How to detect Download Speed in Windows 7

Joblo · 27 Sep 2013

Hi, just upgraded from XP to Windows 7 today and would really like to know what download speed my dial up is running at?? Previously in XP you only had to move the cursor over the little "monitor" thingy in the right hand corner of the taskbar which also "lit up" whilst you were actively surfing websites. Not so in Windows 7 which is a disappointment. Any clues would be appreciated good folk.

maxie · 27 Sep 2013

Hi there .. Welcome to Seven Forums .. Go to the Task Manager and Network Dont you just hate Dialup

Hanna 1 · 27 Sep 2013

Welcome Joblo
When you press the Start button then choose All Programs you see Desktop Gadget Gallery. Go there and download "Network Meter".
In the options of the program choose "" wired Network " . That's all.
Good luck

Joblo · 27 Sep 2013

Thanks folks, yep not rapt with dial up but where we live in the sticks it's still the only option.

maxie · 27 Sep 2013

I know what you mean its better than nothing :)

strollin · 27 Sep 2013

What you saw in XP when you hovered over the "monitor thing" was the connection speed between the router and the computer, not the download speed.

If you really want to know the download speed of your connection, go to speedtest.net and run a test.

Unfortunately, with dialup the only thing you'll find from doing a speed test is that your connection is slow.

Joblo · 30 Sep 2013

Further question on dial up in W7, seem to be having "drop outs" regularly which was not the case with XP, are there any program conflicts etc in W7 that could be causing this?? W7 was installed by my tech guy and it's the same Agere modem which worked just fine in XP. Any clues as to what could be causing the disconnects would be appreciated.

strollin · 30 Sep 2013

What model Agere modem? Maybe there's a newer driver available for it.

Joblo · 30 Sep 2013

Thanks for that, checked the driver, Windows ascertained it's the best driver currently. Australia is currently rolling out the National Broadband nationwide, originally to be fibre to the home [93% of homes] but with our change of Government it now appears it will fibre to the node only, alas I'm in the other 7% where we will have either Wireless or Satellite coverage only [Government guarantee] so as not to place those of us that live off the beaten track with "comparable" internet access to city dwellers but that is up to 2 years away.

strollin · 01 Oct 2013

I know what you're dealing with. We live in a rural area where there is no cable or DSL or anything like that available. We've used dialup, ISDN, satellite, and now, wireless. The wireless works pretty well but it's expensive. For several years we had a 1.5M connection that cost $167/month. About a year ago, our ISP lowered that to $91/month. Recently, I was able to upgrade to a 4M connection for $138/month. I couldn't justify paying these prices but I work from home so my employer covers it.