Microsoft Knowledge Base

• The Microsoft Network, versions 1.3, 2.0, 2.5

SYMPTOMS

When you connect to MSN, The Microsoft Network, using a 28.8 modem, the modem may connect at 26.4 or 24.0 kilobits per second (Kbps) instead of 28.8 Kbps.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if your modem establishes a 28.8 Kbps connection using one standard, but not another. In this case, the modem may have to connect at a lower speed in order to negotiate using both standards. For example, if your modem supports both the V.34 and V.42 standards, it may be able to establish a V.34 connection at 28.8 Kbps, but be unable to negotiate a V.42 connection at 28.8 Kbps. When this occurs, the modem attempts to establish a connection at a lower speed in order to negotiate using both the V.34 and V.42 standards. The speed at which the modem connects varies depending on your local phone company and phone line conditions.

RESOLUTION

To work around this behavior, configure your modem for optimum performance in Windows 95. To do so, use the following steps.

NOTE: Using these steps does not guarantee that a 28.8 modem will always transfer data at a rate of 28.8 Kbps or higher. These are simply steps you can use to configure your modem for optimum performance in Windows 95.

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click Modems.

3. On the General tab, click the modem you are using to connect to MSN, and then click Properties.

4. In the Maximum Speed box, click 57600.

   NOTE: Do not set the maximum connection speed higher than 57600 Kbps if you are using a 28.8 Kbps modem.

5. Click the Only Connect At This Speed check box to clear it.

6. On the Connection tab, click Advanced.

7. Click the Use Flow Control check box to select it, and then click Hardware (RTS/CTS).

8. Click the Use Error Control check box to select it.

9. Click OK, click OK again, and then click Close.

MORE INFORMATION

You can use the Modemlog.txt file located in the Windows folder to troubleshoot modem connection problems. To enable the Modemlog.txt file, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click Modems.

3. On the Connection tab, click Advanced.

4. Click the Record A Log File check box to select it.

5. Click OK, click OK again, and then click Close.

   ARTICLE-ID: Q142730
   TITLE     : How to Create and Use the Modemlog.txt File