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Testing Your Line for 56k Access Capability
These instructions assume that you are using the HyperTerminal application that comes with Windows 95/98/ME or later. If you are using another operating system or application, just use these instructions as a guide. If HyperTerminal is not installed, you can install it by following the following procedure. You might need to have your Windows Install CD handy:
- From the Start menu, click Settings and then click Control Panel.
- From the Control Panel window, click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
- From the Windows Setup tab, select Communications and then Details.
- Check HyperTerminal.
- Click the Ok button twice.
Alternately, you can download and install HyperTerminal Private edition, a version newer than what comes with Windows 95,98, Windows Me, NT, or Windows 2000.
To run the test, close any Internet program you have running. If that didn't disconnect you, disconnect now.
Note: This line test is not always available. Check test availability. If this test is not available, check in the worldnet.help.hardware.modems.non-56k newsgroup for an alternate test site.
- Launch HyperTerminal. It is usually found in the Accessories section under Programs on your Start Menu. Note: Do not use any preexisting icon such as "AT&T Mail" or any previous connection you may have created. Use the HyperTrm.exe (or HyperTrm) icon only!
If the New Connection dialog box shown below isn't open, go to File and select New Connection. Enter a name for the connection, select an icon and click the OK button.
- Add the US Robotics test line phone number (847-330-2780) as shown below and click on OK. This is a toll call, but the test only lasts a few minutes. Note: Make sure that the correct modem is selected.
- Check the information in the dialog box as shown below, and click on Dial.
- You will then see the dialog box below.
- After the connection is made, you see the following information on the screen. When asked if you want graphics, choose NO.
CONNECT 26400/ARQ/V34/LAPM/V42BIS
CONNECT 115200 / 05-07-01 (22:13:28)
(Error Correcting Modem Detected)
USR Support BBS - Node 33 - Total Control Rack
PCBoard (R) v15.3/250 - Node 33
Testing your system capability...
Do you want graphics (Enter)=yes? (n) - You will then see a black screen with the following question at the bottom. Answer the question as shown below:
What is your first name? Line Test - If your login was successful, you will be greeted with a screen containing the following message:
testing in process, please wait - After the test, if you have any luck at all, you will be greeted with a results message. It maybe code "1", "2", or "3". They are each explained in their respective text.
An example of the results are:
Test returned code 3
56K technology is possible on this connection, but you are likely to experience reduced performance.
Since line conditions can change from call to call, we recommend that you make several calls to this test system to ensure an accurate diagnosis. If you have multiple phone lines available for use, we recommend that you try calling this system from each line.
Performance degradation is typically caused by noise in your local phone lines.
It's important to remember that telephone network configuration scan change, so your chances of making high-speed connections may improve over time.
(498 min left), (H)elp, More?
If you want all the information available press 'Enter' twice. If you plan to post these results in one of the help newsgroups listed below, you will need all the information available.
Note: This test does NOT check the route from your location to your AT&T Worldnet access number, so this may or may not be an indication of the ability to connect at 56k to AT&T Worldnet Service. In any case, if you get a Code 2 or Code 3 result, things are not looking very good.
If you have problems with these instructions, please try the US Robotics line test page at http://www.usr.com/products/line-test.asp.