Using Init Strings

Init, or Initialization strings are very helpful for dialup connections. They reset/disable/enable certain features or settings on dialup modems

Init strings solve problems such as:

• Irregular handshakes (The modems communication sounds strange or repetative and will not connect)
• Timeouts after connecting
• Frequent disconnects
• Other strange modem behaviors (Like different error messages on each dialup attempt) ex. errors 678, 679, 718, 719, 721, and others

To find and enter an init string do the following:

• Determine the users modem make and model
  • Windows XP and 2000: Control panel / Phone and modem options / Modem tab
  • Windows 95/98/ME: Control panel / Modems
• Find the modem in the list of init strings at www.modemhelp.net
  • There may be many similar modems listed. Find one that closely matches the modem in the customers machine
  • Find a suitable init string, Usually a string designed to disable v.90/v.92 in 56K modems usually works to establish a solid connection
  • Sometimes basic strings will work very well. like &F&C1&D2
  • You can piece together strings as well. Or only take the first few commands from a specific string
• Once you've decided on a string to use enter it into the mode properties
  • Windows XP and 2000: Control panel / Phone and modem options / Modem tab, select the modem and click properties. Go to the advanced tab and enter the string in the "Extra initialization command" box
  • Windows 95/98/ME: Control panel / Modems, select the modem and click properties. Go to the connection tab and click on "Advanced" enter the string in the "Extra Settings" box
  • There is no need to restart. Click ok and try to connect
  • If the connection responds "Unable to open port" try a different string, it doesn't like that one
  • If there is no change in the connection. Try another string

If you've tried a few strings and you can't get the modem to connect properly you may need to address problems such as line noise (replace phone cable / shorten length.) Try another phone jack, that one may be damaged. The modem driver may need to be reinstalled or winsock may need to be repaired.