NOTE: You, the customer, are solely responsible for data security. WinBook strongly recommends that you perform a backup of all personal data contained on your system prior to performing this procedure. Warning: WinBook will NOT be held responsible for any data loss incurred during this process.

Creative Labs Modem Blaster 28.8 PCMCIA

General Information:

The Modem Blaster V.34 Fax Modem provides high-speed data transmission with V.32/9600 BPS, V.32bis/14.4K BPS, V.32 TERBO/19.2K BPS, and V.34/28.8K BPS. It supports error-correction protocols V.42 and MNP 2-4, data-compression protocols V.42bis, and MNP5. When utilizing both features, your modem can achieve throughput speeds up to 115,200 BPS, while also being able to auto-baud to slower speeds. This flexibility allows connection with just about any modem in use.

Installation FAQ

• Q: I don't know if I have Card and Socket Services installed, do I need to install the software included in the box?
• A: No. The Phoenix PC Card Manager software is not needed to use the Modem Blaster. Windows 95 comes with drivers that will allow PCMCIA cards to be used without the need for any extra Card and Socket Services. If Windows 95 is not recognizing your card then try the other suggestions on this FAQ or call WinBook Technical Support.

1. If you are running DOS or Windows 3.x, then you must have your Cardsoft PCMCIA drivers installed. That software is included with your computer, and can be reinstalled from those disks if needed or can be downloaded from our web page.
2. The Chameleon Internet software that also comes in the box is not needed to connect to the Internet under Windows 95. Windows 95 includes Dial-Up Networking that will allow you to connect with an Internet Service Provider or a commercial online service such as "America Online".

• Q: I'm running Windows 95, and when I push the card in I do not get the "New hardware found" message. What should I do now?
• A: There are four things you can check.

1. First ensure that the card is right side up and fully inserted. Eject the card and try inserting it again. If you are still not getting the message and you did not hear any tones, call WinBook Technical Support.
2. If you heard a single flat tone call WinBook Technical Support.
3. If you heard a double beep when you inserted the card, then it was recognized and has already been installed. You can verify this by looking in the Control Panel under PC Card properties. You should see the card identified with the slot it is inserted in.
4. If all else fails, try pushing the Modem Blaster farther into the slot. Sometimes the card is not inserted all the way, and the contacts are not making a good connection.

• Q: I am running Windows 3.x and I have installed the Cardsoft software. I am still not getting any tones when the computer boots.
• A: If you have installed Card and Socket Services (Cardsoft), then you should verify that this is loading correctly. You should see the message "Card Services Installed" as the computer finishes processing the config.sys. One primary cause of problems is failing to add "NOEMS x=d000-dfff" to the line in the config.sys that begins "Device=c:\dos\emm386.exe." The card and socket services for each WinBook computer are available on our website by clicking on "Drivers and Utilities" and then selecting your computer model. If you have further questions, contact WinBook Technical Support.

Communications FAQ

• Q: The Modem Blaster is being recognized, but it does not seem to be responding.
• A: There are a few things you can check:

1. Ensure the modem has been installed properly; try reinstalling it.
2. If you are running Windows 95, make sure that your modem is using the correct COM port. For most WinBooks the modem should be installed on COM3.
3. Try connecting again. Sometimes there is noise on the line, and the connection may not be clear enough.

• Q: Is there a special initialization string I should use?
• A: We do not have any special strings for certain programs, but if you are having trouble connecting or staying connected, you can try using this string: AT&F

Windows 3.x/MS-DOS

This string would have to be placed into the Initialization string field of your communications program's settings. See your user's manual for the program you are trying to use.

Windows 95

The string can be added to the Extra Settings section of Modem properties. To get there go to Control Panel, double click on Modems, click on the Connection Tab, click on the Advanced button, then you can type the string into the box marked, Extra Settings.

• Q: Whenever I receive a lot of data, my Modem Blaster hangs up after awhile.
• A: There are two things you can try:

1. Ensure that your communication software uses RTS/CTS or Hardware Flow Control, and NOT DSR/DTR flow control. When the communication buffer is full your computer will drop DTR to signal the modem to stop sending data but the modem reads this as: Hang up the line, which it promptly does!

• Windows 95 Only

1. You may change the flow control setting in the properties of your modem under Connection in the Advance setting.

• Q: How do I get a better connection other than 2400 BPS? (My modem is slow!)
• A: There are a couple things you can try:
• Windows 95

1. In the Control Panel under Modem Properties, you can change the Maximum Speed setting to 115200. This will cause the modem to always try and use the fastest speed the modem it is connecting with can use.
2. Also, make sure that you are using the correct error and flow control settings. You can view and change these settings under Modems Properties in the Control Panel. Click on the Properties button, then click on the Connection tab, then click on the advanced button. The Advanced Connection Settings dialog box will appear. You can then change your error control and flow control settings. Default settings are usually set to use error control, compress data, and hardware flow control.

• Windows 3.x/MS-DOS

1. You must adjust the speed settings in each communications program individually. See your user's manual for the program you are trying to use.

• Q: My modem does not hang up or stays online.
• A: If the software seems to have difficulty in hanging up from a communication or displays the message "Already On Line" or a similar message, go to command state or the terminal emulation screen, and enter AT&C1&D2&W. Now try to hang up the modem and exit the software. This should solve the problem.
• Q: Why do I have two jacks in the adapter to connect the phone line to the modem?
• A: The two jacks in the SafeJackÔ adapter allow you to connect a phone to the modem along with a phone line. Any incoming calls can be answered even while the computer is connected to the telephone wall jack. Although, no calls can come through while the modem is in use.

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Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you as a service from the Technical Support Department of WinBook Computers. It is intended to assist you in the resolution of your technical problems or questions. If you feel uncomfortable implementing any of the information or suggestions contained herein then you should e-mail the WinBook Technical Support Department. WinBook will not be held responsible for any loss of information, data or programming as a result of the use of this TechNote.