Page 1 of ADSL modem router?

Someone.... anyone help me out before I throw this PC out the window >:(

Since joining Pipex for my ADSL supply ive been plagued with an svchost.exe problem locking up most essential windows programs resulting in a re-boot every 15-20 minutes! Windows update DID cure the problem for a couple of weeks but its back again. Im pretty sure its the usb drivers for my Thomson Speedtouch modem causing the problems as dial-up is unaffected!?! A mate of mine suggested I buy a ADSL modem router saying that some provide a build in firewall, easy to configure, less hassle than the usual ADSL modems and the connection is much improved... faster?

Now, before I rush out and buy one can anyone confirm that what the old bean has told me is infact correct? Spotted a cheapy at ebuyer for 35 sobs with my name on it if it cure`s my .exe problem :D


Cheers all!

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This item was edited on Monday, 22nd March 2004, 18:30

Can you not just download a software firewall and run one of the many fixes about for the svchost errors?

This is no help to you, but might help in some way.
I am with Pipex and have that modem, version 330. I also run Sygate firewall and have had no problems with that SVChost thing. I think they are all blocked.
Modem updates here.
Sygate here.
Hope you can find a solution.

This item was edited on Monday, 22nd March 2004, 19:08

I have the one port ebuyer modem/router, linked to a belkin wireless router. I get up, switch them both on, and I am connected. No inputting passwords or anything.

I would ditch that USB ADSL modem for sure, if it`s not the drivers that`s messing it up then it could be a power issue too. USB ADSL modems draw near to the maximum power throught the USB connection which in itself can cause instabilities.

What your mate said was right, most adsl modem/routers have a hardware firewall which gives better protection. They are very easy to install, no dial-up network connection settings to worry about, your router/modem will be connected to the internet all the time so when you switch your machine on you`ll be connect to the internet.

The router being sold be ebuyer is the Origo router/modem. I have installed 3 of these so far for friends/people and not had a problem.

One thing is that you`ll need to get a network card to install into your machine, they are only £6-£8, i know that you can connect the modem/router via a usb cable but stay away from that as it can be another source of instability.

hope that helps.

I`m not an expert in this area and don`t know if this helps, but found pipex has been very unreliable lately (in west sussex at least), though they don`t often admit it on their status page: http://www.connection.pipex.net/cgi-bin/nsus/nsus-display.pl?site=PIPEX&section=all. Pipex did say that W98SE updates had caused them some signing on problems and that they were on sorting it - that was a month back!

I keep losing connection and have to reboot to dial in again, had tried downloading latest drivers for the speedtouch adsl modem which created even more problems - ended reinstalling the original older drivers that came with modem which seemed better.

I`m switching modem to Netgear wireless adsl firewall router - and see if things improve and because I need a wireless setup.
Hope you get it sorted Niteowl

Its doin me bleedin head in!

Been having the same problems as Niteowl with connections being dropped and the .exe problem and was starting to think is adsl worth the hassle....

Thanks for the advise Hominid, Ill be off to buy a router shortly and as for the network card would a 10/100BT network interface do the trick, looks like there`s one build into this machine?


Cheers all


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Quote:
10/100BT network interface do the trick, looks like there`s one build into this machine?

Yes thats all you need. :)

"Great chunks of my past detaching themselves like melting icebergs"


Bigger on the inside

I had a similar problem when first joined pipex with the speedtouch modem. One day it just worked great so thought nothing of it.

Just realised it was when I bought a USB hub (powered) and had modem plugged in to that, maybe the extra power solved the problem.

I now have t`internet running through a router and it is a lot more convinient, and as said earlier, a lot easier to set up and use.

All the best

Ger.

Read my older posts as Gerald here

I haven`t used a USB modem. However I have had a good exerience using the BT Voyager 2000 Wireless Modem Router. I have had very few drop outs and it connects consistently with my various Belkin Cardbus and USB wireless adapters.

Because they are only 802.11b, you can pick them up quite cheaply and I don`t think you need 802.11g to get the best out of broadband.

Stephen