Built-in RJ-11 Modem Question

[Orson]

Hello all,

Ok, right to the point:

I just bought a T60 for my in-laws (not very computer savvy, so this will be *far* more machine than they need). They'd like to be able to use a dial-up ISP when they're on vacation.

Luckily, I'll be able to set up and configure the machine before they take it away. However, since we don't have a land-line, I won't be able to test the built-in modem.

--Do I need to do anything special (driver DL, config, etc) to prepare the machine for using the modem?
--If not, is there a built-in utility that will be effective and EASY for them to use?

Sorry for the elementary question, but I haven't set up a non-high-speed connection in over ten years(!!).

Thanks,

Orson

[GomJabbar]

To install the modem drivers, you first need to install or verify that the Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) High Definition Audio class driver (888111) is installed. You can install that from the Windows XP update modules in the link below. You should be able to verify the installation with Software Installer or Windows Add or Remove Programs (you will probably need to tick box to "Show updates").

Common Microsoft Windows XP update modules (US only) - ThinkPad R51e, X41 Tablet, X60, X60s, X60 Tablet, T60, T60p, Z60m, Z60t, 3000 C100, N100

After the above is installed, then you can install or verify that the modem driver is installed. You can install that from the link below.

Modem driver for Windows 2000, XP, Vista (32 and 64bit) - ThinkPad R60, R60e, R61, T60, T60p, T61, X60, X60s, X60 Tablet, Z60m, Z60t, Z61e, Z61m, Z61p, Z61t

To learn how to set up a connection, type in Dial Up Connection in Windows Help and Support off of the Start Menu.

[Orson]

Wow, thanks for the excellent reply! That pretty much covered it all right there, I guess...

Just out of curiosity, though: That seems like a fairly large amount of hoops to jump through, just to use a built-in (and technologically rudimentary) feature! Any idea why this is the case? Is it simply a symptom of the vastly decreased use of telephone modems over the last 5-10 years?

Thanks again,

Orson

[Kyocera]

\you should just make sure they have a dial up connection at home and can install the software to configure their dial up connection, if they know the number and password to thier \isp server they can just use the built in windows dial up helper to dial out, that's how i used to do it.

[GomJabbar]

As you receive the notebook from the factory, all the necessary drivers should be installed. I only posted the above because I did not know if you were acquiring a brand-new T60 or a second-hand one.

There seems to be a number of people that blow away the factory preload in favor of a custom, leaner install (personally I do not feel this is a good idea). They oftentimes do not get all the drivers installed properly.

Regarding setting up the Dial Up Connection, that will always be necessary.

EDIT: Kyocera is right. Many of the larger ISP's give you software that sets up the Dial Up Connection automatically. No need to set it up manually in Windows - although this is certainly possible and the preferred method of many.