Modem driver

Hello,
I have a conexant MA560CI rev 1.3 56k soft modem that came installed in a new computer that I bought earlier in the year. The modem has a conexant # CX11252-11 HSFi chip on it. The driver that I'm using is conexant ver. 5.03.03.0 dated 03/06/02 . I was on microsoft windows update site yesterday and checked for driver updates there for my modem. They list one for a conexant 56k soft modem for my operating system (windows xp home edition) ver.# 5.03.03.50 dated 08/19/02 . I downloaded the update file ok, but it didn't self-install like I thought it would. I wrote ms support a message about it, and since the os came pre-installed on my computer, they reffered me to the computer company , I contacted them and so far they say they don't have the newer driver. How can I get this newer driver installed. I know this modem is a cheap one, but I'd still like to have the newer driver installed. You can also e-mail me directly if you want to@ mrckmn@yahoo.com . By the way this is what MS told me:

Subject: RE:{RTCProd#002-563-911}Windows Update Support Request
To: "David W." <mrckmn@yahoo.com>




Hello David,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Customer Service.

My name is Irene and I understand that you are having issue regarding your Modem driver Updates with Windows XP.

David, the Product Identification Number (PID) you have given to me indicates that your copy of Windows XP was pre-installed by your Computer Manufacturer. Computer or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) modify and pre-install Microsoft software on their computers to ensure compatibility.

Your OEM is your primary support provider because they know how your Microsoft software works on your computer given the modifications they have made. To locate the contact information for your computer manufacturer, please go to
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;oemphone

Microsoft also offers several no-charge online support services including the Knowledge Base, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and Online Newsgroups all available at:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx

You may also use Pay-Per-Incident Support to work with our Support Professionals by visiting
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx
and clicking Contact Microsoft Online.

If you would prefer to work with one of our Support Professionals over the phone, fee-based support is available by calling (800) 936-5700.

David, I hope that the support options I have provided you should assist you with resolving your issue with modem driver update with Windows XP. If you need further assistance or have additional questions, please reply to this message. Have a great day.


Thank you for using Microsoft product and services,

Irene
Microsoft Online Customer Service

"Build Customer Trust And Value By Providing A Quality Experience The First Time, Every Time. "
Delighting our customers is our top priority.


-----Original Message-----


******* System Configuration *******

Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 6.0
Operating System: Windows XP
Computer Make: E-Machines
CPU Speed: 1.8 ghz
Memory (Mb of RAM): 128mb

******* Detailed Information *******

Issue Type: Post installation
Component Name: Conexant Modem
URL:
Error Type: Installation failure
Question Title: Modem driver installation
Detailed Problem Description :
Last night I downloaded a more recent driver file for my conexant 56k soft modem. The modem update file is, Conexant Modem Driver Version 5.03.03.50.The file downloaded to my hard drive seemingly ok, but nothing else happened. I thought the download would install itself. I put the file in C:\Program files\Conexant . When I click on the downloaded file it opens up several sub-directories, and eventually gets to a cab file(#com_microsoft_whql.3924426) when I click open on that cabinet file, it opens ok and displays all of the items in that file, but when I click on any of the items in that cabinet, the only two chices that I get are copy or extract. I thought this file would be a totally automatic installation. I'm just trying to update the driver for my modem. When I did try and extract one of the files(HXKSetup.exe) I was asked where I wanted to extract it to, I selected where the original modem driver is and it notified me that a file by the same name already existed there and if I wanted to replace the older file with this newer one ? Isn't there an eaiser way to get a newer modem driver installed. Did I do something wrong ? I went to my computer manf. site (E-Machines) first trying to find this modem driver, but it isn't offered there. Can you please help me ?Thanks

 

Do you need a new driver?
Do you have a specific problem with the old one?
Does EMachines not offer it for a reason?

 

I've been told by a different isp that i was trying out that I could get better connection speeds on their server with a newer driver. I had downloaded and used a generic driver from conexants website and it did indeed give me improved speed at that isp site. so I thought when I saw a newer driver for my installed modem at the microsoft windows update site I thought I'd try it. so far I haven't been able to get it installed.

 

OK, a few thoughts are in order.
First, a newer driver does not always mean better, and MS is NOT a god.
Second, most ISP's will always tell you that your modem driver is a problem, and you should update. It's their standard response, and they usually know next to nothing about you, your system, your modem, your software, your connection, or your surfing habits. You'll have to get bumped up to at least tier 2 support before you can find anyone that knows anything about modems.
Third, Conexant do not build modems, they make chips. They've sold a few to E-Machines, and they are the ones that made the modem. The driver from MS is probably incompatible, because the modem is proprietary, that is, it will ONLY work in your E-Machine, and is not one that you can easily move to another computer.
Fourth, modem drivers can be seriously fussy. If you don't get the exact one you need, you can end up with a slower modem, or one that disconnects randomly, or one that the sound keeps going, or any number of other faults.
Fifth, and this applies to just about everything in a computer, if it works, don't fix it. If it's not working, THEN there is a series of different things one can do to hopefully improve the situation. This particularily applies to modems, and again, newer is not always better.

If you had a name brand modem, with a Conexant/Rockwell chip on it, then I would think that the MS driver update would work. You don't, it won't.
In many cases an older driver for an older modem will work far better than a newer version, and depending on the OS, could go back as far as 4 years or so.
HSF modems, aka SoftK56V modems, could take any number of different drivers, from different manufacturer's even, and improve performance. If you want to try the best all round driver for an HSF modem, there's one included with Windows, called the Fujitsu LB RWModem V.90 56K.
I also have an excellent HSF driver for XP on my modems site, that works with almost every one, and doesn't keep producing the noise that the generic Conexant driver does.
If you have an HCF chipset modem, then there is an ancient (in computer terms) driver version 2.1.2.135b from about 1998 that works splendidly with almost every mfg/model.

 

Thanks so much for responding..I really think that e-machines sometimes tries to cut their costs by using some cheaper parts, in this case a conexant chip soft modem. Last night I went to the conexant website again and downloaded and installed the windows xp version of the hsf generic driver that they offered their. Actually, I had done that before , but for some STUPID reason I had went back to the modem that came installed on my computer..duh. After using the generic modem driver again I do see improved speed performance. Of course you REALLY can't go by what speed is shown down on the little connection icon in the taskbar, but still it shows an improved rate, and the websites seem to be loading a little faster.

 

WOW !! I am VERY glad to see that you do understand that.

However if you want better yet I would go for an External Modem.

When I first put XP and an older machine it picked up and ran with my ancient USR 56K external with no other requiremant than for me to enter the ISP info.

And an External is not as much OS dependent either.

BillyBob

 

Is there a more reliable mthod that's easy to use to see what actual connection speed you are getting, other than moving your mouse over the icon down in the notification area, as they call it in windows xp.Thanks..