Modem initialisation strings

A brief overview:

Modem initialisation strings or Init strings as we call them, may or may not improve your connection.
If you are having trouble with your connection or it seems too slow, it could be that an init string will help.

You can get init strings from several sources on the World Wide Web or from your modem manufacturer.

You will need to know the exact make and model of your modem, and in some cases the chipset that is actually used inside your modem.

Choosing an init string that will improve your connection is rather hard. There are no hard and fast rules for this and you may just have to try several before you find the "perfect" one.

If you find you need to enter an init string:

Click on My Computer > Control Panel > Modems > Properties > choose the Connection tab and > Advanced.

Here you will find a text box called Extra Settings, this is where you enter the init string.

A typical init string would look like:

AT&F&C1&D3&K3&Q5\N3%C3S7=60

Do not use the above string: It is an example only, using most of the common components that make up most init strings.

If you enter an init string that does not have the desired effect, simply remove it to return your modem back to how it was.

Then, please note:

If you have an Internal modem - you may have to reboot your machine - having the same effect as power cycling the modem.
If you have an External modem - you may have to turn it off, wait a couple of seconds, then turn it on again - (power cycling).
Entering the following string can put your modem back to its factory default settings: AT&F - this is standard for most modems.

Here are some useful links on Initialisation strings:

PC Links:

Macintosh Links:

http://www.tidbits.com/iskm/modems.html