Degrading modem performance under XP Pro?

[Jeff H]

Guys,

I recently built a machine for a friend, from parts I upgraded. FYI system includes: EPoX EP-4PEA+ i845 board, Pentium 4 2.4GHzB, 512MB Crucial PC2700 (system not overclocked), Asus Ti4200 128MB GF4 AGP card, Seagate Barracuda IV 40GB, LiteOn DVD & 52x burner.

I was using the system on a cable connection, so I utilized the Realtek onboard NIC. My friend doesn't have broadband, so after getting his XP install current (via Windows Update) via the NIC I installed a TrendNet v.92 PCI modem. Modem diag'ed out fine, so I got him set up to get to his ISP for connection. He's indicating that the connection starts out fine but then bogs down, often to the point it simply disconnects. We've disabled the onboard NIC, but no difference (I didn't expect there would be, but we did it simply to rule it out).

Other than the TrendNet modem being a "pos," what other things should I look for re this deteriorating performance? FWIW I picked up a USR PCI modem today to swap out w/ the TrendNet, to see if that will make a difference. Any other suggestions?

TIA,

Jeff

 

[nitromullet]

If the USR modem doesn't fix the issue, see if you can try another access number from the ISP. .

 

[EeyoreX]

Possibly the modem is bad. The drivers are bad. The access number is bad. The phone lines in the house are bad.

\Dan

 

[Jeff H]

Just got back from my friend's, and swapped out the TrendNet for the USR, and immediately went from flakey 28.8 to rock steady 44.0. Did a number of connects and each time was steady. The TrendNet is going back to the retailer.