Internet Service Providers (ISP) Settings - Troubleshooting
For Version 1.0 and 2.x Handheld PCs, Palm size PCs and Pocket PCs
By Chris De Herrera, Copyright 1997- 2001
Version 2.02   Revised 1/28/2001

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Sections:  Introduction, Compatible ISPs, ISP Settings - International, Partially/Incompatible ISPs, WWW E-Mail, Troubleshooting, Settings Description

Troubleshooting/Optimizing:

I recommend that you download a Ping utility to confirm that you are connected and working correctly with your ISP.  You can find a list of Ping utilities on the Network Utilities FAQ.

1. Remove the Log On, Software Compression, Header Compression and domain settings.  Set the baud rate to 9600.  If you are connecting to a 56k number and are not using a 56k modem, add 4 -6 commas after the phone number in the dial string (This forces the modem to wait before listening to the 56k carrier).  If your modem answers but hangs up right away, you may need to use the additional setting of ATS95=0.
2. If your ISP requires you to manually enter your user name and password via the terminal, make sure that you leave the username and password blank in the Dialup Networking.
3. Attempt to connect.  If this fails, you will need to call your ISP.
4. Increase the baud rate to modem's rated speed or next higher setting and Connect.  Lower the baud rate until it connects.
5. Add back the Header Compression and Connect.  Remove it if it fails to connect.
6. Add back the Software Compression and Connect.  Remove it if it fails to connect.
7. If you are unable to surf the web but you are connected, try connecting to http://198.133.219.25 (http://www.cisco.com's IP address) in Pocket Internet Explorer.  If this works, then call your ISP and verify the DNS settings.
8. If you are having trouble sending e-mail, try adding angle brackets around the e-mail addresses for sending.(<name@domain.net>)  If this works, don't forget to do that for your return e-mail address as well.  This is required to maintain RFC compliance for e-mail.
9. If you are having trouble receiving messages that are longer than 31k in length - this is a known limitation of Windows CE.  There is no work around to receive the messages.
10. When using the internal modem of a Velo 500, Sharp HC-4100, HC-4500, HC-4600, LG Ultra you may need this init string S51=15.   This is required for Concentric Network and possibly other ISPs.
11. If you are using a Nino, use the init string S8=6.  This is required for all ISPs.
12. If you are having problems accessing your e-mail, you should enter your return address in the optional field for Inbox.

Your system is now optimized for connecting to your ISP!

Settings Description:

Windows CE dialup configuration is very similar to Windows 95.  Please review these descriptions before attempting a connection. Here is a description of the parameters:

IP Address - The IP address is either assigned by the server (dynamic address) or you must enter it (static address).

Log on to Network - This option is for dialup to a Windows for Workgroups/Windows 95/Windows NT server.  You must enter a domain name at the same time you enter your username and password.  This is not normally used to connect to ISPs.

Software Compression - Software compression is used to "shrink" packets that are sent over the phone line to increase the speed of the connection.  I recommend that you first establish a connection with your ISP before you turn this option on.  In some cases, you will not be able to use software compression.

IP Header Compression - This is standard Jacobsen header compression used by almost all the ISPs.  I recommend that you first establish a connection with your ISP before you turn this option on.  In some cases, you will not be able to use header compression.

DNS Address - This is the address of the server that maps the host names to the actual IP addresses.  All ISPs use these, but some are set by the server at the time you log on.

WINS Address - This is the address of the Windows NT server that provides Netbios Naming Service.  You will only need this option if you are dialing up to a Windows NT server.  This is specific to Windows 95/98/NT/CE only.

Mail Host - The Mail host is the address for the POP3 mail server on your ISP.  You will need to know your username and password to access this.  In some cases the username and password are NOT the same as the log on username and password.

Host for Sending Messages - This is the mail host that is used to send messages via SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).  In some ISPs this is the same as the POP3 mail server.

Domain - This is the Windows NT domain name for Netbios/WINS.  You should not use this unless directed to do so by your ISP.  This is not the Internet domain name.

Other Links:

Configuring your H/PC Pro to Connect to the Internet
Network Utilities
Troubleshooting Network Connections
Connection Manager

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