( SB Audio and Modem both quit ) Will let you know the results when I get the job down there done.

Shall be emailing USR support again, but any thoughts/suggestions out there? I'm totally flummoxed over this one.

You Asked. I have a uggestion only.

Send the thing back and get a Serial Port Modem. I think you will be MUCH happier. And unless my experience is way off base you will not have the problems. Just have to make sure the ports are not disabled in the BIOS.

BillyBob

 

I forgot.

If you do change the Modem. Check you Serial ports and make sure you have the proper Modem cable.

I have to use a 9 pin to modem aon a couple of machine.

Others I can use a standard 25 pin to 25 pin.

And BTW. A Serial Port Modem is not bothered by any chipset. Again at least I never had any problems.

BillyBob

 

Pete - believe Russ is on the right track, but in addition to the USB patch Microsoft put out, VIA has put out two. First one was (to my knowledge) in 1998 - a USB filter titled something like 108F and second one sometime in the last year or so - not sure if its 5605 or what but if you can't find them, holler - I'll pull out some archived stuff. Original instructions with the 108 were to install before the MS patch and use the MS patch only if problems still existed after the 108F.

Good Luck - holler if needs be .........

 

My early morning, still half asleep reply.

You are welcome.

I might somewhat agree to using Generic Hardware. But at the same time I would bet $$ on the fact that the Generic Serial Port Modem would work WITH NO HASSLE

They are a dying breed because Microsoft and suppliers have the consummer in general fooled into thinking that new stuff is better.

And the new stuff is more than likely to be cheaper to make. And the probelms prove it.

Saving few bucks and having something that may give me a big hassle if changing MBs, OS or what is not worth. it.

Having a piece of equipment that will only half A**ed work on one machine. Not work at all on the other is DEFFINETLY NOT my cup of tea.

Also When my own ISP Tech tells me not to USB equipment for Internet use carries A LOT Of weight.

The USB Modem depend ENTIRELY on the OS and Machine Power supply to work properly. Whereas an external does not. And that I believe is what makes the External superiour to the USB.

I may be, and you can called me OLD fASHIONED or just plain behinds time if you wish.

But as far as I am concerend NOTHING beats good old fashioned hardwired, self powered, self contained equipment which takes a tremendous load off of the MB and the OS.

Over time I have changed my thinking about some USB equipment. But Mice, Keyboards and Modems I stand firm on Non-USB.

But anyway. I do hope PeteC I do hope that you get the thing working properly and that it stays that way.

And if I do need to get outa here and get some things done to get ready for our trip or my Wife is very likely to just pull the plug on me.

In case I do not get back Y'all have nice Christmas.

BillyBob

 

PeteC

Be it right wrong or just palin in-different I have a thought.

If and when you get that USB modem working properly I would give some thoughts to using older Restore Points.

But as I said, that is a thought that crossed my mind.

I messed up my USB scanner that way. I got the scanner working via driver updates etc. and then used and older RP.

It may also depend on whether the patches patch the chipset itself or the actuall modem driver.

BillyBob

 

Have encountered a few "unique" VIA/AMD issues myself but still a strong advocate of AMD over Intel. BB makes good arguement for serial external and the key is they work and work well in almost all environments. Personally, my preference is a USR 56K VoiceFaxModem Pro - has both USB and serial so you can go either way - flawless performance, but not manufactured any more. You can probably find one on EBay for something like $75-$100 US. Firmware upgrades available from USR and XP Pro recognizes with no installation CD required. No VIA/AMD/USB issues either. Good Luck.

 

My $0.02
USR and Via have always had "differences ". Sometimes it's great, other's it's not. The patches that Rockster2u mentions DO work. Been there, done that. Doesn't seem to be an issue with most other USB modems, and USR will not accept responsibility for (what seems to be obvious) a problem with THEIR modems on Via chipsets.

"Generic serial modem ". Maybe not such a bad idea anyhow, because it's serial, doesn't much matter the chipset. Find out what it REALLY is inside, and dont' worry so much about the word "generic ". If you need help identifying it, shoot me a link or something. I can probably figure it out.

FYI, I can find NOTHING on the web about a USR model 15633 modem. What's up with that?

 

VERY MUCH SO

I went to USR looking for drivers for my USR External. It took me the better part of 15 minutes to MAKE sure I had the right number. I finally looked the the Modem itself and found the right one.

BillyBob

 

And now for the bad news

As much as I hate being the bearer of such, here's the facts on THAT particular modem.
If you go to the "Features and Benefits" in this PDF http://www.usr.com/download/datasheets/modem/5633/5633-ds.pdf you notice the last paragraph, which says, "Software upgradeable: Online upgradeability and downloadable software ensure that this modem will continute to meet your changing needs. "
It continues in the next column, under minimum system requirements, stating, "Window 98SE/ME/2K/XP, etc... "
After extracting the zipped driver file, the installation .inf file (the actual "driver" for the modem), it becomes clear.
In a nutshell, it means that this is a winmodem. Not only is is USB, it's processing is done by the CPU in your computer. A totally nasty thing, which some manufacturer's think is better than sliced bread. Basically a POS.
Do everything in your power to return this, and get the serial external.

 

Hey reboot

Thanks for the confirmation to what I was wondering about.

That well explains the difference in price.

A totally nasty thing, which some manufacturer's think is better than sliced bread.

Yup. That is just what I was referring to in one of my earlier replys.

BTW. My External is going to Atlanta, Georgia with me. I will surely let you know how I make out with it. The dealers down there are trying to sell my Step-Daugher a new Internal. She has told them flat out NO. Not until Bob gets here to see what is what. I think that says she TRUSTS me. I love it.

However, It will be more than likely next week before I find out But I will get back here As soon as I can.

BillyBob

 

Excellent choice!

 

As a follow up.

I did take the USR External to Georgia.

It did work on three different machines and a couple of them had VIA chips sets. And all were different versions of Win98.

So to me this says USR does ( or at least did ) make some dam good equipment.

I did however gamble and found an Internal PCI that worked also. With no problems. but only after I used the proper drivers from the CD. ( not the default either ).

I am also glad to read that all is going well for you PeteC.

BillyBob