Have new Dell which is running on the latest (new at Christmas)
Windows XP Home. While Internet Explorer works okay most of the time Outlook
Express works only on a very intermittent basis. Am using dialup out in the
country and never have gotten on much faster than 28K in an old Dell.
Can't get on at the moment. Now the indication is
that there is no dial tone. Able to use telephone through the PC
okay, however. I don't know of any error messages. Dell is saying that
probably will have to do a System Restore which they say will delete all
files, etc. and set it back to basics. Thought System Recovery did this.
Important to retain present programs and files. A total loss would be
devastating.
This new computer is working just fine except for OE.
Now Dell has agreed to replace the modem, but, doesn't think this will
help. Not sure about their thinking We will see
what happens when the technician comes with the new modem.
I know I haven't given much to go on, but, need help. Dell is quite
resistant to help on this other than to say "sack" the whole thing and start
over.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Chris..

"Chris B" wrote in message

Have new Dell which is running on the latest (new at Christmas)
Windows XP Home. While Internet Explorer works okay most of the time
Outlook Express works only on a very intermittent basis. Am using
dialup out in the country and never have gotten on much faster than
28K in an old Dell.
Can't get on at the moment. Now the indication is
that there is no dial tone. Able to use telephone through the PC
okay, however. I don't know of any error messages. Dell is saying
that probably will have to do a System Restore which they say will
delete all files, etc. and set it back to basics. Thought System
Recovery did this. Important to retain present programs and files.
A total loss would be devastating.
This new computer is working just fine except for OE.
Now Dell has agreed to replace the modem, but, doesn't think this
will help. Not sure about their thinking We will see
what happens when the technician comes with the new modem.
I know I haven't given much to go on, but, need help. Dell is
quite resistant to help on this other than to say "sack" the whole
thing and start over.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Chris..

Can you move the computer to plug into a different phone outlet?
It rather sounds like a noisy line.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE
"Anyone who prefers security over freedom deserves neither."

Hi Chris,

There are many factors that can result in a slow or sub-standard connection.
It would help to know how often using Internet Explorer leads to a loss of
connection. This might help in diagnosing the problem as the (modem)
connection to the Internet and not the mail app per se. Too many devices on
the line or a particular piece of (incompatible with modem) equipment on the
line are just two reasons for difficulty getting a dial tone.

Bad weather, a bad line or overused line or bad telco equipment could be
causing a problem. Inside phone wiring can be critical in your situation.
Running a jumper wire directly to Telephone Network Interface is one way to
test the inside wiring, but it can be a lot of trouble to do (especially if
you're reasonably sure the inside wiring is okay).

Some modems will attempt to renegotiate a higher connection rate and be
overwhelmed by errors. It is possible to control the highest rate for some
modems using a modem string in the extra settings box, while others do not
provide the means to do so. Be sure that the modem is set to use error
control in its advanced properties, or try lowering the receive and transmit
buffer settings. Unfortunately, different modem manufacturers use their own
advanced commands -- they are not uniform.

Finding a problem of this nature can be a slow, deliberate process. A new
modem is not a bad place to start, but may only be a starting point.

--
Tim K.
aka Kuay Tim
MS-MVP - Outlook Express
Lynnwood, WA
*
"Chris B" wrote in message
...
Have new Dell which is running on the latest (new at Christmas)
Windows XP Home. While Internet Explorer works okay most of the time Outlook
Express works only on a very intermittent basis. Am using dialup out in the
country and never have gotten on much faster than 28K in an old Dell.
Can't get on at the moment. Now the indication is
that there is no dial tone. Able to use telephone through the PC
okay, however. I don't know of any error messages. Dell is saying that
probably will have to do a System Restore which they say will delete all
files, etc. and set it back to basics. Thought System Recovery did this.
Important to retain present programs and files. A total loss would be
devastating.
This new computer is working just fine except for OE.
Now Dell has agreed to replace the modem, but, doesn't think this will
help. Not sure about their thinking We will see
what happens when the technician comes with the new modem.
I know I haven't given much to go on, but, need help. Dell is quite
resistant to help on this other than to say "sack" the whole thing and start
over.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Chris..

Hi,

Have you checked with your service provider that they haven't changed
settings in last few months. I read recently that Telstra had placed block
on Port 25 (to help with Spam) which is causing some problems with sending
from OE. Sometimes it is necessary to remove this block to help with
sending. I'd suggest that you contact your service provider to check that
your IP address, etc is configured properly, and that you have the right
details in the Accounts section of OE, i.e. correct incoming and outgoing
mail details (some of these have also changed recently with Telstra). Even
if you are not with Telstra, I'd still see if your service provider can
help.
Good luck!

Hera

P.S. I have had major problems with Dell too. Their hardware is fine, but
they stuff up the installation of Software and then expect you to pay to fix
up their mess! And I'm not the ony one! Jumping up and down helps!

"Chris B" wrote in message
...
Have new Dell which is running on the latest (new at Christmas)
Windows XP Home. While Internet Explorer works okay most of the time
Outlook
Express works only on a very intermittent basis. Am using dialup out in
the
country and never have gotten on much faster than 28K in an old Dell.
Can't get on at the moment. Now the indication is
that there is no dial tone. Able to use telephone through the PC
okay, however. I don't know of any error messages. Dell is saying that
probably will have to do a System Restore which they say will delete all
files, etc. and set it back to basics. Thought System Recovery did this.
Important to retain present programs and files. A total loss would be
devastating.
This new computer is working just fine except for OE.
Now Dell has agreed to replace the modem, but, doesn't think this will
help. Not sure about their thinking We will see
what happens when the technician comes with the new modem.
I know I haven't given much to go on, but, need help. Dell is quite
resistant to help on this other than to say "sack" the whole thing and
start
over.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Chris..