Modem Drivers Advice Tips
Read these 9 Modem Drivers Advice Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Dial Up tips and hundreds of other topics.
Always install the correct drivers for a computer modem and not a generic.
Modem drivers advice: The first issue with internet connectivity arises from the modem and ensuring that the proper modem driver has been installed. The computer modem cannot work at all without the modem driver. However, the modem driver needs to be correct for the modem being used. Many people will try to work around obtaining the proper modem driver by using alternate modem driver downloads or preloaded modem drivers that came with their system. This is not the efficient way to use a modem and get the maximum benefit out of it with regard to internet connectivity. If a generic modem driver is being used the consumer is selling themselves short and they should take the time to find the correct drivers. At best it may only take a few minutes on the internet to find and at worst it may require the drivers to be mailed. However, the modem will work efficiently once the proper modem driver is installed. It's worth the effort!
Finding a modem driver.
Modems typically come with the purchase of a new computer and the modem driver for it has already been loaded for the consumer so that internet connectivity can begin immediately upon the set-up of a dial-up account. Sometimes consumers desire to change their modem for a faster one. This can be done very simply by purchasing a brand new modem from an electronics store or perhaps using an existing modem from another computer. If the computer modem has been purchased directly from an electronics store and is new in the box then it should come with the proper modem driver for easy installation. If not, then the consumer will need to find the modem driver themselves and install it before they will be able to use their Internet again because the modem will not work without the driver.
The best way to find and install a modem driver is by using the Internet. The Internet has many sites that offer free downloads of modem drivers. They may require the consumer to register with them to access the information but the information should be free. If the consumer is paying to download a modem driver they should continue to shop around because there are plenty of free download sites available. Prior to removing the old driver, the consumer should conduct an online search for the modem driver for their new modem. Once the driver has been downloaded it will be safe to uninstall the old computer modem and install the new one.
Set-up HyperTerminal to control the computer modem.
One way to identify the type of modem driver installed on an IBM compatible computer for a particular modem is by using HyperTerminal. This is standard software that comes with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, and XP. To set-up HyperTerminal so that it will begin communicating with the computer modem, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, Communications, and then HyperTerminal. Once the software has been opened it will take you to a window that requires the consumer to provide a name for the connection and to select an icon for it. After this has been done, a new window will pop-up that displays the icon, name, and a drop down list titled "connect using" of which the port the modem is connected to needs to be selected, not the modem itself. When the port has been selected the window will provide a new list of choices to select from that includes: bits per second, data bits, parity, stop bits, and flow control. If the modem is a 56K modem then the bits per second selection needs to be set at 57600 or 115200. Leave the remaining selections untampered and select OK. A new window opens that will allow the consumer to manipulate their modem at will. If the consumer types in AT, they should receive an OK back from the modem which signals it is ready. Upon closing HyperTerminal be sure to save the settings so that they will be saved to the HyperTerminal folder. It will be listed under the name and icon the consumer chose. This icon can be sent to the desktop for easy access later. To send the icon to the desktop follow the access instructions above and once the HyperTerminal is reached it will provide a menu that contains the new file. Right click on the file, select the send to desktop option, and the icon will load to the desktop. Now that HyperTerminal has been set-up the consumer can manipulate their modem by placing a call, disconnecting a call, wait for a call, transfer data, and much more. Of course, this method of obtaining computer modem information and utilizing a modem may not be practical for everyone but it is an option available.
Installing a modem after downloading the modem driver.
Installing a modem driver is very simple. Once the consumer has performed the appropriate modem driver download the computer should be shut down prior to removing the old modem. The computer modem can be uninstalled by opening up the CPU case, removing a few screws, and taking out the old modem. The modem is usually held in by a couple of screws that come out very easily and so does the modem itself. Then the new modem should be placed in the same position as the old modem and screwed in. After the hardware has been installed, the casing can be put back on the CPU and turned on. Once this step is complete the computer should pick up the new hardware and take the consumer through the installation process. If not, the consumer needs to go to their control panel and add new hardware to perform installation. The process is simple, easy, and in just a few moments the new modem should be up and running ready for internet connectivity.
Know the manufacturer and model of your modem.
Many times if the consumer does not want to conduct an online search for a modem driver or might not be able to do so, the manufacturer of the modem can be contacted directly for the modem driver. The consumer will need to know who the manufacturer of the modem is and the model of the modem. If the consumer is not aware of the manufacturer he will need to open up the CPU and look at the modem to determine it. Once these two vital pieces of information are identified the consumer can contact the manufacturer directly and request the modem driver. While most manufacturers will usually send the drivers for free others may require the consumer to pay the shipping fee.
Keep a back-up copy of all computer drivers.
More modem drivers advice: Always back-up drivers on your PC. This includes modem drivers, printer drivers, scanners, etcetera because in the event of a computer crash or system upgrade these drivers will be on hand for when the computer is up and running again. They will need to be reinstalled and although the Internet is a fine search tool for finding numerous drivers, it is frustrating enough to lose all of the data on the PC, reload all of the software, and then be forced to search and download all of the drivers necessary for the printers, scanners, modems, etc. attached to the machine. If the drivers are backed up then they are at a fingertips reach for use and will reduce time and irritation later.
Software is available to help identify a computer's modem without a hassle.
Another way to identify the modem model in a computer is to go to the manufacturers website if known and download the appropriate software to detect it. The program will identify the modem on the computer and is free of charge. This will help the consumer to find the appropriate modem driver either from the manufacturers website directly or by searching the Internet. Not all manufacturers provide this type of software but it can be very helpful if they do. If the manufacturer does not provide this type of program there are many services on the Internet that will provide a free scan of the computer to identify all drivers needed and provide them as well. Be sure to read the fine print when using these "free" services because some of them may scan your system to identify drivers and then require a fee to allow the drivers to be downloaded. It is up to the consumer whether the price offsets the headache of searching for the driver themselves.
Using an online modem driver service provider and their benefits.
There are many sources on the Internet that provide modem drivers in addition to other drivers. These sources are services that a consumer can subscribe to for free or for a small fee. They not only provide the consumer with modem driver downloads but provide driver update downloads, assistance with transferring hardware to another computer, conduct searches so the consumer does not need to, update security software, links to service packs for MS Windows, and much more. There are many different companies that provide such a service and some will assist in back-up and storage of drivers for future access if required. The service is for beginners to advanced computer users and many have user guides for different types of software and buying guides. This type of service is very hand and usually has an annual membership of less than $40.00.
Update modem drivers as necessary for optimum performance.
A computer modem driver needs to be updated as time goes by. The manufacturing company will usually provide the proper modem driver updates on their website for the appropriate modem. The manufacturer websites can be checked periodically to see if any driver updates are listed. The modem driver download should take place immediately to ensure proper internet connectivity at all times. If the consumer subscribes to a driver service online then he should be notified by the service as soon as a driver update is available for their specific modem because their equipment will be registered with the site.
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| Kristle Jones |
