My friends desktop has XP2 running over '98. The modem failed to connec, so installed a new Agere 56K soft PCI. Loaded with own driver as per instructions. Task bar shows activity sent moving up BUT received is static at 217, 714, depends each time connected. I.S.P. did a ping test and was negative... their end shows disconnection is usually after 6 to 13 seconds. Modems from other computers act same way. I thought it could be an XP problem... owners aren't able to spend money yet. Sewing programs need XP and their son loaded it over '98 after boosting RAM from 128 to 256. Processor is still 800MHZ and board must be 4 to 5years old. Biggest problem they have is they have misplaced some of the sewing programs and when I burnt backups today and tested on my computer there is no 'Instal' for the program. I suggested new system... is it possible to load program using the exe. files etc. only.

Just to try to clarify:

XP was installed as an upgrade on a 98 system?

This was an XP SP2 upgrade disk?

On a bare XP install without a Service Pack this adjustment is occassionally neccessary to access the internet (it is resolved in SP1 & or 2):

Locate the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\RasMan\PPP\EAP

Delete the following registry keys under the EAP subkey:
25
26

Quit Registry Editor, and then restart your computer.

An installed program should run from its' .exe

Hope this addresses some of your issues.

If not: if you could list different issues in an order of relevance it might expidite some solutions.

XPservice pack2 was installed from an XP Proffessional disc, straight over Windows 98. All they did was increase the RAM (extra stick of 128MB). The modem works fine in my computer and none of my modems (from 3 other computers) will work in their machine; that is they all do the same / show connected but no activity as far as the ISP is detecting. The 'PING' test is the same for all modems on their computer. I have even brought their computer to my place and used both my telephone lines in case it is their lines. No difference.

P.S. It is a dial up connection.

Thanks 4 your help... will keep monitoring and trying what you suggest.

I presume the suggestion :
Locate the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\RasMan\PPP\EAP

Delete the following registry keys under the EAP subkey:
25
26

Quit Registry Editor, and then restart your computer.

is to be done only IF it was an install of XP on a computer with NO operating system in place (eg: '98 had been removed / formatted). Will not perform task until I check your next reply.
Thanks again
whypaint.

The registry edit is for any installaton of XP that results in connection failures as per:

You cannot create a network connection after you restore Windows XP

Following the backup instructions I would suggest it worth a try.

Thanks again for your help... unfortunately after following the instructions to the letter and restarting the symptons are still the same. I connect... the desktop shows continuous 'SENT' activity and the 'RECEIVED' activity is stationaryu at 214 Bytes. I let it run for 35 seconds and the received never moved.

I will keep trying.

Thanks again.

Are you running any firewall beside the SP2 wall?

If so try connecting without it. If not try turning off the SP2 wall just to see if it is an issue. I do not recommend being online without a Firewall, merely for troubleshooting this issue.

Turning off firewalls and Norton AntiVirus were among the first things I tried Thanks.