How to Change Modem Speed in Internet Options

Microsoft Windows provides multiple choices for connecting your computer to the Internet. One of these is by using a modem, either built into your computer or connected externally. When using a modem for connecting to the Internet, one of the settings which can be modified within Internet Explorer is the modem speed. Internet providers will have a maximum speed at which you can connect to them, so setting your modem at a greater speed than your provider is set at will do nothing to improve your connection. Modem speed can easily be reset by virtually anyone with basic computer skills.

Instructions

1. Click on your start button in order to open a list of programs on your computer.

2. Click on the "All Programs" selection in your start menu.

3. Locate the "Internet Explorer" icon and double-click on it. This will open Microsoft Internet Explorer and allow you to make modifications to the settings.

4. Click on the "Tools" button to bring up a pop-up menu; on the menu click on "Internet Options."

5. The "Internet Options" screen has multiple tabs; locate the "Connections" tab and click on it.

6. Select the name of the connection you wish to modify by clicking on it and then click on the "Settings" button. This opens the "Dial-up Connection settings" screen, which allows for modifications to the settings.

7. At the bottom of the screen is a section entitled "Dial-up settings." Click on the "Properties" button in this section.

8. This screen shows the hardware used for the selected connection and should show your modem. Make certain that this shows the connection that you wish to change. Click on the "Configure" button to open the "Modem Configuration" screen.

9. The first combo box, or drop-down box, at the top of the screen is the "Maximum speed (bps)". This is where you will make the speed selection for your modem. Simply choose the maximum speed you wish to have your modem use and then click on the "OK" button to save that setting.

10. Continue clicking on the "OK" button on each of the open screens until they are all closed and you are back to your Internet Explorer screen.

Tips & Warnings

• When using a modem to connect to the Internet, the connection speed on your computer will never be higher than the system which you are connecting to.

• If your modem is set to 115,200 and you are connected to a provider which has a connection speed of 19,200 you will connect at the slower speed of 19,200.

• Your connection speed will not always be the maximum selected, even when your provider has that speed as well.

• Always select the fastest speed that your provider has available.