downloading

I have Windows XP on my computer, and I have dial-up internet service. My internet provider tells me that 20 minutes after my computer is idle (hands off the keyboard or mouse) I am automatically disconnected from the internet, even if I am in the middle of downloading something. What can I do if I am downloading something from the internet that is going to take at least an hour? How can I avoid losing my download? Thank you very much.

 

Try setting your email program to check for new mail every 15 minutes. When I was on dialup this did the trick for me. If you're using Outlook Express click tools>options and you'll find it on the general tab.

 

For some reason or other when downloading files the connection is not seen as busy therefore it disconnects.

There are programs available that will make the connections seem to be busy and keep it connected. Actually I think all they do is send out a PING every so often.

ICQ is one. But that can be trouble in other ways

If I could remember what the rograms were I sure would post them. But I am sure someone on here knows what they are.

I do remember one that was called " Keep Alive " I Think. But from whence it came I have no idea.

You are lucky to have 20 minutes. One of my OLD Dial Ups was only 10 minutes. Very, Very frustrating. Not only frustrating but it can cause corruption in a large download.

Maybe XP may have something builtin. ( would not suprise me )

BillyBob

 

BBob, XP does. Go to control panel>network connections>your dial up connection>properties>options and set the "idle time" for whatever you want from the drop down menu. By default, XP sets it for 20 minutes. ( I seldom use my dial up connection anymore, but it's nice to know it's there when I want it! )

 

Stay Connected and StayOnPro are two shareware programs that will also keep you connected