Hi there, im having a problem connecting a computer via dialup.

I have recently installed windows xp and all is working fine.

I bought a modem and this has installed fine, as apposed to the previous one which would not install.

I am aware that finding a dialup isp is now almost impossible but this computer is my father in-laws and they are unable to get broadband where they live.

I am using an isp called nippy, i have entered the phone number, username and password. When i try to connect, the modem dials but that is as far as it goes untill i get an error message.

Havent got the exact error message but the code is 678 unable to access remote computer.

I have read about problems with sp2, but this hasnt got it installed.

I have installed all possible drivers except the network card drivers, which i cannot find compatible drivers, which as the nic isnt needed/used i thought that this would be fine?

Would the lack of nic be a contributor to the problem?

When i try to dial the nippy number on my land line telephone i get the high pitch squeeling. I am sorting this from my home address, which has broadband activated on the telephone line.

Thankyou in advance.

Gary

The first thing to always try is to update windows to the latest version. (SP3)
I know it feels like it doesen't do a ****. But it have actually solved some problems for me before

That was the idea initially, but as i say i cant locate the nic drivers to access my broadband.

The computer was originally a vista system and my elderly father-in-law coulnt get on with so all drivers available are for vista or windows 7. Has been a mommoth task trying to get xp compatible drivers!

Thanks for your comment!

Computer is a packard bell imedia s3210 if this helps anyone.

Also if anyone knows of any nic drivers that would be appreciated too!

Many thanks gary

Here is a link to the SP3 which you can burn to a CD/DVD (or move with a USB stick or something) and later install on the machine.
Download details: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers

Did a quick search for the nic drivers but couldn't find any

Thanks i`m downloading sp3 now!

sooty -
I've been dialin' since 1980, so there is still some life left in it!
Most of us like to help keep the hi-speed virus, spam, and trojan pushers out (too slow)!
I assume you have used the 'create a new connection' wizard to setup your access after installing your modem.
And that you provided the proper 'login name and password' to the window.
This is crucial to the 'sign in' handshake with the modems, and allow access to their network.
There are lots of good and cheap dialups, mine is all2easy.net -4.99/mo ! -
I get a 52k connection consistantly, and usually no lower than 44k when it's loaded up.
(Hmmm $60/yr vs $60/mo.) How bad do you need hi-speed? YouTube I guess.
Under 'Network Connections' you should see your 'connection name', modem and number listed -
Selecting the name and right click, you can get 'Properties' to check status of the modem, and additional dialing numbers you can add.
'Rules' aren't necessary unless the ISP # is outside your area code... (Why!?) Use A Local number! If they don't, change ISP!
Always verify the modem status from 'My Computer' - Right clk for properties, and 'Device Manager' and look at the modem itself by Rt Clk 'Query'
- this can be useful to check that it is working.
Sometimes they can 'lockup' and need to be 'uninstalled' and just 'Scan for hardware changes' to re-install.
At times a 'uninstall and reboot' is needed as a fix. WinXP will autodetect and reload it.
Always make sure your browser is 'online' or set it to autodial.
Note: Picking up a remote phone can kill a connection in progress.
Don't expect large file downloads in a hurry, 3meg can take 20 minutes. Forget big picture or video files.
Happy Muxing!

Thanks for your reply 'shtlcdr'.

As ive said this is for my father-in-law and he just wants it to browse, not gaming or any serious internet usage, so speed would be fine with dialup.

In regards to connections problem the modem is dialing out but doesn`t get as far as user name and password verification. And i get the error 678.

Am going to install sp3 and will check modem status etc.

Thanks again Gary

Ok xp sp3 has made no difference.

Ive uninstalled and re-installed the modem, still no difference.

Have queried the modem and i cant see anything that looks out of place.

Only thing i can think of is my phone line?

So gonna take pc back and see if it will connect on his line, as i know that he connects via dialup on his old machine currently.

Thanks for advice and any more will be appreciated. Gary

I wish I would've gotten into this discussion earlier damn lol well imo it appears your phone line isn't working. If you are 100% sure you installed everything that needs to be installed then that could possibly mean that you have a bad line. try swapping out the cable for a known good one and that should possibly fix your problem. Please post your findings