Windows 7 - WMP 12 freezes after installing a new modem

Hi, I just installed a new Digilink Digisol broadband modem. The drivers were pre Windows 7 era But since I couldn't find any new ones had to install whatever came with the package. I checked for updated drivers with driver genius. But none could be found

The internet is working fine but, Windows Media Player 12 keeps freezing almost all the time The player instantly unfreezes, when I turn the modem off.

The network and sharing window takes longer to open, previously it used to open instantly. Also, the Local Area Connection Status window, when I try to move, freezes severely, as well

The issues that I have mentioned above happens in both of my two rigs, with very different hardware configuration, with only Windows 7 x64 common between them.

Is this a junk modem Please help.

Modem Info - Digisol - DG-BG1100U

PC - Core i7, Asus Rampage II Extreme, 12 GB Kingston Memory, ATi HD 4870 Crossfire.
Core 2 Quad 9550, Asus DG41 Motherboard, 4 GB Corsair Dominator, Nvidia GTS 250.

Regards.

Hello BubbadaCaveman. Welcome to the Forum.

I've never heard of a "driver" for an external modem - I'm pretty sure you must be installing an "Easy Installation" software package. Personally I do not install any software for external broadband modems.

I would turn off the modem, disconnect it, then uninstall the software, then do a "System Restore" to a point before you installed the software.

Make sure WMP is working correctly again, then turn on the modem and connect it. You should get internet access immediately.

Make sure you are connecting in Windows networking by DHCP and not a static IP though. You would only have a static IP if you set it up. If you went by all the default setting you will be on DHCP already.

You can normally access the modems configuration using any common web browser. You just type in the IP address of the modem in the address bar and hit ENTER. (The IP is in your manual, or you can look it up now seeing as it is installed - it is usually http://192.168.100.1/info or similar).

Hi! TVeblen thanks for the warm welcome.

Indeed I haven't seen an external modem requiring drivers either. My previous modem that my ISP gave me just had to be connected to the Ethernet Port of the Computer and needed no other configuration at all. A new connection through Windows did the job.

But with this one I have to connect it to the USB and the Ethernet port of the Computer for the internet to work. As soon as I connect it to the USB Windows check for drivers and fails. So I am left with no other choice, and have to install the drivers from the CD. The CD also contained an "Easy Installation" software. But that I used later, after installing the drivers.

Yes, once when I didn't use the "Easy Installation" I used the modem configuration page (192.168.1.1) to setup the modem. Also for the internet to work I had to the following-

Network and Sharing > Change Adapter Settings > USB Remote NDIS Device(newly created after the driver installation) > Properties > TCP/IPv4 > Properties > IP address : 192.168.1.10, Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0, Default Gateway : 192.168.1.1.

The above instruction were given in the manual.


Regards.

I forgot to mention one more thing, the driver was unsigned.

I'm learning something new here. I've never used a USB remote NDIS device before. I'm not wrapping my head around the need for a USB connection at all.

I took a quick look at this paper: USB Remote NDIS Devices and Windows and it makes me wonder if that modem is just old tech - a system tried and abandoned. If it is, you are left with the classic decision: work to find a driver that will work in Windows 7, or scrap it and buy new tech.

If you decide to try and keep it you could take a look at this:
Windows 7 USB Driver for BSNL C 2110

Sorry I can't be more help. You might try posting your question in the NETWORKING forum here. You are more likely to get a networking guru who has experience with these devices to see it there.

Hi! TVeblen.

I am not sure why it needs the USB, and on top of that it uses USB 1.1. I am now pretty sure the modem is from jurassic period LOL. Anyway, I choose the second option, of throwing it out the window, so much for being a cheapskate LOL.

Thanks for you replies.

I thought, before throwing it out, why not experiment. So in the modem configuration page, I chose something different this time. Instead of "PPPOE" I chose "Bridge" in the Connection Type. And Voila, I don't need the USB or the drivers anymore, I can connect to the internet by just creating a new internet connection from windows. And no more WMP 12 freezing. Woohoo.

Just thought I should share my experience with everyone.

Bye.

Nice work! Congrats