Connection is consistently dropped

• Go to Start->Settings->Control Panel->Internet Options. (NOTE: On Windows XP, it could be just Start->Control Panel->Internet Options). Click on the Connections tab. Click on the Kinex connection and then click Settings... In the settings screen, click on the Advanced button under Dial-up settings. Be sure that both "Disconnect if idle for more than n minutes" and "Disconnect when connection may no longer be needed" are both unchecked. Those options are to ensure that the connection is not accidently left active, occupying the phone line. If you can remember to disconnect from the Internet when it is not in use, or if you don't need to disconnect, then you will be fine disabling them.
• Pick up a phone that is on the same line as the computer, and be sure that you hear a dialtone. If you don't hear a dialtone, then a phone in the building is probably off the hook. That will need to be remedied in order to continue. Once you hear a dialtone, press any number and then listen in the earpiece. If you hear static, then the problem could be caused by a faulty phone line. This will need to be remedied by your phone company.
• Unplug all of the phones in the building that are on the same line as the computer. If the problem goes away, then it could have been caused by one of the phones. Plug them back in one at a time and see if a particular phone causes the line to be dropped.
• If there are more dial up access numbers for your area, try them all and see if a different number solves the problem.
• As a last resort, try WinSockFix; it is a utility that helps restore Internet connectivity by correcting registry entries that may have become corrupted. It is capable of making a backup of your current settings, and it is recommended that you do so. WinSockFix is freeware, and it can be downloaded here.
• If none of the above solutions work for you, the problem is likely to be with your modem. You will need to buy a new modem; luckily, they are not very expensive these days. We have modems for sale at the Kinex office. Feel free to come by during business hours and ask about buying one.
  

General Problems for all OS's (Windows, Mac, Linux):

• Password mistyped or missing.

Passwords are cASe SeNSitiVe.  Ensure the Caps Lock is NOT on.

• Using the wrong dial-up phone number.

Dial-Up Numbers = can be found at http://www.kinex.net/support/dialup/accessnumbers
     Warning: We will not be responsible for long-distance charges.
     It is up to you to make sure that our number is local to your location.

• Reboot your computer.

Windows 95/98:

Reboot your computer.

Windows 95/98 is infamous for memory leaks, causing connection problems after a period of time.  Rebooting the computer fixes MANY problems in Windows 95/98.

Windows ME:

Lucent LT WinModem must be at least version 5.97.

Most WinME computers shipped with an earlier, incorrect version of the driver.

Go to www.agere.com for the latest driver for the Lucent LT WinModem.

Windows XP & Windows 2000:

Disable "LCP Extensions".

Enable "Client for Microsoft Networks".