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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Dialup connection
plantsower - Apr 2, 2006 - 4:50 pm
I've had nothing but problems dialing up to the internet with my new iBook. It's not my ISP. I can use it successfully with my iMac and my pc notebook. I have called Apple and even taken it into the apple repair shop. No one could find the problem.
Whenever I try to connect, my computer gives me a message that the a connection could not be made. It tries to connect and then disconnects and continues to disconnect nonstop unless I restart the computer.
Now I know I simply have to restart the computer whenever I want to connect to the internet, no problem. I just don't want to have to restart everytime as I lose what's on the desktop at the time.
If nothing else, do you think that restoring the harddrive might take care of it. I hate to do something that drastic but see no other option as the experts can't even fix it.
Thanks.
Rita
Whenever I try to connect, my computer gives me a message that the a connection could not be made. It tries to connect and then disconnects and continues to disconnect nonstop unless I restart the computer.
Now I know I simply have to restart the computer whenever I want to connect to the internet, no problem. I just don't want to have to restart everytime as I lose what's on the desktop at the time.
If nothing else, do you think that restoring the harddrive might take care of it. I hate to do something that drastic but see no other option as the experts can't even fix it.
Thanks.
Rita
Thunderthud - Apr 2, 2006 - 6:12 pm
What are you trying to connect with? Safari, IE, etc?
plantsower - Apr 3, 2006 - 4:42 am
Safari is what I use as a browser if that's what you mean.
plantsower - Apr 3, 2006 - 4:20 pm
Well, guess what. Mystery solved. You're going to love this. The problems I have been having for weeks with my dialup connection were caused by your helper application on the desktop. When I looked at it today, I clicked on one of the tabs and there were my internet settings. I realized that any application that has my internet settings can also throw them off. I trashed the application and I have no more problems. Kind of ironic, huh?
Thanks for your help.
Rita
Thanks for your help.
Rita
plantsower - Apr 3, 2006 - 5:10 pm
Ooops! Looks like I spoke too soon. It seems whenever I disconnect and put the machine to sleep and then wake it up, it will not connect again without restarting. Help!! Rita
nhmac - Apr 5, 2006 - 9:53 am
Rita, what OS are you running?
--Beverly
--Beverly
plantsower - Apr 6, 2006 - 4:51 pm
Hi Beverly:
OS 10.4.5
Rita
OS 10.4.5
Rita
nhmac - Apr 7, 2006 - 7:33 am
Have you tried using a different modem script, for instance setting the modem to one of the v.34 settings?
plantsower - Apr 7, 2006 - 2:47 pm
I don't know how to do that. Rita
nhmac - Apr 7, 2006 - 7:09 pm
In thre Network settings under modem, where it says: Modem: and then probably something like Apple Internal 56K Modem v.92 or whatever, if you roll that over there are tons of other modems you can choose from. I suggest trying a v.34 that is otherwise the same as the setting you are using now.
plantsower - Apr 8, 2006 - 12:25 pm
Okay, I'll try it and let you know. Thanks.
plantsower - Apr 8, 2006 - 2:10 pm
Hi Beverly:
I did what you said while I was connected.
I then disconnected, put my computer to sleep and then woke it up again. I was able to connect fine. I thought, ah-hah. Then I tried it again to make sure.
I again disconnected, put the computer to sleep and woke it up. It was back to it's old tricks. It tried to connect, then tried to disconnect but just kept running the disconnect message. The only way out of it is to shut down or restart.
If I shut down or restart my computer every time I disconnect, no problem. It seems to only happen when I put the computer to sleep.
This is annoying because I like to keep certain things open on the desk top. When I restart, of course, I lose it all.
Thanks for your time again.
Rita
I did what you said while I was connected.
I then disconnected, put my computer to sleep and then woke it up again. I was able to connect fine. I thought, ah-hah. Then I tried it again to make sure.
I again disconnected, put the computer to sleep and woke it up. It was back to it's old tricks. It tried to connect, then tried to disconnect but just kept running the disconnect message. The only way out of it is to shut down or restart.
If I shut down or restart my computer every time I disconnect, no problem. It seems to only happen when I put the computer to sleep.
This is annoying because I like to keep certain things open on the desk top. When I restart, of course, I lose it all.
Thanks for your time again.
Rita
nhmac - Apr 8, 2006 - 2:50 pm
Are you still running 10.4.2? Maybe it might help to update the system to 10.4.6?
plantsower - Apr 8, 2006 - 3:41 pm
I have 10.4.5. You think it will help to go up one? Thanks. Rita
nhmac - Apr 8, 2006 - 10:15 pm
I don't know if 10.4.6 will help at all. I had a problem like yours in 10.3 that caused me to stop upgrades at 10.3.4, which seemed to be the last place the dialup modem worked OK in my iMac G3. Since then I've moved, and now have cable internet and 10.4 on an iMac G5, so now I have no dialup modem to check with Tiger myself. I know in some situations the modem script switch has helped when some of my friends could not connect to the internet, but it didn't help when I got into the repeating loop you describe when I went past 10.3,4; if I recall, I think I actually had to downgrade a computer back to a previous version of the OS so I could make the dialup work. Not fun. I have the impression that the whole modem thing is something that Apple is neglecting somewhat lately, which annoys me because I know from personal experience that not everyone can get broadband.
Here's a page that mentions resetting a powerbook modem with Terminal, avoiding the need to restart. You might want to to try this.
http://www.lowendmac.com/misc/06/0228.html
Beverly
Here's a page that mentions resetting a powerbook modem with Terminal, avoiding the need to restart. You might want to to try this.
http://www.lowendmac.com/misc/06/0228.html
Beverly
plantsower - Apr 9, 2006 - 2:56 pm
Hi Beverly:
Well, it's good to know it's a known glitch, I guess. I guess it's all about the money. There are other known glitches like mac help not working and Apple won't fix it. Shame on them!!
I do not know how to use terminal so cannot do what was suggested. I have instructions on how to use it in my Max OS X, The MIssing Manual Book but it's way over my head. No simple 1,2,3 steps on putting something in and using it.
I do appreciate all your input though. It was enlightening. I guess I will just have to live with this until I can get DSL or cable. We don't have that where I live.
Thanks again for all your time and help. I appreciate it very much.
Rita
Well, it's good to know it's a known glitch, I guess. I guess it's all about the money. There are other known glitches like mac help not working and Apple won't fix it. Shame on them!!
I do not know how to use terminal so cannot do what was suggested. I have instructions on how to use it in my Max OS X, The MIssing Manual Book but it's way over my head. No simple 1,2,3 steps on putting something in and using it.
I do appreciate all your input though. It was enlightening. I guess I will just have to live with this until I can get DSL or cable. We don't have that where I live.
Thanks again for all your time and help. I appreciate it very much.
Rita
nhmac - Apr 10, 2006 - 7:09 am
This might be worth a try:
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/21941
"End Hanging Disconnect" Applescript.
--Beverly
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/21941
"End Hanging Disconnect" Applescript.
--Beverly
plantsower - Apr 10, 2006 - 2:02 pm
Hi Beverly:
That sounds like it might work, but everyone is complaining that their admin password (don't even know what that is) has to be entered twice.
There is a sample script there by someone who made up their own that sounds better but again, I don't know how to use or work applescript. I really need some lessons.
I'm in kindergarten as far as computers go, so even second grade is hard for me.
I think I will look into the Apple online classes and see if I can learn this stuff so instructions make more sense to me.
I did find that if I disconnect and just close my iBook (literally), that I can open it and it will start, and connect and still has all my stuff on the desktop. Simple way around it, but would really like to learn how to do this other stuff.
Thanks again for all your time and help.
That sounds like it might work, but everyone is complaining that their admin password (don't even know what that is) has to be entered twice.
There is a sample script there by someone who made up their own that sounds better but again, I don't know how to use or work applescript. I really need some lessons.
I'm in kindergarten as far as computers go, so even second grade is hard for me.
I think I will look into the Apple online classes and see if I can learn this stuff so instructions make more sense to me.
I did find that if I disconnect and just close my iBook (literally), that I can open it and it will start, and connect and still has all my stuff on the desktop. Simple way around it, but would really like to learn how to do this other stuff.
Thanks again for all your time and help.
nhmac - Apr 10, 2006 - 8:40 pm
Re closing the iBook, if by doing that you are putting it to sleep (screen goes dark, etc.) I think that would mean that you could just choose Sleep from the menu that drops down from the apple in the upper left, and that would do the same thing (with less wear and tear on your hinges.)
The "admin password" is what you entered for a password when you set up your account in OS X -- that username that is next to the house icon. (If you didn't enter a password at that time, your password may be to leave the password field blank.)
Hope this helps,
Beverly
The "admin password" is what you entered for a password when you set up your account in OS X -- that username that is next to the house icon. (If you didn't enter a password at that time, your password may be to leave the password field blank.)
Hope this helps,
Beverly
plantsower - Apr 11, 2006 - 12:40 am
Hi Beverly:
That's what's weird. If I choose sleep from the menu, I get the connection problems. If it falls asleep on it's own or I close the iBook, I don't have the problem. Not sure what that's all about!!
Rita
That's what's weird. If I choose sleep from the menu, I get the connection problems. If it falls asleep on it's own or I close the iBook, I don't have the problem. Not sure what that's all about!!
Rita
nhmac - Apr 11, 2006 - 7:10 am
I don't know either. Want me to send this ticket back to the open question list, in case someone else might have another solution?
--Beverly
--Beverly
plantsower - Apr 11, 2006 - 2:14 pm
Yes, thank you. :}
Rita
Rita
Drumhum - Apr 12, 2006 - 6:39 pm
Hi Rita,
I can't say I have a definite solution for you but here's some ideas...
have you repaired permissions recently? This is a harmless, computer housekeeping routine that helps to keep your computer happy. Go to your Utilities folder, in your Applications folder and locate DiskUtilities. Double click it to open it. select your system drive shown in the left hand pane and click the button "repair Permissions" and let it do its thing. if you see lots of lines of text appearing (that probably don't make a lot of sense!) then it means things did in fact need tidying up! Its a routine you should consider doing every month or so and ideally, after you've installed any major software. No harm can come from this so you've nothing to loose!
while you computer goes into that "stuck on disconnect" mode, have you tried listening to the line (just pick up a phone to listen in)? If you hear a dial tone then its shows, at least you have been disconnected *really* and the computer is just confused for some reason. if you can hear that computer-modem sound, try just removing the phone line from the computer (ie disconnect from telephone wall socket or computer. See what happens. You should get an error message of some kind but it could be the kick it needs!
Another to try... open up system preferences and click on the Network button. where it says "show" select "internal modem" from the drop down menu - if this is not showing already. Click the ppp button and then look down for the "ppp options" button and click it. where it says "connect automatically", have it UN-checked (blank square). You will now have to connect to the net manually if you haven't been doing before. I'm wondering if there is some application that is trying to use the net without you knowing, and its stopping the thing disconnecting. This may help.
Regarding a previous suggestion, click on the "modem" button. This is where you can select various drivers for various modems - I think yours should say "Apple Internal 56k (v.92)". That previous suggestion about trying a v.34 setting relates to here. you can't do any harm trying other settings from that list - if its wrong it just wont work! I suggest you try a v.90 setting too.
Sleep mode has a habit of messing things up!
let me know how you get on
regards
Tom
(ps were you the Rita with an iphoto issue?)
I can't say I have a definite solution for you but here's some ideas...
have you repaired permissions recently? This is a harmless, computer housekeeping routine that helps to keep your computer happy. Go to your Utilities folder, in your Applications folder and locate DiskUtilities. Double click it to open it. select your system drive shown in the left hand pane and click the button "repair Permissions" and let it do its thing. if you see lots of lines of text appearing (that probably don't make a lot of sense!) then it means things did in fact need tidying up! Its a routine you should consider doing every month or so and ideally, after you've installed any major software. No harm can come from this so you've nothing to loose!
while you computer goes into that "stuck on disconnect" mode, have you tried listening to the line (just pick up a phone to listen in)? If you hear a dial tone then its shows, at least you have been disconnected *really* and the computer is just confused for some reason. if you can hear that computer-modem sound, try just removing the phone line from the computer (ie disconnect from telephone wall socket or computer. See what happens. You should get an error message of some kind but it could be the kick it needs!
Another to try... open up system preferences and click on the Network button. where it says "show" select "internal modem" from the drop down menu - if this is not showing already. Click the ppp button and then look down for the "ppp options" button and click it. where it says "connect automatically", have it UN-checked (blank square). You will now have to connect to the net manually if you haven't been doing before. I'm wondering if there is some application that is trying to use the net without you knowing, and its stopping the thing disconnecting. This may help.
Regarding a previous suggestion, click on the "modem" button. This is where you can select various drivers for various modems - I think yours should say "Apple Internal 56k (v.92)". That previous suggestion about trying a v.34 setting relates to here. you can't do any harm trying other settings from that list - if its wrong it just wont work! I suggest you try a v.90 setting too.
Sleep mode has a habit of messing things up!
let me know how you get on
regards
Tom
(ps were you the Rita with an iphoto issue?)
plantsower - Apr 13, 2006 - 12:48 pm
Hi Tom:
Believe it or not, I've already tried all your suggestions except maybe trying V90 or something. I have a dedicated phone line to the computer so can't pick up a phone to check for dial tone, etc.
I wasn't aware that the sleep program could cause so many problems. It never bothered my old iMac G3.
And, no I am not the Rita with the iPhoto problems.
I do appreciate your help and will try the modem driver trick again with a different number. Maybe I'll even run Disk Utility off of the CD. I've heard I've got more options that way.
Regards,
Rita
Believe it or not, I've already tried all your suggestions except maybe trying V90 or something. I have a dedicated phone line to the computer so can't pick up a phone to check for dial tone, etc.
I wasn't aware that the sleep program could cause so many problems. It never bothered my old iMac G3.
And, no I am not the Rita with the iPhoto problems.
I do appreciate your help and will try the modem driver trick again with a different number. Maybe I'll even run Disk Utility off of the CD. I've heard I've got more options that way.
Regards,
Rita
Drumhum - Apr 13, 2006 - 5:21 pm
I've just re-read through your problem and I'm wondering why the apple repair shop couldn't find the problem. Are you saying that it all worked fine for them?
At first you described the problem with no connection to sleep, that it would not connect properly and just hang in a "disconnecting mode". Is it the case that by removing that mac-help application changed the issue?
Are you using "Internet Connect" to dial out etc? This app will provide you with logs of what its been doing. these could well provide useful info. launch the application and when things go wrong go to the "Window" menu of Internet connect and select "logs" select all the text in that window and copy/paste them into a blank text document or email. you can send them to me...
tom@macosx.com
or just put them here (make sure they're not too long though - its probably the last few lines that will be useful!) in the message body or use the "attachment" facility
I feel it would be worth checking to make sure it is a fault with your computer or modem...
try a different lead between computer and phone socket (one that came with one of your other computers?)
try a different phone line (ideally in a different house).
try a different isp (you can probably find a free dial-up isp to try this).
I would also consider taking it back to the repair shop and trying them again. if they really cannot replicate the problem then I can't see how your computer/modem can be at fault.
Its very difficult at this stage as we really don't know what is at fault, what exactly is causing the problem. Its frustrating I know, but its all about double checking and ruling out the possibility of coincidence (eg it could be coincidence that sleep is causing the problem!). I understand if you feel like giving up and just living with it;-)
let me know how you get on
regards
Tom
At first you described the problem with no connection to sleep, that it would not connect properly and just hang in a "disconnecting mode". Is it the case that by removing that mac-help application changed the issue?
Are you using "Internet Connect" to dial out etc? This app will provide you with logs of what its been doing. these could well provide useful info. launch the application and when things go wrong go to the "Window" menu of Internet connect and select "logs" select all the text in that window and copy/paste them into a blank text document or email. you can send them to me...
tom@macosx.com
or just put them here (make sure they're not too long though - its probably the last few lines that will be useful!) in the message body or use the "attachment" facility
I feel it would be worth checking to make sure it is a fault with your computer or modem...
try a different lead between computer and phone socket (one that came with one of your other computers?)
try a different phone line (ideally in a different house).
try a different isp (you can probably find a free dial-up isp to try this).
I would also consider taking it back to the repair shop and trying them again. if they really cannot replicate the problem then I can't see how your computer/modem can be at fault.
Its very difficult at this stage as we really don't know what is at fault, what exactly is causing the problem. Its frustrating I know, but its all about double checking and ruling out the possibility of coincidence (eg it could be coincidence that sleep is causing the problem!). I understand if you feel like giving up and just living with it;-)
let me know how you get on
regards
Tom
plantsower - Apr 14, 2006 - 12:43 pm
Hi Tom:
Okay, yes, the repair shop never had the problem.
I never removed the mac repair application. It just doesn't work.
I believe I am using Internet Connect but not sure. I just connected the dialup per directions. I assume I am using internet connect. That makes me feel dumb. I just don't know. I click on connect in the dropdown window and it connects.
I pulled up Internet Connect and found the "Window" but all it says is "minimize" "close" and "network". I don't see any "log" option.
I didn't think there were anymore free ISPs left, especially for mac. Hmmm...
I do feel like giving up and living with it.
I will try the log thing if I can find it. I think I saw it in the past but can't seem to now. I live in the boonies and it will be difficult to find a place to try my computer on another phone line other than here, but I will try next time I go to town to visit someone.
Thanks. Rita
Okay, yes, the repair shop never had the problem.
I never removed the mac repair application. It just doesn't work.
I believe I am using Internet Connect but not sure. I just connected the dialup per directions. I assume I am using internet connect. That makes me feel dumb. I just don't know. I click on connect in the dropdown window and it connects.
I pulled up Internet Connect and found the "Window" but all it says is "minimize" "close" and "network". I don't see any "log" option.
I didn't think there were anymore free ISPs left, especially for mac. Hmmm...
I do feel like giving up and living with it.
I will try the log thing if I can find it. I think I saw it in the past but can't seem to now. I live in the boonies and it will be difficult to find a place to try my computer on another phone line other than here, but I will try next time I go to town to visit someone.
Thanks. Rita
Drumhum - Apr 14, 2006 - 1:56 pm
Rita,
May I also suggest you contact your ISP support line. It can't do any harm. Point out that that the apple repair centre had no problems with your computer.
I shall leave it with you for now. This ticket will "close" in a couple of days or so but if you need to follow things up you can still reply to this subject.
Sorry I couldn't provide the exact answer but these sorts of things are so hard to fix via text!
Good luck with it all and do get back to me if I can help further.
regards
Tom
May I also suggest you contact your ISP support line. It can't do any harm. Point out that that the apple repair centre had no problems with your computer.
I shall leave it with you for now. This ticket will "close" in a couple of days or so but if you need to follow things up you can still reply to this subject.
Sorry I couldn't provide the exact answer but these sorts of things are so hard to fix via text!
Good luck with it all and do get back to me if I can help further.
regards
Tom
plantsower - Apr 15, 2006 - 3:47 pm
Okay. Thanks, Tom.
Rita
Rita
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