Re-using a modem

[nfn]

This is probably a really dumb question but I have very little computer knowledge. I have an old modem from when I was with Tiscali. They sent it to me together with an installation disk and that was fine. I no longer have a pc at home but my mother is keen to try the Tesco payg internet to see if she likes it. I tried to install my old modem so she could try it but unsurprisingly Tiscali doesn't recognise her phone number. Is there any way I can "unblock" the settings so we can get her online? I hope you understand what I'm trying to say!
Thanks in advance,
NFN

[koster]

You should be able to use the modem with Tesco dial-up but you definitely don't need to install any Tiscali software if you aren't going to use Tiscali.

First of all what kind of modem is it? There should be a name and model number on the modem. Does it connect via USB? If so you will need a "driver" for it.

When you say "disk" do you mean a floppy disk, not a CD?

Uninstall any Tiscali software you have installed. If the modem has a USB plug, try plugging it in. Windows will recognise it and try to find a driver for it. You can put the Tiscali disk in when it asks you, but this is not to install the Tiscali software, it is to install the driver which is on the same disk.

I might also be possible to download the modem driver from the Internet (obviously you have to do that on a computer with an Internet connection, and then copy it across).

Anyway, tell us what modem it is and we can help you further.

On the other hand, your mother could get Tesco Value Broadband for �14 per month and then she will get a free new modem from Tesco.

I was going to suggest that it would be easier just to continue using Tiscali on your mother's computer, but I'm not sure that they even do dial-up anymore. I can't see anything about dial-up on their website.

[Ice.Maiden]

Can I just add something here, nfn. I'm sure the Tiscali modem'd work, but if i was your mum, I'd stick with that company as well. They now have superb offers on. If you can get it in your area, for less than �20 a month, you get up to 8mb bb speed, free anytime phone calls and free calls to 10 other countries, PLUS free line rental. If that package isn't in your area, you still get free landline calls whenever you want, and the broadband. Think it's called their Anytime Talk Max package.

[Buenchico]

I'd also expect that the Tiscali modem should work. To test it, create a new dial-up connection using the phone number 08456389800. Log-in with the username 'guest' and password 'webguest'.

That's the guest log-in for Webtribe. (That ISP has now been taken over by another firm, which in turn has been absorbed into yet another ISP, but the log-in still works from any phone number).

If the modem is working OK, you'll be connected to the internet at local call rates. You can then either install the Tesco software (safe in the knowledge that you've got a fully functioning modem) or simply allow your mother to continue logging into Webtribe (at the same rate as she'd be charged by Tesco). If your mother wanted email (without using Tesco's service) she could either use GMail or Gawab. (Both of those services offer POP3 mail, which can be accessed via Outlook Express, as well as web-based services). See here for further information regarding a Gawab account:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Inte rnet/Question407429.html

Chris

[nfn]

Thanks guys, sorry it's taken so long to reply but I only have internet access at work and it was my day off yesterday! I'll have a play around this weekend and see if I can get things working. I'll let you know next week.

NFN