AT&T West → USB DSL modem: Random freezing

I started having a few problems ever since I got the Efficient Networks SpeedStream 4060 USB DSL modem, for use with Pacific Bells ADSL service.

The first is minor: Shutting down/restarting takes about 10-15 seconds longer since installing the modem and the software (as opposed to 3 seconds normally). The delay is at the "Windows is now shutting down" screen.

This is what really bugs me: Every other day or so, ill be playing an internet game (games its happened in so far: Starcraft, Subspace), and the computer will completely freeze up, and I have to hard boot. These games NEVER froze like this before I got the DSL up and running. They only freeze when im online, and it seems usually after an hour or two, never right away. I realize there are many possible causes for this, but I have tried messing with a few settings and I just don't know what to do.

Also, I have heard EnterNet uses unecessary system resources and switching to a more simple connection protocol/program would speed things up a little. As a gamer this is something I would want... But I tried to get RASPPPoE to work and it would'nt detect any "service offers", which I think is because the modem is a USB type and it does'nt support most/any of those.

I use Windows 98, and am connecting from South California.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Nicholas Alward

It could be that having enternet running and an intensive game going is eating up all your resources, although that should result in a BSOD, not necessarily a total freeze. I'd try posting in either the Efficient Forum or the RasPPPoE Forum seeing what people had to do to get the 4060 working with raspppoe.

Do you have the latest drivers? http://support.efficient.com/drivers/us/pacificbell/4060.shtml

If you are a new PacBell customer (within a few weeks, I think the new cutoff date is 90 days) call them and tell them the USB is causing lock-ups. Ask for an External Modem that utilizes a NIC card. Those are really the best.

Ryo

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"I wash my hands of those who imagine chattering to be knowledge, silence to be ignorance, and affection to be art."
-Kahlil Gibran, "A Handful of Sand on the Shore"

If gaming is a priority for you, you might consider getting a DSL-ethernet modem and a router so that the whole DSL / PPPoE is removed from the computer. It is a bit expensive, but if that is what you want.....

If you've had service less than 90 days you might be able to get ASI to swap out the modem for free. That alone will help. And with the lockups you have a legitimate reason for swapping out the USB modem.
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TeleCommunications Installation and Maintenance since 1966

There are multiple computers here we want to connect to the net, and we were going to get a router to do that. The first router we got did'nt have a USB jack so we got a refund... If we get the ethernet modem, looks like well be going back for it. How ironic...

said by Nicka:

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The first router we got did'nt have a USB jack so we got a refund...

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usb router, now that's a idea!

My personal favorite is the Cayman 3220H -- modem/router/4-port hub all in a single box. But then, it is the only router I have any experience with.
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TeleCommunications Installation and Maintenance since 1966

I use RASPPPOE with my 4060 USB. You have to make sure all other pppoe software is off the computer.
Allthough there is really no way to get rid of hanging, Since it doesnt use NIC.
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If you can read this,your not illiterate

how much ram do you have ,how old is your system(cpu speed)do you have any other usb devices ??????
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So.Cal DSL Tech
1000 + lines installed in
2 years

P3 450
128 RAM

My speakers have limited USB functionality (little display thing) but I disconnected that cable because it was hogging resources.

I really think im going to try and get them to replace it with a NIC modem (Even though im not sure what that stands for), if its faster. I've had the service less than a month.

Thanks for the tips, everyone.

Do you by any chance have a Micron Millenia Microtower computer? With the presto or the casacade II or III motherboard? Both of those boards are made by GVC. If so please go bitch at Micron about there $hitty motherboard in the Microtowers and have the tech escalate you to case managment and get a replacement system. The Millenia GS is a nice upgrade.(tyan trinity 400 board, excellent board) A NIC modem is an ethernet modem. You install a network card into the computer. And you have a little box(like the USB modem) but instead of using the USB port, it uses the Ethernet port on your computer.

Network Interface Card
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If you're wondering how he eats and breathes and other science facts, then repeat to yourself "it's just a show, I should really just relax"