Bob,
Very useful modem troubleshooting info is at:
www.modemsite.com/56k/x2-linklimit.asp#rock
You can do free speed test on your line/modem at:
www.bandwidthplace.com/speedtest/

If I'm not mistaken, your modem is "soft modem" meaning it uses Pentium CPU for virtually all of it's processing and modem card only provides hardware needed to connect phone line. So you might want to check CPU usage from task manager while your on line to see if there's enough CPU power available for the modem. Older modems tended to have their own controller onboard so worked faster/better. That may be why your older ones connect at higher speed on same line.

Any chance you can put old USR modem into new machine? Might tell you if problem is with modem or elsewhere on motherboard. New modems (eg, USR 56K V.92 Performance Pro Modem) with onboard controller are pricey (~$79) compared to soft modems ($15-$30), so that's one way to tell which is which.

I have 8400 with Conexant D850 56K DFVc soft modem which turns out to be made by ActionTec so if you can figure out who made yours -the modem site will help you do that- (Intel is only chipset maker) you might be able to search actual manufacturer's site for drivers, tech info...

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 01-20-2005 10:30 AM

Hi Ron

Thanks for the info.  I will try anything at this point.  Dell just e-mailed me about reinstalling xp.  This problem started from the first day I received it so what is their to restore?

Thanks again

Bob

Bob,
Always a chance the original XP install was bad. If your PC is less than 21 days old, *call* Dell and tell them to give you a new one. My first 8400 had all kinds of strange problems and they took it back after 9 frustrating days. They told me to reinstall XP too. I said replace it or take it away and credit my account. The replacement has been really good.

If I remember correctly, first 8400 had Intel chipset modem and it didn't connect at fast speed either. This Conexant chipset modem usually gets somewhere between 45-49K but my old USR with onboard controller got 50K on same phone line. Too bad it's not a PCI card or I'd move it into this machine.

Good luck!

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 01-20-2005 03:39 PM

Hi Ron

Thanks again, my pc is over 21 days but I'm going to let them know I'm not a happy camper.  This is my second dell and plan to buy a laptop next, Ill see what happens.

Thanks for all your  help

Bob

Have you noticed a difference in download speeds between your Intel Modem and your US Robotics modem?

The 57600 speed reported by your US Robotics modem is likely the port speed used with your modem rather than the connection speed of your modem because a modem cannot connect at 57600.

Mark

Hi Mark

Thanks for the info, I wish dell would tell me that.  I will check by downloading something today to compare the speeds.  I hope that is it so I could start putting my old dell files into my new dell without the worry of doing al that for nothing.  If I have to send the tower back to dell I did not want to load everything into it. I'm getting cable or dsl in the future I just want to make sure this modem works right.

Thanks again

Bob