Dialup FAQ's

Why can't I connect at 56k?
The FCC currently limits modem connection speeds to around 53.3 kbps. This is the fastest connect rate you can get. If you are connecting in the 40k to 50k range, this is considered a good speed for most dialup services.

Line quality can also be a large factor in connection speed. The age of the phone line, weather, and line noise can all effect your line quality. Static and/or background noise often signify poor phone lines. You can ask your phone service provider to test the line, but keep in mind the fastest speed the phone company guarantees is typically around 21 kbps. Check out our connection quality page for more information.

If you would like to improve your online performance, see our information on our dialup accelerator or DSL.

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I want to change my password. How do I do this?
To change your password online, got View / Pay Bill or call us at 1 888 628-4669.

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Why do I get disconnected randomly?
Disconnections are often caused by poor quality phone lines. Make sure your phone line to the modem looks ok. If it runs near equipment or wires that could generate electromagnetic noise, simply moving the wire may help. You've probably already checked, but if you haven't, please take a few seconds to look for any obvious potential problems with your line. If you hear noises when picking up your phone - such as static, crackling, and echoes - this will definitely cause problems. Noisy lines can sometimes be fixed easily over the phone by calling your phone service provider and requesting a line noise check.

Also, frequent disconnections can often be eliminated by updating your modem drivers. Modem driver updates do fix problems, but only if they're installed. If you're not sure how to do this, use google (or your favorite search engine) to find your modem manufacturer's website. Then locate their support page(s) and see if you can find an updated driver to download for your specific model of modem. Upgrades are almost always free, and relatively easy to install. Specific installation instructions vary, and can typically be found right alongside the updated driver on the website.

If all else fails, you can try changing your modem settings to transmit data at a slower rate. This creates better stability, and may eliminate most disconnects. Although it seems counterintuitive, setting a slower speed can actually result in better performance, because the modem doesn't have to work so hard to overcome noise from less than perfect phone lines. Even if this is not the case in your particular situation, slightly slower data rates with no disconnections will be far less frustrating than higher speeds with frequent line drops. This can be a great help, especially in rural areas.

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How can I connect faster on my dial up connection?
The first thing to keep in mind is your dialup connection can only be as good as your phone line. With that in mind, there are a few things you can do that may improve your connection speed.

The first thing you'll want to make sure of is that your modem software (driver) is current. Check your modem manufacturer's website for updates. Next, if there is a phone plugged into the modem in the back of your computer, unplug it. Modems are supposed to ignore devices connected to them while they're online, but that's not always the case. Try disconnecting any devices connected to the phone line itself, including telephones and fax machines in other rooms of your home. Bypass anything between the phone line itself and the modem; for example, surge protectors, phone line extentions and splitters.

There's no guarantee this will improve your connection, but there is a good possibility it might.

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How Do I know if I have a virus on my computer?
We recommend running an anti-virus program any time your computer is on. This is the best way to know if you've gotten a virus somehow. There are many tell-tale signs when a virus has infected your computer, but because there are millions of viruses on the net currently, it is hard to generalize what to look for. Here are a few things, however, that may be good indicators:

1. If your e-mail is getting a lot of bounced back messages that you never sent
2. If you are getting messages from family and friends saying you've sent them a virus
3. If you have abnormal problems that occur intermitantly or can be linked with a certain action
4. If your antivirus software seems to turn itself off after the computer has been on for a short while

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If you need more help with any of our products or services
please contact us at 1.888.Nationwide (628-4669)