tesco.net modem software and Win98(1st Ed)

My first foray into the broadband world:

1. Win98(1st Ed) PC hangs when booted with the ADSL modem plugged into the
USB port - but carries on ok when modem unplugged - this is a b. nuisance
(apart from wearing out the USB connectors)! When Windows has started, plug
the modem back in and all is ok until the next time.

2. The Dr.SpeedTouch software causes the PC to hang on closedown, so I
uninstalled that software.

Any known software upgrades to fix these? (apart from upgrading to a more
modern OS)

Does tesco have a support newsgroup?



Chris Cheney

> My first foray into the broadband world:
> 1. Win98(1st Ed) PC hangs when booted with the ADSL modem plugged into the
> USB port - but carries on ok when modem unplugged - this is a b. nuisance
> (apart from wearing out the USB connectors)! When Windows has started, plug
> the modem back in and all is ok until the next time.
> 2. The Dr.SpeedTouch software causes the PC to hang on closedown, so I
> uninstalled that software.

You might have hit the nail on the head here...

Speedtouch modems are known to draw a lot of power from the USB ports -
over and above the actual specification for which they were designed.

While many motherboards will still work and power these devices, others
are not as stable and may show similar problems to what you`re seeing -
these were more common with VIA chipsets, although i`ve personally had a
problem with a SiS chipset as well.

A powered USB hub seems to work for some people, but a router/modem combo
is generally the best way around it (and will remove the need to use a
"dialler" app for the connection) although it will mean you`d need a bog-
standard network card installing (they`re not usually more than £6-£8
unless you shop at all the wrong places :-p )

--
Please add "[newsgroup]" in the subject of any personal replies via email
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On Wed, 20 Oct 2004 20:59:19 GMT, Chris Cheney
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>My first foray into the broadband world:
>
>1. Win98(1st Ed) PC hangs when booted with the ADSL modem plugged into the
>USB port

Win98 first edition doesn't support USB properly. Some mobos also have
a problem with USB support - uses too much power or something,
especially at startup.

>2. The Dr.SpeedTouch software causes the PC to hang on closedown, so I
>uninstalled that software.

Good, presumably you don't need it!

>Any known software upgrades to fix these?

Upgrade to XP Home.

>(apart from upgrading to a more modern OS)

Ah. Oh well !

--

> My first foray into the broadband world:
>
> 1. Win98(1st Ed) PC hangs when booted with the ADSL modem plugged into the
> USB port - but carries on ok when modem unplugged - this is a b. nuisance
> (apart from wearing out the USB connectors)! When Windows has started,
plug
> the modem back in and all is ok until the next time.
>
> 2. The Dr.SpeedTouch software causes the PC to hang on closedown, so I
> uninstalled that software.
>
> Any known software upgrades to fix these? (apart from upgrading to a more
> modern OS)
>
> Does tesco have a support newsgroup?


What chipset is on your Mobo.

Alcatel USB modems tend to pull excessive current from the USB port and can
cause some VIA & SIS based machines to hang.

One solution is to use a POWERED USB Hub (not a cheap passive one)

A better solution would be to dispose of the modem and purchase a PCI ADSL
modem instead.

And an even better solution would be to get a router, especially if you have
more than one PC.



Graham.



%Profound_observation%

"Mark McIntyre" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> On Wed, 20 Oct 2004 20:59:19 GMT, Chris Cheney
> <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
> >My first foray into the broadband world:
> >
> >1. Win98(1st Ed) PC hangs when booted with the ADSL modem plugged into
the
> >USB port
>
> Win98 first edition doesn't support USB properly.

Seconded. Get yourself a copy of 98se if you want to use USB.

Tim

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
Chris Cheney <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> My first foray into the broadband world:
>
> 1. Win98(1st Ed) PC hangs when booted with the ADSL modem plugged
> into the USB port - but carries on ok when modem unplugged - this is
> a b. nuisance (apart from wearing out the USB connectors)! When
> Windows has started, plug the modem back in and all is ok until the
> next time.
>
> 2. The Dr.SpeedTouch software causes the PC to hang on closedown, so I
> uninstalled that software.
>
> Any known software upgrades to fix these? (apart from upgrading to a
> more modern OS)
>
> Does tesco have a support newsgroup?

Get rid of your 'orrible USB modem and buy an ADSL Modem/Router. This will
work perfectly well with a W98 PC - as long as you've got an ethernet card
in it, and its provides greater protection - and expandability.
--
Cheers,
Tim
______
Please reply to newsgroup. Reply address is invalid.

Many thanks for the helpful responses.

The mobo is a Gigabyte GA-6BXE Rev.1.9 (whose AGP power problems I already
knew about) which has a 440BX chipset.

My decision to get an ADSL router (for other reasons) has been reinforced
by what has been said here.

A (apparently) Tesco guy has written in another forum not to dispose of the
SpeedTouch as it is the only means of connection that is supported by
Tesco, though they know that, for example, ADSL routers will function on
their service perfectly well.

Chris

In article <Xns9589BA88CBED7ChrisCheneytesconet@194.168.222.1 24>,
Chris Cheney <(E-Mail Removed)> writes:
.....
> My decision to get an ADSL router (for other reasons) has been reinforced
> by what has been said here.
>
> A (apparently) Tesco guy has written in another forum not to dispose of the
> SpeedTouch as it is the only means of connection that is supported by
> Tesco, though they know that, for example, ADSL routers will function on
> their service perfectly well.

A very useful principle at the bargain basement end of the market is to
always do what the supplier doesn't support. That way one is never tempted
to waste large amounts of time attempting to phone the help desk.

--
Tim Clark