Slow connection dial-up speed

That is a very distinct possibility.  You are using different hardware (modem).  AOL does a lot of strange things and must be setup correctly.  Make sure the correct modem is setup in AOL. 

Also, change the telco interconnect cable and see if that makes any difference.  And are you plugging into the exact same telco jack or just another one in the residence as that can also make a difference. 

Yes, I am using the same telco cable and jack.  Both computers are sitting on the same desk, side by side, just to make switching cables easier.

The 2400's modem will work in the other PC.  Install the modem from the 2400 in the other PC (and install the drivers) and see if works better.  And you could install the other PC's modem in the 2400 and drivers and see what that does. 

choochoojohn,

We have a Dimension 4700 and have the same exact problem you have.  Our modem most frequently connects at 31.2 now, after we had the phone company (a co-op) come check the lines from the junction box at the road to the house.  They did find some corroded wires and a large wasp nest and at the time we were only able to get on at 2600 to 2800. 

The problem was my wife, using her laptop could connect to the internet, without fail, at 4400 or 4500.  Also, my father-in-law next door consistently connects at 4400 or 4500 and my neighbors across the road get the same results.  The phone/internet technician that fixed our immediate problem could also get on at 4400 or 4500 on his laptop, using the same telco cable, same phone jack, etc...  He verified that the line was capable of handling the 4400 or 4500 speed, but for some reason the Dell Dimension Desktop would not connect at that speed.  He suggested it was a modem setting issue, but I have yet to find someone that can tell me any changes I could make to affect the speed.  There's just something about the modems Dell uses that doesn't allow them to work as well as others.

Stacy

Further on my problem.  I changed the modem- bought a new Robotics.  Still no change in speed.  Reinstalled the CD with microsoft Windows XP. Still no change.Could the problem be in my operating system?  I even went to Norton and went through all the checks thay give you.  NNo change.  Is there any way to get a good tech at Dell to listen, pay attention and maybe solve the problem or am I on my own??