Idnet / Broadband Newbie with Modem / PC problem

[Jenko]

Hi
Being an Idnet / broadband newbie I would appreciate any suggestions regarding the following problem I am currently experiencing.
Following activation approximately 10 days ago, everything worked perfectly for the first 3 or 4 days. However my PC then started to " freeze " whilst loading XP every time I switched on. What I have noted is that the problem is only happening when the modem is plugged in ( Speedtouch 330 from Idnet ). If I disconnect the modem then the PC boots up as normal.
PC was returned to the shop I recently purchased it from and upon picking it up I was informed " The settings were wrong, the PC was trying to boot up to the modem. Re-install modem software and everything will be ok ".
Whilst this was the case the first time after re-installing the modem, as soon as I switch the machine off and back on then the same problem of freezing whilst loading XP re-occurs.
I am currently getting around the problem by disconnecting the modem after every time I have shut the PC down and then not re-connecting it until PC has been switched back on and fully booted up. Username and password then has to be re-entered everytime in order for connection to work.
I am assuming ( probably wrongly ) that it is just some settings which need amending on the PC.
Any suggestions ( before I go back to shop ) would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Ian

[Glenn]

Ian,  do you know if the shop changed the boot order in the BIOS on your PC? Most non-branded PC's use the Del key on boot up to enter the BIOS. Once you get in there, look for the boot order, if it is set to boot from LAN or USB, change the boot order to boot from FDD - CD/DVD - HDU. If you can't find get into the BIOS post the make of PC or motherboard and we can take a look to see what you need to do

[Rik]

Hi Ian, welcome to the forum.

Is the modem connected directly to the PC? If so, try using a powered hub and connect it to that instead - I've seen cases like this where the 500mA drain on the USB power rail have caused problems at boot time if the computer PSU doesn't have enough oomph.

[Steve]

Hi Ian welcome.  There are a many reports on google of similar problems in addition to what has already being mentioned earlier. Make sure that on reinstalling the speedtouch software you use the latest drivers and have uninstalled the previous version completely (use an uninstaller) Also found this

item

But this seems fairly drastic and there is no confirmation that it worked? Not being defeatist but a router is generally a lot less trouble and because it is "always on" is more likely to  increase your maxadsl throughput. Goodluck



Edit: Markup sorted

[Sebby]

As well as the other suggestions, I'd say it's worth uninstalling the modem and installing the latest drivers from the SpeedTouch site. If you used the CD originally, the drivers may be very old.

http://www.thomsontelecompartner.com/getfile.php?id=4050

[Lance]

Welcome to the forum, Ian.

I'm going to second Steve and suggest that in the longer term you look at getting a router. These generally provide more stability for your internet and will improve your experience as you don't have to wait for the modem to connect each time.

[Jenko]

Hi Everyone
Many thanks for the replies.
I will have a chat with tech support tomorrow regarding router options.
Ian

[Rik]

A router is definitely worth going for Ian, you're much more secure behind its firewall and, when you add a second computer (we all swore we'd never do it but did ), both machines can connect at once.