I need help with...  


Setup & Troubleshoot
Dialup Connections
Mail & News
Web Browsers

General Information
Servers and Settings
Spam & Security
Virus Protection
Tech Tips & Support Links
Virtual Applications
   

Modem Initialization Strings

If you have a noisy phone line (see Disconnects for more information) or interference on the line, you may want to try a modem initialization string to connect or stabilize your connection.

Before you try an initialization string, check for updated modem drivers from your computer manufacturer's or modem manufacturer's website. Check the computer manufacturer's site first if the modem came with the computer as they may have an OEM version of the modem driver.

If you have a v.92 modem, try disabling v.92 with an init string. If you have a v.90 modem, disabling v.90 may sometimes help with line issues or other problems that result in poor connections. A few commonly used modems and the initialization string to disable v.90 or v.92 are below.

Not sure what modem you have? Click here for information on how to identify your modem.

Tip Tip The Support Links page has some links in the "Modems" section to sites that have a large list of initialization strings. One such site is Modemhelp.net - Init strings and drivers database. This site also has an Quick Init Reference Guide. You can also check your modem documentation, modem manufacturer's website, or perform an online search to find appropriate modem initialization strings for your modem. See also Limiting CONNECT speeds on modemsite.com for information on lowering the upstream rate using a modem initialization string.


Modem Initialization String
v.90 modems - disable v.90
Lucent, LHV, Zoom s38=0-v90=0
Connexant, AC Link, Creative Labs Modem Blaster, Aztech +ms=v34
BCM s51=31
PCTel, HSP, MDP n0s37=12
Sound 4 Winmodem s32=34
Courier s58=33
US Robotics s32=98
v.92 modems - disable v.92
GTW PCI Soft s50=23 s51=95
ATV.250, Creative Labs Modem Blaster, Zoom +ms=v90,0

How to enter a modem initialization string
If you have an initialization string in the settings, please remember to write down current initialization string before changing it.

Windows 98 and ME

  1. Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel.
  2. Double click the Modem icon.
  3. Click the Properties button.
  4. Click the Connection tab.
  5. Click the Advanced... button.
  6. In the "Extra settings:" field, type in the initialization string.
  7. Click OK and OK and OK again.
  8. Close the Control Panel and other windows or applications that are open and reboot.
  9. Attempt to connect to the Internet and remain online to test the connection stability/speed.

    NOTE: If you receive an error when connecting, such as modem does not detect a dialtone after entering the initialization string, the initialization string you tried may not be one recognized by your modem. If this is the case, please REMOVE the initialization string, reboot the computer and try to locate init string information for your modem.

Windows 2000 and XP

  1. Double click My Computer.
  2. Double click the Control Panel.
  3. Double click Phone and Modem Options.
  4. Click the Modems tab.
  5. Click the Properties button.
  6. Click the Advanced tab.
  7. In the "Extra initialization commands:" field, type in the initialization string.
  8. Click OK and OK again.
  9. Close the Control Panel and other windows or applications that are open and reboot.
  10. Attempt to connect to the Internet and remain online to test the connection stability/speed.

    NOTE: If you receive an error when connecting, such as modem does not detect a dialtone after entering the initialization string, the initialization string you tried may not be one recognized by your modem. If this is the case, please REMOVE the initialization string, reboot the computer and try to locate init string information for your modem.

Windows NT

  1. Double click My Computer.
  2. Double click the Control Panel.
  3. Double click the Modems icon.
  4. Click the Properties button.
  5. Click the Connection tab.
  6. Click the Advanced... button.
  7. In the "Extra settings:" field, type in the initialization string.
  8. Click OK and OK and OK again.
  9. Close the Control Panel and other windows or applications that are open and reboot.
  10. Attempt to connect to the Internet and remain online to test the connection stability/speed.

    NOTE: If you receive an error when connecting, such as modem does not detect a dialtone after entering the initialization string, the initialization string you tried may not be one recognized by your modem. If this is the case, please REMOVE the initialization string, reboot the computer and try to locate init string information for your modem.

 


Help us help you! If you contact PowerNet Internet support for assistance please write down any error messages you get when trying to connect to the Internet. Include the name and version of your operating system and the exact text of all error messages. If this information is included in an online case submission or provided to a support representative, it will greatly speed up the troubleshooting process.

Please be aware that some troubleshooting may require uninstallation and reinstallation of operating system files. To ensure that this type of troubleshooting can be accomplished if required, please be sure that you have to have original Operating System CD or Operating system source files on disk on hand.