modem trouble

I am trying to fix my son-in-laws mother's HP Pavillion 8700 computer. She lives about 40 miles out in the country and the modem that is in her computer is a MPS , the ISP says it is is a software baased modem and she need a better modem a hardware one . Does this make sense. I can take my laptop out and hook up at 26.4 bps--I could get hers to connect sometimes for a moment or so then it would disconnect. What would be the best avenue to take--someone ssaid use a external modem to the serial port as they are a more rugged modem--they said the other type of modem would need jumpers and futher configuration?????? All help would be helpful. I have never been on the inside of a tower but willing to try.

quickshot.

 

An external modem that connects to a serial port is the better way to go, it has it's own controller. Her computer will perform better, as it is not doing the work for a software modem (WinModem), which does not have a controller. When installing the external, be sure to take out the internal. There are some internal modems that do have a controller, these can be hard to find.
Some of the older ISA (16 bit slot) modems did have jumpers on them for IRQ configuration, some were Plug & Play. When PCI internals came out, the jumpers were eliminated on most models, as they are more Plug & Play compatiable.
However, using a external modem will not guarantee a faster connection, phone line noise would affect this. The less noise, the better and faster connection. If the phone system is pulse dialing, there may be noisy phone company equipment to think of.

 

Hi Quickshot
If you still have problems with slow speed when you get your new modem give your phone company a ring. Here in the UK its well known that if you cant get over 28bps it meens you have a DAX on the line (shared line) BT have a charter that states they will provide good internet access but you have to ask for it first.
Im not sure what the phone lines, connections or companies are like in the US but give it a thought.
Stitch

 

Thanks for all the replies. I am going to try the Zoom 3049 I use a Zoom PCMCIA card in my laptop and it has always worked OK. I will post back on the results. Thanks again.

quickshot

 

Hmm, if you do call the phone company about line noise, do not mention anything about a modem for internet access, instead say you are having fax machine problems.
In my experience they turn a deaf ear to internet access, but jump right on a fax machine, something to do with possible long distance charges I suppose.

 

Good idea--I will remember that if the new modem does not work but am hoping it will be an answer to her problem. When you live in the Sandhills of Nebraska you pay for the peace and quite. LOL

quickshot

 

THANKS for all the help--Installed an external modem and all is working fine--hooking up at 33.2 but things are working OK.

quickshot