No Net since last thursday - help needed

[zulander]

I have been with IDNet since last November and everything has been great. Think ive had about 1 day of downtime in all that time. However I was on the net at about 12.30 when all a sudden I couldn't browse web pages and my connection to messenger had dropped, thinking it was something and nothing I tried to re connect but I received a message saying that there was not a timely response from the remote computer.  When I look at the modem control panel it goes in sequence something along the lines of training>activating line>connecting to exchange>then it says active but only for a split second before dropping and saying line down.
As I couldn't get back in I went to bed hoping I could sort it the next day. I reinstalled my modem but I still couldn't connect this time the error message was this modem or other connecting device has reported an error. (I have since tried to connect again and revived the message there was not a timely response from the remote computer again).
I emailed IDNet and they suggested unplugging all the phones from the sockets and to try plugging into a test socket in my home – (I cant do this because of the size of the room) Unplugging the phones didn't work and IDNet have told that there is nothing wrong with my line. If BT get called out it will be £140 if the problem is found at my end so obviously I want to be 100% sure that its not something I can fix my self 'cause I cant afford £140. Interestingly my next door neighbour has also lost his connectivity so im thinking the issue is more widespread but I want someone to confirm my thinking – he has spoken to his isp (Tiscali) and they think its the modem?? any help gratefully received, sorry for war a peace

Im using an origo 8000 USB modem that ive had for years
My line speed should be 2meg
XP SP2

cheers

[Nick AJ]

Hi Zulander,

I guess at the moment you are using dial-up to post

It is beg / borrow a router time.  If you have a friend with a router (or modem) you can borrow then it will be fairly simple to test the connection.  Ideally plugged into the test socket to eliminate any internal wiring problems - although all we are looking for is a simple connect / no connect situation.  You can also try it the other way - see if your PC / modem works on their connection (remember to use their log-in details).

If you can get a connection its sounds like it's your modem that's died.  Ideally buy yourself a router (Netgear DG834s are popular and quite cheap), you'll get a more stable connection.

If you can't get connected it's back to IDnet support and they'll have to get BT out.  Like you say they'll charge a fortune if it's your fault / equipment so it's worth using the test socket and equipment you know is working.

Your neighbour could be a coincidence - or a result of BT doing some engineering work and fouling up the connection (not unknown).  Maybe someone could say whether it is possible for the ADSL connection to be swapped over without affecting the voice side?  Could you try your neighbour's log in?

Good luck

[Rik]

Hi Zulander, welcome to the forum, have a greeting karma.

We've been with IDNet about the same length of time, but I've never had any downtime. What Nick says, and what IDNet have told you, sounds about right to me. Either your modem is playing up, or your internal wiring is an issue. I had a similar problem about 3 months after I first got broadband, I shut the machine down one evening and everything was fine - the next day I had no service. BT had to replace most of my internal wiring, which had been installed pre-ADSL, and which simply wasn't working anymore. My guess is that a joint went 'out of tolerance' and what had been a borderline connection just gave up.

Do you know anyone with a laptop who could pop round and check out the test socket for you?

[zulander]

Cheers for that good shout re the laptop i have just realised where i can get my hands on one.
How do I know which is the first telephone socket that comes into my house? If i can get a connection via the test socket does that mean the wiring of the house is faulty?

[Rik]

The master socket, assuming you have an NTE5, has the bottom part of the faceplate detachable when you remove a couple of screws. The test socket is behind that. If you don't have a socket which looks like that (photo here). Then you don't have a test socket.

If you can connect from the test socket, but not from any normal socket - including the one on the NTE5 face plate - then it indicates your wiring is the problem, probably due to noise pickup. You may be able to resolve it yourself, but if not, then you can expect a bill from BT in excess of £160.

The article I linked gives you some suggestions on possible problems and cures.

[zulander]

I am pretty sure i dont have the NTE5 socket but I will check when i get home from work. I can see the being a real pain to solve.

[Rik]

I didn't have one when I had my problems, pre-IDNet. It cost me £60 several years ago. Good luck.

[Nick AJ]

I am pretty sure i dont have the NTE5 socket but I will check when i get home from work. I can see the being a real pain to solve.

As you had connection before all you are looking for is the modem logging on and being able to surf, download etc.  After you've got your connection then there are various ways of improving it.  My guess is that you'll change a bit of hardware and log straight on - well I hope so!

[zulander]

just as an update after borrowing a friends modem and trying a laptop on all the points in the house i still wasnt getting a connection. BUT I got home last night and put my orignial kit back to together tried my connection and it was all working, my next door neightbour can log back in as well, god knows whats happening but all seems fine at the moment

[Ann]

Just blame BT.  Even if it isn't them it makes us feel better