brucec32's Full Review: 3Com HomeConnect DSL Modem (3CP3617B-VZN)
In almost 20 years of computer use, I have never been so frustrated trying to install a component as I was with this modem. I'm no techie, but usually if I follow instructions, I can pop a component in and have it up and running in a few minutes. No so with the HomeConnect ADSL PCI modem.
I can't blame it all on 3com, however, since my problem was caused by Microsoft and their new Windows ME operating system. Here's what happened. I had an exisiting 3com ADSL modem in my old PC running Windows 95. It worked great in about 10 minutes. Super-easy install. Then, I purchased a new Dell P-IV system that was only offered with Windows ME. I wanted DSL access in my new PC, but also wanted to keep my old system as a backup in my bedroom. So, rather than mess with routers and running cables through my house, or expensive wireless setups that I don't understand much either, I opted to simply buy another DSL modem and install it in my new system. The version of software I had did not support Windows ME, but I assumed the new unit would have the up-to-date drivers needed to run smoothly. Boy was I wrong.
First of all, did you know that DSL modems are HARD TO FIND on the internet? I had to do a lot of searching to find this unit. I finally purchased it from some company I'd never heard of, taking a chance that they would deliver. It did arrive, but the version they sent did not support Windows ME, either, even though Windows ME had been out for a few months. I found this out only after running the install program, where it promptly crashed. I had assumed that since it was for Windows 2000, it would run on Windows ME systems too. WRONG again.
Anyway, I figured that all I had to do was give 3com a quick call, and they'd show me where to download the software I needed. WRONG YET AGAIN! After jumping through hoops, waiting on hold, and giving them my serial numbers, the tech support person curtly told me "Windows Me is not supported" and when I asked when it would be, was told "we do not have that information at this time" and he hung up. I was shocked that 3com (which I used to own stock in when it was US Robotics) would offer a modem for sale that they did not support. I called my internet provider for help, and they tried, but were unable to get it running. My worst problem was with the 3com install program. Once you try and fail to install, it messes up so that even when you do find the proper drivers, it won't let you complete the install process. I must have spent 30 hours on this thing. I would have returned it but I wasn't sure where I would find another DSL modem. Finally, Bellsouth, my internet provider, was nice enough to send me an external USB unit from another maker, and it worked fine. I then shipped them my US Robotics DSL modem and they called it even. Yes, the Windows ME drivers did exist, but for some odd reason, 3com tech support insisted it wasn't supported. My mother had similar problems with her identical modem using Windows Me. She was able, after hours with tech support, to get it running, but for some reason, 3com didn't have their act together back in January, when this happened.
As far as operation, the unit works fine on my old Win 95 system. Downloads are fast, it never disconnects, and I'm very happy with it. But make sure you buy one that is marked "for Windows Me" on the box or you will have a hard time finding and installing the drivers to use it.
As far as buying this modem, I think 3com needs to do a much better job of getting it into stores and marketing it on the internet. Even at their own website, I couldn't find a way to buy it direct. I would recommend this modem if you have a desktop and want a quality DSL modem that is cheaper than external units, but I prefer external units for their flexibility, especially since the PCI version here cannot be networked.
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