Can you be more specific? What errors are you getting when you try to connect via other ISP's?

An "out of date" modem is something I have not heard of. Could it be the modem drivers? I have two Dimensions, both with BCM modems, and both work fine. One is about 6 months old, and one is about 18 months old. I am using driver version 3.5.25.0 on both, though an updated driver is available from Windows Update.

Try adding the init string "AT+MS=V90" (without quotes).

Control Panel
-> Phone and Modem Options
-> Modems tab
-> Properties
-> Advanced tab

Basically, when dialing the phone numbers provided, you can hear all the noises from the modem, but it never connects. I get a message that says the receiving computer did not respond. The isp's I have tried are Netscape, Peoplepc and Netzero. And dozens of phone numbers. Earthlink seems to work fine, though.
The tech people are all stumped and all finally said my modem must have a problem. The driver is 3.5.25.0

Thanks for the advice, but- still doesn't work.

I am afraid to uninstall Earthlink because if we still have the problem we will be sunk. I guess I will contact Dell and have them explain this goofy system.

I am baffled, too. If you find a solution, post it. I just can't believe it's a modem hardware problem if Earthlink works fine.

The one thing I can think of is... did you uninstall Earthlink before loading the others? I know you *should* be able to leave it on to try another ISP, but I'm wondering if that is causing some conflict....

getforth,

Thanks for using the Dell Community Forum.

I would have to say that this has something to do with EarthLink.  Is there a reason you could not remove the EarthLink software and then reinstall it for testing purposes.

Also, can you provide the error messages you receive exactly as they appear.

Just for info, I have run into this problem on three BCM Modems in the last three weeks.  Dell has been notified on two of them and were not able to come up with a solution.  The modems in question, when they do connect, only connect at half speed and then they are so slow that it takes 15 minutes to load a page.  On one of the computers I took out the BCM Modem and replaced it with a US Robotics internal.  It picked it up right away and connected at 49.3 and works fine.  I will try this with the other two and see what happens.  If anyone has any other suggestions, it would be appreciated...