Installing A Modem to Vista Beta 2, Build 5384, 32 Bit.

[algypalgy]

Does anyone know of a Modem (already have BT Voyager 105 USB, which won't install) that will install to Vista Beta 2, Build 5384, 32 Bit.

Using a Performer Pro Desktop, P4 3.2GHz, 1GB Ram, Sis 661 MOB,
Radeon x1600 Pro Graphics. Win XP SP2 OS, Maxtor 160 GB, duel booting.

Any solutions gratefully received, Algypalgy

[Chewie]

Hmmm

The voyager 105 is a bit dated now Algy. It might be worth upgrading to one that runs via an ethernet connection, because you don't need any drivers, its all hardware on the modem.

Do you have an available ethernet port you can connect into on that?

[algypalgy]

Thanks Chewie, I do have a connection.

How would I go about setting it up, and what equipment would I need?

Also, would I need some sort of clearance from my ISP?

Kind regards, Algypalgy

[Chewie]

Most (not necessarily all) modems that connect direct to the ethernet connection do not require any extra software to be installed (like with a USB modem).

You would need a stand alone Modem/Router that Novatech currently have several in stock of.
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prod ... z1p0s0n0m0 (http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/products/a846x1y0z1p0s0n0m0)

I have the Linksys adsl 2 one shown here. Good price and have no complaints about it.

All it will need is for you to check that the settings (which it will automatically) detect are correct. This is done by inputting an IP adress normally into your web browser and accessing its control centre.

All you would need is the Modem/router iteslf, which should (sometimes they're tight like Printer companies are, and don't include the ethernet just the USB cable) come with all the neccessary cables and discs.

Connect up to your pc and create a new connection using the internet connection wizard.

You won't need any clearence from your ISP they have no control over what hardware you choose to use to access your internet line.

If you get trouble opening web pages once you are connected, its usually down to something in the modems control centre senttings. If you feel you are unable to do it, a quick call to the makers hotline will help diagnose the fault (normally 0800 freephone lines, but routed to places like india unfortunately) and they'll tell you over the phone how to correct it.

[algypalgy]

Thanks again Chewie, all sounds pretty simple, he says with a wry smile!!!. I will go away and study to make sure it all works on the Vista Beta 2.

Just a thought, but I seem to remember reading about the distance from the phone point as to whether it will work - I think it was one of the reasons why I went down the USB Modem road in the first place?? My computer sits in the back bedroom about 30 to 40 feet from the phone connection line, though we do have an extention about 15 feet away, but I don't know if you can run a cable these distances, or from the extention line - perhaps you might know?

Anyway, and just in case others have met the same problem with the Voyager 105 USB Modem, I have finally got an answer from BT, which says there arenot, nor willthere be, any compatible drivers for thier Voyager 105.

Kind regards, Algypalgy

[Chewie]

Algy

The most important thing about what you just put, is this. The distance bewteen the modem and pc, is only strictly true when using USB modems, because the maximum limit for distance, in order to reduce losses, is 1-1.5mrs.
In theory, beyond that you get signal degredation and thus latency (lag/disconnections).

normally, unless your using a Wireless connection, your modem is only going to be about 1mr away from your pc, at most at any point in time.

When you say you have an extension line about 15ft away, is that an actual secondary line terminating in a proper outlet, or is it an actual extension lead with a lil socket on the end?

If it is, such extensions are as a rule are frowned upon because every extra connection in the line will add to the resistance of the lines circuit and cause drops in speed attainable as well as adding stability problems (eg dropping for no reason at all)
Its all to do with the physical connection between the socket and the plug and any movement that occurs.

If you don't have an outlet near by, run a cable and connect it into the nearest main box making sure that the coloured cables match.

The closer you can get it to the point your pc is connected, the better.
For example, my LJU is connected directly to the master incoming JB for the phone line (thats Line Jack Unit, orthe socket where you plug the phone line in, and the Junction Box).
The LJU is right behind my desk, so i could get away with a 0.5mr lead from my filter to my modem, then a 0.5mr cat 5 lead from my modem to my ethernet port. Minimum distance and minimum connections.

However my pc used to be in whats now my youngest daughter's bedroom, and went somethin like this. Main incoming JB to LJU in my bedroom, to LJU in the back room. Then lead to modem and finally USB lead to pc. As a whole, back then it was 56k line so I doubt i'd have noticed if i had a bad connection because speeds were so bad anyway :wink:

let me know some more about your actual lines please algy.

[algypalgy]

Thank Chewie, I really appreciate your help.

Ok, the cables, the cables!!!!

BT line enters the house to a connection box (simple socket to plug a phone in to) via the front door, the phone is on the otherside of the hallway (5 feet). A simple extention line, from a two way junction, runs up to the ceiling, then up the stairs, where a phone is mounted outside the back bedroom. From there another two way junction is used to bring the connection to my Voyager 105 Modem , which sits on the top of my PC Box. I should say that I have never had a problem connecting to the Internet since it was installed 18 months ago.

I like your idea, which, if I have got it right, means I only need to connect an ethernet cable between the PC and the Rooter/Modem???

Hope this helps, and again many thanks, Algypalgy.

[algypalgy]

Chewie, had another thought, surprise!! Went back to check this "Ethernet Connection", which has left me slightly confused! Anyway after tracking things down: what I have is a "Firewire 1394 Connection" and the MOB has a Sis 900 - Based PCI Fast Ethernet Adaptor. As a bit of a newbie I honestly don't know exactly what that means with regard to your advice yesterday, but feel sure you will.

Many thanks, Algypalgy

[Chewie]

ALgy

Ok, Fast ethernet is what were dealing with here, it will have a small socket on the back of the motherboard (assumings its not an actual standalone card in a pci slot) usually situtated below or above a pair of USB sockets, and on your manual may be identified as an RJ45 socket.
The fast ethernet adaptor is what allows the motherboard to be connected either directly to a modem, or directly to a Local Area Network (LAN). In your case it will be to a modem.

The IE1394 firewire connection is not used for modems but is generally used for the transmission of data from say a digital video camcorder or some other device that is best used with a transmission rate above that of USB2.

Ok, all you will need mate, is a cable between the Filter at the wall socket, which goes to the modem (same for both USB and Ethernet models) and then a cable between the Modem and the pc (which will be a cat5, Cat 5e, or Cat6 whichever comes with the modem). Thats it, once your into the ethernet socket, following the instructions that will come with the modem is all you have to worry about. Usually :wink: ) These cables will be supplied with your modem of choice.

[algypalgy]

Hi Chewie, thank you, things seem to be looking up. There certainly is a small socket on the motherboard beneath the USB sockets.

I just need to be sure of what I'm doing though. When you talk modem I assume you mean the one quoted earlier (the Linksys: model Lin-ADSL2M, is this correct?). Next the cat cable, do you mean the filter on the wall outside my back bedroom, or the filter on the phone downstairs, or do I need to run it to the BT box where it enters the house?

Looking forward to your reply. I can't wait to get the Vista OS updated and running smothly!!!

Best regards, Alan.

[Chewie]

Algy

Yep, when i mentioned the modem, that is the particular model I was on about, although there are other makes that will do a similar job.

The Cat (short for category, by which all network data cables are known) cable does come with that particular modem, as its the same as mine, so no worries. That cable will come with your modem when you buy it.

You have all the phone lines you need from your descriptions, with all the filter you need (anywhere there is an actual phone pluged in), so no more running of wires.

All you need do is find the modem that you like the looks of (either from its actual looks or from its write up), buy it, install it, and get online. It might be worth looking at the makers websites for any you do decide to go for, and see if they mention support for Windows Vista or not.

I just wish I knew what sort of support there is within Vista at the moment as far as device drivers go, as its not something i've given any great thought about till now. SPose i should do my research on this later.

[algypalgy]

Had a day off yesterday Chewie, only saw your reply after midnight.

I will go and visit the makers site, hopefully put my order in, and set it all up tomorrow. I'll let you know what happens.

Finally, found this site re Vista Hardware Compatibility, which you may find helpfull: http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/W ... ompatib... (http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Beta_2_Hardwae-Compatib...).

Best regards, Algypalgy

[algypalgy]

Just spent another 12 hours or more trying to sort this accursed problem!!

Went to the Linksys site, asked the question - very impressed with the speed of thier reply - but the answers no specific Vista Drivers, though they are working on it!!!

I.ve even installed an old internal modem (Controllerless DF PCI V.92), but I can't even get that to work properly.

So I.m really feeling a bit like I'm backed up against a wall here, especially since my Registration is only 5 days away now?? Just goes to show how quickly we have become reliant on the Internet!!!

Anyway I don't think I've got anything to lose by trying your solution, so I'm going to toddle off and put the order in - god I'll go crazy if they haven't got any.

Best regards, Algypalgy

[algypalgy]

Hello again Chewie ,the good news is I have bought the modem and installed it, yes even Vista recognises it as a DSL/Cable Adaptor, and of coarse I have spent an enjoyable 8 hours trying to get it to work.

I ought to say, also, that Vista will not allow the USB drivers to be installed.

Now, so far I can get lights up for power, ethernet, DSL (all green for go), but the internet light flickers on red most of the time. Apparently I have a Local Network set up, but have been trying desperatly to set up the Internet and Email links. I've read all the paper work, been to the books, including the Idiots Guide, but just can't get that final piece in place.

So I'm begging, CAN YOU HELP???

Best regards, Alan.

[algypalgy]

Wow its aroud 2.00am Chewie, and, at last finally, everything is working fine. Took some time but I have it working in both Vista and
XP Pro.

I'm off to bed, but just wanted to say thanks for your help.

Best regards, Algypalgy{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_lol.gif

[Chewie]

OOOOOO k


Sorry i wasnt around to be of help Algy, but at 8:07 last night, i was somewhere in the Omega 3 system evading Corsair raiders while making a run down to Cambridge from Bremen (Freelancer:Asgard mod) :P

Glad you got the machine up, but what was causing the problem do you know, between the system and the modem. I'm guessing it was either a driver problem for the ethernet adaptor or that you needed to go into the modems control panel to change a few settings?

As for Vista and USB drivers, well, it is a beta program at the moment so driver issue's are to be expected.

[algypalgy]

I should be so lucky!!

Anyway your basically right Chewie, it was the control panel and settings, but also had problems on the way. The system fought me all the way, inch by bloody inch, even to the download of the log on screen, and finally the set up screen itself, which was falsed out with repeated attempts to download. In fact I was on the point of giving up all together, when it conceded defeat.

I've basically spent most of the day looking after, and catching up with XP, and will log in to Vista as soon as I post this reply.

However, I do want to repeat my thanks for your help, which, otherwise, I think I would be still be pulling out my hair: Great.

Best regards, Alan.

[algypalgy]

Hi again Chewie, at least I hope your still looking? Anyway came up against a bit of a problem with the Modem Setup.

Currently, still have the one computer, running two admin accounts, duel booting the C Drive, and have a bootable external USB Drive.

Anyway my Partner logged on today, managed to use Internet, but couldn't use email. I can use both (except, this afternoon, but is working OK now)

I'm pretty sure that I hav'ent setup the network properly, and I thought seing as your useing the same you might be able to advise again?

I have looked at the paper work from Linksys, but having difficulty getting my head round it at the moment, also done a bit of web searching, but can't find that simple walk-through thats always seem to be hidden somewhere.

Many thanks in anticipation, Algypalgy.

PS. Not sure that I should have set a new Topic?

PPS. Just did another cheak Chewie, we can receive Mail, use the internet online, but no one can send email!!! Its this that I need to sort out, and I'm convinced its something to do with the setup.