In Windows XP Home (SP2) Modem connects only at 33.6

[Guest]

I recently install Windows XP Home Edition (SP2) and I noticed that my Modem
connection speed is only 33.6K. In the same computer I have Win98 in a second
partition (Dual Boot) and the Modem connection speed is at least 44K.
My modem brand is "ActionTec" and is based on CONEXANTs HSF chip and it is
recognised as "SoftV92 Data Fax Modem". I have downloaded and installed the
latest driver from CONEXANT but the problem remains the same. ActionTec
does't provide (at this time) drivers for the specific Modem. I am sure that
it is not a phone line problem because my Laptop also connect at 44K. Is
there a problem with Windows XP SP2?

 

[Chuck]

I recently install Windows XP Home Edition (SP2) and I noticed that my Modem
connection speed is only 33.6K. In the same computer I have Win98 in a second
partition (Dual Boot) and the Modem connection speed is at least 44K.
My modem brand is "ActionTec" and is based on CONEXANTs HSF chip and it is
recognised as "SoftV92 Data Fax Modem". I have downloaded and installed the
latest driver from CONEXANT but the problem remains the same. ActionTec
does't provide (at this time) drivers for the specific Modem. I am sure that
it is not a phone line problem because my Laptop also connect at 44K. Is
there a problem with Windows XP SP2?

John,

This is an example of the disadvantages of running Windows XP and Windows 98 in
dual boot mode. In order to use either Windows 98 and XP, you have to have the
right drivers, produced by the hardware vendor, for both.

Unfortunately, hardware vendors being what they are (money being the bottom
line), they only produce drivers for equipment that would be reasonably expected
to be required by their customers. Not all equipment will be supported by both
versions of Windows. When your modem is not fully supported under Windows XP,
you have to use a generic driver, which lacks features, so you end up with
slower speed.

If you want consistent, higher speed, you need to install a modem which is fully
supported under both Windows 98 and XP. It doesn't sound like this modem has
that possibility.

 

[Guest]

Chuck

Thank you for the immediate response to my problem.
I don't think that the problem is caused by dual boot, because first I
installed Windows XP in a fully formated disk and the problem was the same.
The second partition with win98 was created later, in order to sure that it
wasn't a hardware problem.
Before I wrote to this forum, I searched the Internet to find o solution to
my problem. I discovered that many users have the same problem after they
install the SP2 update. So I borrowed a copy of Windows XP Home without the
SP2 from a friend, in order to check if the modem is going to work OK. After
the installation, I tried the modem and it was connected at 45333bps!!! I
also installed the drivers from CONEXANT and it was connected at the same
speed (45333)!!!
So my question is: what changed between the two versions of Windows XP that
is causing that problem, and if there is something that corrects the problem?
(except the replacement of the modem)

Thanx in advanced

JohnM

 

[Chuck]

Chuck

Thank you for the immediate response to my problem.
I don't think that the problem is caused by dual boot, because first I
installed Windows XP in a fully formated disk and the problem was the same.
The second partition with win98 was created later, in order to sure that it
wasn't a hardware problem.
Before I wrote to this forum, I searched the Internet to find o solution to
my problem. I discovered that many users have the same problem after they
install the SP2 update. So I borrowed a copy of Windows XP Home without the
SP2 from a friend, in order to check if the modem is going to work OK. After
the installation, I tried the modem and it was connected at 45333bps!!! I
also installed the drivers from CONEXANT and it was connected at the same
speed (45333)!!!
So my question is: what changed between the two versions of Windows XP that
is causing that problem, and if there is something that corrects the problem?
(except the replacement of the modem)

John,

The deployment of SP2 caught a few hardware and software vendors by surprise.
Along with closing a few blatant security holes, Microsoft closed a few holes
that were used by various software products (like modem drivers) to make their
products perform better. It sounds like CONEXANT is one of those vendors.

I did not say that dual boot is the cause of your problem. What I said is that
dual boot between operating systems with such widely varying sophistication
(Windows 98 to Windows XP SP2) is going to be a problem in general. Many
products written for Windows 98 won't be rewritten for Windows XP, particularly
XP SP2, with the additional security restrictions.

I would bet that you will have to look for a new modem, specifically certified
for XP SP2, that also supports Windows 98. I would bet any modem (what few you
can find anyway) sold today will support XP SP2. Which ones also support
Windows 98 is for you to find.

 

[Guest]

Chuck
Thanx again for your answer, but I don't agree with you about the
performance "security holes". I don't think that a company like CONEXANT
would not develop new "safe" drivers if there was a security hole. There are
too many modems in the market with chipset from this company, so such a move
could cause "reputation problems" to CONEXANT. There are also some other
technical details that supports my opinion but I prefer not to write them.

Anyway, I found a solution in my problem. I wrote some extra initialization
strings, and now my modem is connected at 44000-46600bps without a problem.

Thanx again for your time

JohnM

 

[Chuck]

Chuck
Thanx again for your answer, but I don't agree with you about the
performance "security holes". I don't think that a company like CONEXANT
would not develop new "safe" drivers if there was a security hole. There are
too many modems in the market with chipset from this company, so such a move
could cause "reputation problems" to CONEXANT. There are also some other
technical details that supports my opinion but I prefer not to write them.

Anyway, I found a solution in my problem. I wrote some extra initialization
strings, and now my modem is connected at 44000-46600bps without a problem.

John,

I'm sorry that you misread my comments. You are not at all the first person to
report here of a mysterious third party driver problem that started with SP2
installation. A lot of legitimate software developers were caught off guard by
SP2.

Anyway, I'm glad that you were able to solve your problem with a modem
initialisation string update. I wish all driver problems were as easy as some
modem problems, like yours. Congrats on finding the solution, and thanks for
letting us know.

 

[Guest]

Does all of the above have any relevance that suddenly on 02 25 06 my XP
faild to recognise any printer or my dial up efforts? My mesages are " either
dial up is not installed or or device(modem) is not installed" whch it surely
has been for years. Please advise if relevant.