throughput stopped, BT second test doesn't work

rireed3 · Jul 29, 2009, 23:53:03

WBC browsing hangs finally annoyed me to do a speedtester.bt.com, and I was rewarded with a "second test" request for my 994 kbps result on my 17000 profile. After I reconfigured my router, the GO button couldn't find speedtester.bt.com, so the second test didn't work -- four times with different 'bt_test_user@...' configurations, all of which connected and delivered an IP and DNS address.

First is one of four settings I did for 'bt_test_user' -- the other three were combinations of my password, or blank password, and idnet.gw6

Second is the result

[attachment deleted by admin]

bobleslie · Jul 30, 2009, 00:12:00

I couldn't get it to work either the other day. I concluded it was broken, like much of BT.

Gary · Jul 30, 2009, 00:15:47

Odd how it works fine on max but not on WBC

rireed3 · Jul 30, 2009, 00:28:26

Odd how we're all getting second tests. I hadn't seen one in about two years.

Rik · Jul 30, 2009, 08:44:31

It was like this when Max launched, of course...

bobleslie · Jul 30, 2009, 11:53:36

I remember that.......

Rik · Jul 30, 2009, 11:54:10

Me too, Bob. Unhappy days, but the service did mature.

Simon · Jul 30, 2009, 13:40:11

I don't actually remember any problems with Max - but I was with Pipex then, so probably didn't notice the difference.

dujas · Jul 30, 2009, 15:15:35

I seem to remember stuck BRAS profiles were common when the physical switch over to ADSL max occured, the solution being having your router disconnected/switched off at that moment. Other than that there wasn't much fuss, the lines are being used closer to their limits, so faults/flaws because more apparant, but that's the same with ADSL2+.

Pipex used to be seen as one of the best ISPs in the country, I think shortly after the sale to GX Networks, with their attempts to go more mainstream, was the beginning of the end.

Rik · Jul 30, 2009, 15:28:28

There were problems with throughput not matching profiles (a new concept), poor pings etc. Go back to the early posts in the forum and it's all still documented.

bobleslie · Jul 30, 2009, 17:04:33

Quote from: Rik on Jul 30, 2009, 15:28:28
There were problems with throughput not matching profiles (a new concept)...

What goes around, comes around!

Rik · Jul 30, 2009, 17:05:39

Which demonstrates that BT are incapable of learning from their mistakes.

David · Jul 30, 2009, 17:06:33

QuoteWhat goes around, comes around!

I wish it would go through

quandam · Jul 30, 2009, 17:43:19

Quote from: Gary on Jul 30, 2009, 00:15:47
Odd how it works fine on max but not on WBC

Have to disagree there. I am on Max and have tried many, many times to get a result without success. It really amazes me that this facility is SO important to BT but it is in the dark ages in relation to today's internet requirements

Rik · Jul 30, 2009, 17:48:15

It's crazy that they demand you use the tester, Q, then under-resource it.

bobleslie · Jul 30, 2009, 17:52:35

It may also be a reflection of a relatively high volume of 'problems' seeking a 'solution'.

Rik · Jul 30, 2009, 17:54:44

This, sadly, is true.

Gary · Jul 30, 2009, 18:03:10

Works for me 9/10 times

Rik · Jul 30, 2009, 18:05:32

I'm convinced that BT have some sort of regional servers for tests, Gary. I rarely, if ever, have a problem, while others struggle. Possibly, they are putting the testers in at the nodes?

Gary · Jul 30, 2009, 18:15:11

Quote from: Rik on Jul 30, 2009, 18:05:32
I'm convinced that BT have some sort of regional servers for tests, Gary. I rarely, if ever, have a problem, while others struggle. Possibly, they are putting the testers in at the nodes?

That would make sense Rik Typical though that it means some people never get a result, no wonder people think its the same as any other speed test, the others are all totally unreliable speed wise really

Rik · Jul 30, 2009, 18:16:08

Speed tests are like listening to test CDs on hifi. Only of use if you think there's an issue.

Gary · Jul 30, 2009, 18:23:23

Quote from: Rik on Jul 30, 2009, 18:16:08
Speed tests are like listening to test CDs on hifi. Only of use if you think there's an issue.

I like that analogy, Rik

Ann · Jul 31, 2009, 20:17:39

I got a second test request too. Didn't work either. All that effort for nothing. IDNet have also told me to do a safe mode speedtest but I can't get into safe mode.. computer ignores me hitting F8 and just starts up.. so I'm getting nowhere.

bobleslie · Jul 31, 2009, 20:52:21

I hold the F4 Key down continuously from beginning of boot. But rather than do what I do, here's a Guide to Booting into Safe Mode.

I've no idea whether it's accurate.

dujas · Jul 31, 2009, 20:58:58

It was mentioned in another thread, but you can set to boot into Safe Mode via msconfig:

For Windows XP:

Quote
# Click Start, Run and type MSCONFIG in the box and click OK
# The System Configuration Utility appears, On the BOOT.INI tab, Check the "/SAFEBOOT" option [and check the Network radio button below it], and then click OK and Restart your computer when prompted.
# The computer restarts in Safe mode.
# Perform the troubleshooting steps for which you are using Safe Mode.
# When you are finished with troubleshooting in Safe mode, open MSCONFIG again, on the BOOT.INI tab, uncheck "/SAFEBOOT" and click OK to restart your computer

It's possible USB Keyboard support isn't enabled in your computer's BIOS, so the keyboard will essentially be switched off until you load into Windows.