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If it seems that you are consistently getting disconnected after 15 minutes, you may have the idle time out option selected. Idle time out occurs if you are connected but do not have any type of activity for a certain amount of time. This usually happens if you leave the computer to eat dinner, etc. and stay online while you do so. Since you are not actually doing anything on the Internet, you are considered idle. Most Internet Service Providers implement an idle time out policy to keep the lines free for other users who want to get online. But if you are experiencing these time outs quicker than your ISP's policy is for, you probably have the option set on your computer.

If you check your Internet Options (located in the Control Panel), you will see where this setting is located.

a. Click on the "Start" button
b. Go up to "Settings" and select "Control Panel".
c. Double-click on the icon labeled "Internet" or "Internet Options".
d. Click on the "Connection" tab and you should see your connection located in a box.
e. To the right-hand side, you will find a button that says, "Settings." Click on this button.
f. Inside the new "Settings" window you will find another button that says "Properties" that you will want to click on.
g. In the "Properties" for your connection you will find a "Configure" button at the bottom of the window. Click on "Configure".
h. You should find a tab marked "connection". When you hit this tab you will find the idle time out option located near the bottom. Make sure that this box is unchecked.

It sounds confusing but if you follow the instructions step by step, you should have no difficulty fixing this problem!

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If you attempt dialing in and get an immediate error that there is no dial tone, there is something wrong with the modem or the phone line. It is usually a problem with the modem not being plugged in correctly. Make sure that the phone line is plugged into the correct spot on the back of your computer and that it is plugged into the phone jack on the wall. If it all looks correct, unplug the computer and try an actual telephone in the jack. Does it have a dial tone? If there is a dial tone at this point it would be a safe assumption that the modem is not plugged in properly and that is what you need to fix. If there is no dial tone with the handset either, it is time to call the phone company! If there is a dial tone, and you are certain your modem is plugged in correctly, it is possible that your modem is not functioning properly. Contact your computer vendor/manufacturer if you think this is the problem. You also need to know if a 9 should be dialed for an outside line. If you are not dialing the 9 first and it is required, it may give you this error. 

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People that live in the same neighborhoods often experience variations in their Internet access. This is because there are so many contributing factors that control your connection. Phone lines (internal and external), modem brand and chipset, the Internet Service Provider’s equipment, and your location in regards to your Central Office all play very important roles in the service that you will receive. Your modem may not be quite as compatible with the service provider’s equipment as your neighbor’s may. The phone lines running through their house may be in better condition. Unless you are actually experiencing problems with the service, your connection is probably fine. You will be connecting around the maximum speed that your modem/ISP/phone lines can handle. Also see FAQ 8. 

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Even though the error that you are probably getting actually specifies that the password is incorrect, it may be referring to the username or the password. The easiest way to fix this problem is to bring up the initial "Connect to" box (where you actually press the button that says "Connect"). In this box, you will see an area for your username, an area for your password, and the phone number that you are dialing. You need to place your cursor into the area for username and delete whatever may be there (even if it appears to be correct)! After the box is empty, you will proceed to hit the delete key approximately 5-10 more times. Repeat the EXACT same process in the password area. After both fields have been completely cleared, re-enter the username and the password. What tends to cause a problem like this is an extra or unexpected character in one of the two fields, usually a space that we are unable to see.

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Removing and Reinstalling DUN

Before you do this, make sure that they have their Windows 95/98 CD.

1. Click on the "Start" button.
2. Go to "Settings" and click on "Control Panel".
3. Double click on "Add/Remove Programs".
4. Double click on "Communications".
5. Uncheck Dial-up Networking and click OK.
6. It should ask you if you want to restart your computer. Click "Yes".
7. When the computer restarts go back the "Control Panel"
8. Double click on "Add/Remove Programs".
9. Double click on "Communications".
10. Put a check back in the box next to Dial-Up Networking and click "OK".
11. When it asks you if you want to restart your computer, click "Yes".

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