Modem Problem or something else?

I use a 98 OS (not 98SE) with a dial-up modem. It's an old machine with only 2.99 Gigs and slow. I have a SupraMax 56i Voice PCI V.92 modem, and lately have been expiriencing numerous disconnects from my ISP. It has only been happening for about the past two weeks. I've contacted the ISP and they swear, naturally, that they've changed nothing.
Could this problem be caused by something else, perhaps in IE6 or the modem connection instructions?

 

Hi duke,

Sounds like modem, or even the power supply, may need replacing - they're not expensive, and simple (for a shop) to replace. Only ways to tell are:
1) try it in another computer, or
2) try a known good modem in this one.

A good idea, since it's an old machine, is to try an external modem that connects to your serial port and has its own power supply; It can then be used with any machine.

 

Thanks for the help. I think I'll try the external modem because I'm hoping to get a faster, more up-to-date processor.
Duke424

 

Be sure to disable (and maybe remove) the internal modem before installing the new one. And watch your machine for any erratic behavior that could indicate the power supply is getting weak.

 

Sometimes the phone line will be noisy and cause the problems you describe. Occasionally my line will come up lower baud or disconnects me and if it percists I call the telephone company. Thye always say it is the old equipment in my area and soon afterward the line clears up. Oh well.

Dusty

 

I thin I'll give that a try too. The more I think about it the more I think it might be something besides the modem. If it were the modem it would do it all the time but it's just been doing it for approx. 2 weeks. Plus last night I stayed online for 4 hours without a disconnect.
I've called the phone co. before as well as the ISP. They never admit to an error but after the call the problem miraculously clears up.

 

duke,

When you said you worked with your isp, assumed (posssibly incorrectly ) you had covered that base; sorry. definitely a good suggestion dustymars.
I would still suspect the power supply too; they are sneaky parts - difficult to diagnose.

 

Try picking up your phone and just dial in one digit, then listen to the line for any noise.
If you do hear any noise, when you complain to the telephone co, do yourself a favor and do not mention modem disconnect problems. Steer towards a fax machine problem. I have found they seem to turn a deaf ear to modem disconnects, but a fax means possible long distance revenue depending on your chosen LD carrier.

 

Good idea. They must get thousands of modem complaints every day. They're probably pretty callous toward it by now. Thanks.