Modem Equipment and Phone Line Connections

1.  Is your modem is configured properly.  Be sure to turn off your modem idle time   limit and check your modem settings.

2.  Call Waiting should be disabled before you dial so incoming calls won't interrupt your download (try putting *70, before you dial, or call your local operator to learn what you need to do).

3.  You may also want to contact your modem manufacturer or your local telephone service provider if you think there may be problems with your connection to the Internet/Web.  Loose outside wires can result in frequent disconnections.

Internet Service Provider

1.  Make sure your Dialup Network or other dialing configuration is correct and uptodate.

2.  Occasionally Internet Service Providers (ISP) can have a slow connection to the Internet themselves.  There's nothing to do about this, but try downloading at another time, especially  at an off peak hour when your ISP isn't as busy.

3.  You may also want to contact your ISP if you believe there may be routing and/or connection problems to the Internet/Web.

Server Problems

Occasionally, the server you dial in to for the download may be "down" or very slow. This could be due to heavy traffic on their end, so try again in offpeak times. The busiest time is usually 5 to 11 p.m. where the server is located.

Other Possible Problems

1.  Do you have adequate hard disk space for the file(s) you are downloading?   Most software you download shows the file size on the download page.  The program often doubles in size when you unpack it and run it.

2.  Is your Web browser configured properly? You may want to contact your IT/MIS department or the manufacturer of  your web browser for assistance.

3.  Does your company have a firewall that blocks downloads from outside the company?  Check with your IT/MIS department to find out what restrictions may exist.

4.  Disable your "low power standby" feature, usually found where you set the timing on your screen saver program.  You may want to disable your screensaver temporarily, too.

5.  Be sure pets and small children are not playing near your cables or plugs.  A bump on the phone jack can break the connection.

Finally, how can you find the downloaded file on your computer, once you have it?  Usually you are prompted to tell the computer the name of the directory in which to save the file.  If not, then it probably went into the browser's Download subdirectory or your default Temp file (often c:\temp or c:\windows\temp).  Make a note of the file name that is downloading and you can run "Find" using the file name to locate the slippery little thing afterwards!

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