How to begin the Troubleshooting
- Windows 2000 and Windows XP users (in Classic View mode) can go to the Control Panel and select Internet Options
- Windows XP (in category view mode) uses a wizard to create dial up connections.
- The wizard can be found in
- Control Panel
- Network and Internet Connections
- Click on Set up or change your Internet Connection to open the Internet Properties page.
- For all users (Windows 2000 and XP) - Within the Internet Properties, select the Connection tab and then click Settings
- This brings up the initial dial up details - check the username and password
- Click Properties
The General tab allows you to check your modem/ ISDN set up and to add an alternate number.
Click on Alternates, then Click on Add and enter the second number (shown below)
Additional options tabs
The OPTIONS tab can be used to refine the dial parameters - Redial attempts, Intervals, Idle time (waiting for dial time), etc.
SECURITY - settings are normally set to typical, and should not be altered.
NETWORKING - The Internet Protocol should be preset to AUTO on both "IP addressing" and the "DNS server addressing". Within the advanced button, IP header compression and the default gateway options should be enabled.
Advanced (Windows XP only) - The option for the Windows XP Personal Firewall is here. It should not affect the connection.
Step 2: Checking modem functionality and dialing properties.
The modem applet is found in
- My Computer
- Control Panel
- Phone and Modems Options
- Modems
Click on the "Diagnostics" tab brings up the initital checker to ensure that Windows can see the modem and "talk" to it.
Select the "Query Modem" option A successful test will produce a results sheet like the one below:
Any indication of failure at this point suggests Windows will not able to see the modem, either due to:
A: Hardware failure
B: Another program is blocking the data channel (say fax, or another modem reliant application)
C: Driver duplication - Windows sees more than one device and has picked the wrong one.
Usually, the modem device needs reinstalling to sort this problem out. Please consult the vendor on how to do this.
Other options to check
Modem properties button - the modem tab
This enables you to check the modem connection speed. A typical speed limit is shown below.
The Dialing Rules option is also important, as you may find the area codes and dial methods may have corrupted. A typical setup is shown below.
Re-Installing TCP/IP
1. Click Start, Run and type ncpa.cpl. Press Enter.
2. In the Network Connections window that appears, right-click on the dial-up connection name that is being used and select Properties.
3. In the Connection Properties window, click Install, then select Protocol and click Add.
4. Click on Have Disk, browse to or type:-
For Windows XP type: C:windowsinf into the Copy manufacturer's files from: field and then click OK.
For Windows 2000 type: C:WINNTinf into the Copy manufacturer's files from: field and then click OK.
(see note below if you have problems with this)
5. Select Microsoft under Manufacturers and click on Internet Protocol(TCP/IP) under Protocols.
6. Click on OK. When the installation is complete you are taken back to the Connection Properties window. Close that window and restart the computer.
TCP/IP is now reinstalled.
Note: If you've upgraded to Windows XP from a previous version of Windows, or have installed your Windows files into a non-standard location, then it's possible that the file location C:windowsinf in Step 4 of the instructions may need modification to reflect the location of the windows files on your PC. if this is the case, then you may need to browse through your system to find out where the Windows "inf" folder is located.
Tips
Reboot the machine after making changes, as it forces them to "bed in"
If you have a Windows logon panel when you boot, don't click cancel as it knocks out the MS client and may turn off the passwords mechanism.
If the guide above does not resolve the problem, ensure you have the Windows XP CD before calling in.
Warning!!!
Prior to using internet applications, Swift Internet strongly recommends the installation of a suitable anti-virus program and the use of the Windows XP firewall to avoid damage by malicious programs. | 
