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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I connect or why does it take so many tries?

Why do I get disconnected all the time?

Why don't I connect at 56k speeds?

What is error 619 in Windows XP and how do I fix it?

I can connect, but then I can't go anywhere on my web browsers. What's wrong?

How do I get my additional email addresses?

How can I tell how much time I've used?

Is My Modem a v.90 ?

What is the name of our news server and where can I go to get info on news groups?

How do I find Virus Information?

How do I download a file?

My Password Won't Save on My Dialup Connection to SMIG

What is the difference between a Silver and Gold Account

What do all of those Windows Error Messages Mean?

Why can't I connect or why does it take so many tries? Back to Top

1. It could be due to a modem configuration problem. See the next FAQ: Why do I get disconnected all the time?

2. Sometimes all you need to do is re-enter your USERNAME and PASSWORD when you start up your dial-up session to SMIG. Be sure to re-enter the USERNAME even if it looks like it is already properly typed in.

3. Windows95 users, occasionally restarting the computer resolves the problem. This works quite often when you have been connected and then decide to disconnect and then try again without having rebooted. You can also download the latest version of winsock to help resolve this problem: Download a New Version of Winsock

Why do I get disconnected all the time? Back to Top

Modem connections depend on quite a few factors:

1. Compatibility (ability to "talk" or "communicate")between modems(different brands)

there is no one defined standardization for modems.
incorrect modem initialization strings
To change or add a modem string in Win 95/98
- a.(dblclick)My Computer; Dial-up Networking
- b.(right-click)SMIG (or whatever you called your SMIG connection)
- c.(click)Properties, Configure (button)
- d.(click)Connection-(tab), Advanced (button)
- e. (click) on the "required to connect" checkbox under "use error correction" if it is not already checked.
- f. In the EXTRA SETTINGS text box:
  - If you are dialing a 56K line type: &C1&D2&K3
  - If you are dialing a 33.6 line, type: &C1&D2
  - or, put in a modem string suggested by your modem manufacturer

2. May have faulty telephone line

Have the phone company check you phone lines

3. Cordless phones within 100 ft (off their base) * can cause interference

As a test, try disconnecting cordless phone(s) from your phone system - even if you have a separate line.
4. Call waiting & voice mail (your modem hears the beep and disconnects)

Disable call waiting

(click)Start, Settings, Control Panel

(dblclick)Modems

(click)Dial Properties
check (box)To disable call waiting dial(select)*70,
(click)OK, OK
5. MTU size (normally set at1500) should be set at 576

Win 95/98

First, lower the maximum connection speed of your modem(DO NOT check the only connect at this speed box ):

(dblclick)My Computer, Dial-up Networking

(right-click)SMIG (or whatever you called your SMIG connection)

(click)Configure-(button),

For 56k lines, lower the maximum connection speed to 57,600. Set to 38400 if you live in the country.

If you are dialing a 33.6 line, use 38400.

(click)Connection (tab), Port Settings(button)

lower the Transmit and Receive buffers 1-2 notches,(click)OK, (click) OK to finish
6. COM/IRQ Conflicts

(If your modem is set to Com3 IRQ5, you may be encountering disconnects due to IRQ conflicts)
Modems and sound cards need separate system resources, and if the two are sharing an IRQ, this can cause a failure in either the modem, sound card or both.

Disconnection reference settings for Outlook, Internet Explorer and Modem:

In Outlook Express, go to Tools, Options, Connections. UNCHECK hang-up after sending and receiving.
In Internet Explorer, go to Tools, Internet Options, Connections, Settings, Advanced. UNCHECK disconnect if idle.
Go to Control Panel, Modems, Properties, Connection tab. Under Call Preferences, UNCHECK Disconnect a call if idle for ____

I can connect, but then I can't go anywhere.Back to Top
Usually, this problem is indicative of multiple or non-existent TCP/IP protocol(s) in your network settings (Windows95/98 only). To check on this:

double-click my computer
double-click control pane
double-click network
If you have more than one dial up adapter, remove all but the first. Make sure there is only one TCP/IP and that it is for dial-up networking. DO NOT remove TCP/IP for a network adapter if you are on a local area network! The best network configuration for a dial-up account is shown below. This is how it should look if you don't have a network adapter card in your computer.
Another cause of the web browser not working is improperly installed or configured parental control programs such as Cybersitter or Net Nanny. If you have installed such software, uninstall and then reinstall following the instructions that came with the software very carefully.

Why don't I connect at 56k speeds?Back to Top
The most common reasons for a modem to fail to connect at high speeds are phone line noise, having the wrong modem standard (should have V.90), improper modem initialization strings, and software configuration problems. The faster the modem is expected to communicate, the better the line quality must be. Consult your modem manufacturers manual and web page for suggested modem initialization strings and V.90 upgrades.
How do I get my additional email addresses?Back to Top

If you have a gold account you may have up to 5 additional email addresses for no additional cost with a Gold account.

Usernames can not be anymore than 15 characters in length
Passwords should be at least 6 characters in length

Please email your requested usernames and passwords to : smig@smig.net

We will verify that someone else is not using those usernames and set up the accounts for you.

How do I keep track of my online time ?Back to Top

Just click on our User Stat link:

Enter your SMIG username and your password

Is my Modem v.90 ?Back to Top

Windows 95/98 users

Go to Start, select Settings, select Control Panel.
Double-click Modems.
Click the Diagnostics tab.
Select the COM port that's associated with your modem.
Click the More Info... button. Note the ATi3 command response.

If you don't see the appropriate information, try this method:

Go to Start, select Programs, Accessories, HyperTerminal.
**(If you don't have HyperTerminal, you can install it from your Windows 95 CD-ROM.)

(double click)HYPERTRM.
When you are asked to enter a name, type TEST, and click OK.
When you are asked for a phone number, type 1234 (it doesn't matter what this number is).
Click OK.
When the Connect screen appears, click Cancel.
Now you will see a blank screen with a cursor. Type ATZ
hit the[ENTER] key on your keyboard. You should see OK.
**(If you don't get any response, select File, Properties, and make sure your modem or COM port is selected by the Connect using field.
Type Ati3 and you should see the modem type followed by the driver revision.
close HyperTerminal ( you don't want to save the session).

What about newsgroups?Back to Top

The name of the news server available to SMIG customers is: news.onvoy.com. This server is not owned or maintained by SMIG, but by Onvoy. It is by the courtesy of Onvoy that SMIG's customers may use this server. You may call SMIG for tech support on the mail server, but we are limited on what we can do to help.
A good place to go to learn about USENET and NEWS GROUPS is Usenet Help.

Copyright ©2000 by SMIG, Inc.
Updated 11/18/2003