CountryBoyz,

 

What Internet Service Provider are you using?  Is it AOL, PeoplePC, NetZero, or a local ISP?   Norton AVP can be problematic with some configurations.  Another thing that can cause the "Page not available" are those so-called Web Accelerators.  I usually chunk those and opt for a reliable connection over speed of surfing.  Certain modems don't like web accelerator software.  Some, most notably those from Acer (AOpen, ALi), don't need or like web accelerator software.

 

Tony

Tony,

 

That was Very thorough of you; thank you.

 

No I am aware of the 10 min. shut off and this can happen more frequently than that and I am not using Trumpet Winsock download from them but rather the automatic setup that comes with my new Dell machine.

 

And yes, and it is a good point, I did check the setup of my other computer with this new one and they have been identical for some time.

 

Any idea how I find out if my driver is up to date on my modem?

 

Thanks again; you are one very comprehensive professional.

 

Country Boy

 

 

CountryBoyz,

 

Checked with Computer.net.  Their server will disconnect if a session is inactive for 10 minutes.  For example, you go online, download your e-mail and start reading e-mails, then the Computer.net server will disconnect you after 10 minutes.  From what you said earlier, I'm not sure this is the cause of your problem.  Are you using the Trumpet Winsock download that Computer.net offers?  Basically this allows you to simply click and connect without entering your user name or password.

 

Have you checked all of the settings on your Computer.net dialup and compared them with what you have on your other computer?  Did you by chance use one of those little connection management programs on the other computer? 

 

This link gives some pretty good tips about troubleshooting a dialup connection that keeps dropping:

http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/2002/s1305/31s05/31s05.asp&articleid=12216&guid=

 

Hope this info helps.

 

Tony

 

 

CountryBoyz,

 

OK.  Drivers for the E521 are here:  http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&ServiceTag=&SystemID=DIM_P4_E521&os=WW1&osl=en&catid=&impid=

 

The communication (modem) drivers all show a release date of 9/14/2006 for the Conexant D850 and 56K modems.  Since you've replaced your modem, is it the same as what was originally shipped with your system? 

 

Also note under the application drivers the new Dell Support Center and Dell Support 3.4 applications.  Dell Support 3.4 is supposed to analyze your system drivers and determine if any updates are needed.  Be advised that some have reported problems with the Dell Support 3.4 application working correctly.  Those two files are about 18Mb.  Will take some time to download on a dialup.

 

Check your modem's disconnection settings:

 

Click Start|Control Panel|Phone and Modem Options.

Click on Modems tab.  Select your modem from the list.

Click the Properties button (Note: If your old modem is still shown then delete it.)

Click on the Advanced tab.

Click Change Default Preferences button.

Check the Disconnect a call if idle for more than.. setting.  Increase it or deselect it.

 

A general rule of thumb is to disconnect all other phone devices on the same line; i.e. fax, extension phone, answering machine, etc. when troubleshooting dialup connections.  The reason for this is that modems use specific frequencies (tones) and occasionally these devices can cause attenuation of those frequencies to the point that the diddle-dit-dits become daddle-dah-dahs.  Had an Equifax terminal once that wouldn't stay connected.  A line-powered phone connected to the extension phone jack on the terminal turned out to be the culprit. 

 

I've got a few more ideas, so don't give up just yet.

 

Hope this info helps get to the root of your problem.

 

Tony

 

Tony, you are definitely not just Gold; what about Platinum?

 

I am following you for the most part but want to ask you a question. I went in and chkd the driver for my modem and it says it is dated 10.5.05 and is driver version 7.33.0.0.

 

I also checked on the Dell website and found the following:

 

Title      : Communications: Conexant 56K V.9x DFVc Modem,D850 56K V.9X PCI DF Modem ULD Driver
Version    : A03
OEM Name   : Conexant
OEM Ver    : 7.33.00
Computers  : Vostro Desktop: 400
OS         : Windows 2000,Windows XP
Languages  : Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese-S, Chinese-T, Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish
Created    : Friday, August 24, 2007

I downloaded the zip file but am confused with the fact that they are both 7.33 but with different dates.  Should I try to install it?

 

I have to leave now but will be back tonight to continue.

 

I am very grateful for your investing all the time and attention that you have.

 

Thank you.

 

Country Boy

 

 

 

CountryBoyz,

 

I think I would create a Restore Point (Start|All Programs|Accessories|System Tools|System Restore).   Then I would install the update. 

 

The Vostro 400 driver and the driver you downloaded have the same date.  Whatever the reason for the 8/24/07 update, it applies to the Vostro 400 and the E521 and specifically mentions Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating system.   Quite often different models have the same motherboards and/or the same chipset.

 

Tony

Hi Tony,

 

I have two questions:

 

1-System Restore- wipes out my system yes? Then I have to reinstall everything yes?

Could you clarify for me what it does and does not do?

 

2-Why do I want to install a driver that has the same release number as the one I already have?

 

Many thanks.

 

Country Boy

CountryBoyz,

 

1. No. System Restore does not wipe out your system.  It only restores the system to a point you select prior to installing a driver, application or other software.  For example, let's say you install an updated driver.   When you restart your computer, you discover something is amiss with the update.  You simply go to System Restore and back up to a date and time before you installed the driver.  In effect, you remove any changes you made to your system.  PC Restore does not bother any personal data files or files in the My Documents folder.  It only deals with system files.  

 

You would use Add/Remove programs rather than System Restore to remove programs that you have installed.  Some modem installation programs often install related software, so always check Add/Remove programs to be sure all software related to a previously installed modem is uninstalled.

 

See this: 

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

 

What does wipe out your system is the Dell PC Restore by Symantec.  Dell computers manufactured on or after July 16, 2004 have a hidden Restore partition with an image of the "as-shipped" configuration.  The Dell PC Restore by Symantec erases ALL data currently on the drive.

 

See this:  http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?journalid=807B67AE625711DC80D94DDA4FEC1C21&docid=181316

 

2. Although the driver has the same release number there was some reason why it was posted on the driver update board for Windows 2000 and XP machines.  It could be some tiny little programming error or even a typo in an installation INF or help file. 

 

Hope this clarifies things.

 

Tony

 

 

Tony,

 

Many thanks for your explanation; most appreciated.

 

CountryBoyz

CountryBoyz,

 

You're welcome. 

 

Tony