Modem Issues

There is also a way to check a modems operation in windows control panel. Simply go to the control panel and double click on the modem icon to open it. There are 2 tabs here, Click the diagnostics tabs, then highlight the com port the modem is on,
then click the button that reads "more info". Windows will then communicate with the modem to check for any trouble. By the way, 98% of all people should only have one modem listed here, if there is more than one, this can cause modem problems as well.

I have recently purchased a new modem and now when I go to dial into WonderWave.net, I get an error saying there is no response from the modem. Why is this?

How do initialization strings work and how do I change my initialization string to work better with WonderWave.net?

How does the port speed or maximum speed of my modem affect my ability to use WonderWave.net?

56K (56 Kbps) and V.90 Modems FAQ


I have recently purchased a new modem and now when I go to dial into WonderWave.net, I get an error saying there is no response from the modem. Why is this?      top
When you install a new modem in any operating system, you may encounter this type of situation. When you install a new modem in your computer, there are normally two ways it gets installed. The modem vendor may provide installation diskettes with the modem that must be installed or the modem may be a PnP or Plug and Play modem. The PnP modems are, in theory, to be recognized by the operating system and configured automatically. The feature of Plug and Play is mainly on Windows 95/98 operating systems. If you find that Windows 95/98 has detected and installed the modem in your Control Panel, the next step is to make sure that your Dial-Up Networking connection also knows that you have a new modem. To do this, you must get into the properties of your Dial-Up Networking connection. Follow these steps:

• Double-click on the My Computer icon on your desktop. You should now see a folder called, Dial-Up Networking. If you do not, it is possible that the Dial-Up Networking folder may be in another location. If this is the case, click on the Start button, select Programs, and then Accessories. You should now see the Dial-Up Networking heading.

• Double-click on the Dial-Up Networking folder. You will now see the icon for the connection you use for WonderWave.net.

• Right-click on the icon for WonderWave.net and select Properties from the menu that appears.

• Once in Properties, you will see a field that shows Connect Using. Make sure that it is listing the new modem that you have just installed. If it does not, click on the down arrow in the window and select the new modem you have just installed. If your new modem does not appear as a choice, you can try reinstalling the modem again.

• Click OK and close the Dial-Up Networking and My Computer windows.

If you find that after changing the modem it still does not work or if you reinstall the modem and it still cannot be recognized by Dial-Up Networking, contact the modem vendor for help.

On a Mac; Check your modem control panel. Go under the Apple, to Control Panels, to Modem. Check and change your settings if needed, to reflect the type of modem you are using.

How do initialization strings work and how do I change my initialization string to work better with WonderWave.net?      top
Initialization strings are the operating instructions for your modem. In theory, all modems are supposed to be able to communicate with all other modems. The fact remains that since there are literally thousands of different modem vendors on the market, each with its own unique software and hardware configurations, it does not quite work that way. If you find that you are having problems communicating with our modems on our access sites and have ruled out issues such as, incorrect settings, access site problems, hardware issues with the modem (broken), or basic issues such as the phone line being connected into the wrong port in the back of the modem, it is possible that the initialization strings are not working properly. We recommend that you contact the modem vendor who will have specific initialization strings for your particular model of modem.

WonderWave.net will not know the specific initialization string that will make your modem communicate properly, but we do have some generic initialization strings that work a majority of the time:

• AT&F1 - this is usually successful with 14.4 Kbps modems.
• AT&F - this is usually successful with 28.8 Kbps or 33.6 Kbps modems.
• ATZ - this is usually successful with 28.8 Kbps, 33.6 Kbps, or 56 Kbps modems.

You may try each one of these strings with your modem and see which one works best with your specific modem. Be sure if you try these strings that you enter in each string separately, try it, and then erase that string if it does not work and enter another. The strings are case-sensitive. There is no way to predict which string, if any, will work with your specific modem, so if you find that none of the strings listed here work, we recommend you contact the modem vendor, or try this link, for help with your particular modem.

How does the port speed or maximum speed of my modem affect my ability to use WonderWave.net?      top
The port speed is the setting that determines what port speed you would initially connect at when you dial into WonderWave.net. Port speeds can range from 19200 to 115200. Realize that while your connection is maintained, your actual throughput or transmission speed will vary based on load on the site (how many people are using the site at a given time), where it is you are trying to contact, and the quality of phone lines in your area. WonderWave.net recommends the following port speeds based on the speed of your modem:

• If using a 14.4 Kbps modem, set the port speed to 19200.
• If using a 28.8 Kbps modem, set the port speed to 38400.
• If using a 33.6 Kbps or 56 Kbps modem, set the port speed to 57600.