Can't Connect....

[Naja]

First off this is NOT a networking problem. It deals with the single stand alone pc in my signature.

I Spent a lot of hours booted up today on and offline. My pc started slowing and then finally froze on me. I managed to save the settings, etc, but ultimately had to do a hard reboot.

Since then I cannot seem to "Sign on" to my MSN account. My modem dials and I connect, BUT it won't let me sign on. After 5 sign on attempts I get a box that says the sign on failed and that there maybe something wrong with their service or my internet connection. I've tried to sign on---on and off for 11 hrs now with the same result.

I hooked up my compaq pc, booted up and signed right on. No Problems. This compaq is what I'm writing this post with.

Since this compaq signed right on--the problem is in the pc in my signature.

Apparently something didn't save when I did the hard reboot. The modem works fine. It dials, talks and connects like its suppose to. But MSN's servers won't accept the sign-in.

Otherwise the pc works just fine.

Also, when I click my MSN connection properties the only thing I get is to enable/disable the firewall--that's it.
I ran the network connection wizard, but that didn't seem to help, and I've retyped the passwords on two different users on this account. The problem is in the pc--somewhere.

And, Yes, the one username/password are the same as this one I am using on this compaq now.

Do I need to delete my MSN connection and then re-run the wizard?

Anybody know what I can check?

And, Yes, I have already done Anti-virus scans with AVG 6.0 and PC-Cilin
and
Spyware with Spybot and Adware.

So, I'm kinda lost here.

As an added thought: The pc Clock on the pc in my sig started running 55 minutes faster for no reason, but the clock on this compaq is correct. Don't know if that means anything, but there it is.

Thanx for any Thoughts!

[Doobie]

Try Reinstalling MSN...

[Naja]

Ok, I have a MSN version 5.1 disk from 2 1/2 yrs ago.

Let me give somethings a try.

Here's an excerpt from the modem log, every one I've check has this in it and its the most obvious possibility that I can see:



0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - T r a n s m i t c h a r a c t e r s s e n t f r o m D T E : 4 5 0 5

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - R e c e i v e d c h a r a c t e r s s e n t t o D T E : 4 5 1 8

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - T r a n s m i t c h a r a c t e r s l o s t ( d a t a o v e r r u n e r r o r s f r o m D T E ) : 0

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - R e c e i v e d c h a r a c t e r s l o s t ( d a t a o v e r r u n e r r o r s t o D T E ) : 0

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - T r a n s m i t F r a m e c o u n t : 1 0 3

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - R e c e i v e d F r a m e c o u n t : 5 0

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - T r a n s m i t F r a m e e r r o r c o u n t : 0

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - R e c e i v e d F r a m e e r r o r c o u n t : 0

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - T e r m i n a t i o n C a u s e : C C T 1 0 8 T u r n e d O f f

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - D o n ' t k n o w t o f o r m a t ( 0 x 0 0 0 0 0 0 f f , 0 x 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 6 ) f o r t a g 0 x 2 a 4 d 3 2 6 3

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - 1 1 5 2 0 0 , 8 , N , 1 , c t s f l = 1 , r t s c t l = 2

0 8 - 1 5 - 2 0 0 3 1 9 : 4 1 : 5 3 . 8 2 8 - I n i t i a l i z i n g m o d e m .

*********************************************

UPDATE: Ok, I am apparently missing one or both of these files:
msncfg.dll or mbslgn32.dll

I did an Expanded search, twice, for the mbslgn32.dll with no luck.

This is the short version of what I've recently tried:

I managed to uninstall the current version of MSN Explorer, RE-install it--no luck.
Uninstalled it again, and managed to install an earlier version (5.1) in its place. Everything worked well. The pc behaved like it was suppose to and the initial online msn account setup went smooth, accepted my user name/password, etc--EXCEPT during the final acct setup I got the following error:

"MSN 5.1 Sign Up
msncfg.dll.MSNConfigure
Error:2147500037"

I proceeded forward and when I went to login the modem dialed, talked, connected and then when it tried to sign in I got the following response:

"Unable to execute connect action mbslgn32.dll. Required file could not be found."

So, I "Upgraded" the MSN Explorer with the newer version on the XP disk-No Luck. It behaved exactly as it did before: Dial, talk, connect--unable to sign in.

I've searched my pc and surfed around Windows\system32--and I cannot find these files.

Anybody know how I can get them BACK where they belong?

Ok, I just did a search on this compaq and both of these files popped right up. I wrote down the addys and I'll check the other pc, BUT this compaq is running ME and the other pc is running XP----Will that make any difference?

Can I copy these files onto a floppy and just "Put them Back"?

Almost there......

[Naja]

NEXT UPDATE: Ok, I've done and tried a lot of things and have made some really strange progress, so here is the short story:

I've read and searched, searched and read.

MSNExplorer is behaving NO differently at all. No Progress there.

I DLed a copy of mbslgn32.dll onto a floppy an put it into the XP C:\WINDOWS\System\. It didn't help the MSNExplorer at all, BUT it DID help the MSN Internet Access V.5.1
The strange this is this:
I can APPARENTLY sign on with MSNIA5.1, BUT Explorer doesn't function. The window opens, etc, but anywhere I try to go is a 404 page not found. I can connect to msmessanger, but it cannot read the files to do the "Update"--Go Figure.

This is where it gets really strange:

I am typing this on the custom pc in my sig, Yes, the one I'm having the problem(s) with, BUT I'm doing it through NETSCAPE 7 !!! Figure that one out! So, now is this an EXPLORER problem?

I've apparently managed to signin thru MSNIA5.1, but I can only surf thru Netscape.

So, the bottom line right now is:

MSNExplorer-still not working.
IE--not working
MSNIA5.1-working w/signon hassles
Netscpae7-working

***?

I've tried to do an XP repair thru the Recovery Console, but its all latin to me. I tried different things, but managed not to screw anything esle up. WHEW! In short, It was a waste of time since I don't know what I'm doing with it.

HELP!

[andyms18a]

have you tryed system restor click start programs accesseres system tools system restor and chose restor my computer then from the date box that comes up pick a date from befor the problam started and hit apply note only the dates in bold have restore points

[Dan]

Hi Naja-
have you tried a repair of Explorer?
(go to add/remove programs and choose IE. you'll be give an option to repair or modify, choose repair)....
also, when you moved the missing files, did the machine you took them from have the same os installed? and did search for them on the machine you took them from through start/find? if so did you notice the directory they werer in and install them in the same folder?
sometimes it takes more than just moving or replacing a file, some files have to be registered. there may be a thread here about how to do this, try a search for "registering files".....
and....when you did the uninstall of MSNExplorer, did you reboot before reinstalling it? if so, I'd try it again, reboot, run regclean, reboot and then reinstall.

[Naja]

Hi Andy,

I tried several restore points, but it would only allow me to restore today's date. It would not restore back to the others

All it would state is:

"Your computer cannot be restored to XXXXX, August xx, 2003
Installed XXXXXXXX(=whatever I installed on that date)

No changes have been made to your computer

To choose another restore point, start system restore"

It didn't matter whether I had installed something on a particular day or if it was just a "System Checkpoint"--the result was the same.
Around and around in circles!

Hi Dan.

I will try the repair explorer and see what happens. I wasn't aware of it--I'm still in the learning stages with all this stuff. What a way to learn, Huh!?!?!?

The file that I copied (msblgn32.dll) was from an ME OS and I put it into an XP OS. I followed the path and put it in the folder that it goes in. However, I am Thinking that it is a 98/ME .dll file. It hasn't hurt anything so I'll leave it there for now.

I don't know if I rebooted or not so I'll try it again. I've done so much rebooting in the last couple of days--I couldn't tell ya!

And so ya'll know: I'm still on the netscape 7, but this time I connected with the MSN Explorer--No, I could not signin, but its the same as the MSNIA5.1. Their servers reject the signin 5 times, but I don't get disconnect--so I run the Netscape!

Go Figure!


UPDATE: I just Uninstalled IE & MSN Explorer, Rebooted, Reinstalled them and--No Luck.

I checked the icons, etc and they were gone and then returned.

What I don't understand is that MSN Explorer lists 13.2MB before and after I install/uninstall it.
and
IE lists 0.0MB before and after.

Also, I did it thru add/remove windows components--they aren't listed under add/remove programs.
And I wasn't given an option to repair or modify--it just uninstalled.

NEXT UPDATE:

Went to windows update to DL Explorer. I was using Netscape so when I got there it told me that windows update can only be used with Explorer 5 or higher--Well, that's why I showed up! DLed the initial part, but for some reason could not manage to communicate with the servers for the install part.

So, I did an "Upgrade" with the XP disk. Don't ask me-its the same disk I did the original install with. hahaha. Whatever. Anyway--it didn't help.
MSN Explorer still shows the 13.2mb and IE still shows 0.0mb. Same problem(s)

Guess tomorrow I'll start searching for info on how to use the recovery console, So if anybody's got any pointers or good links, please share.

Have a good night.

[andyms18a]

the next thing to do is remove the windows me (msblgn32.dll)
as it is not the same as the xp version deleat it then click start
run and type cmd you will get a dos type box on the screan
place your winxp cd in the drive (if it auto starts close it)
then in the dos box type sfc/scannow and it will replace any damaged systom files

[bearcub]

This kind of sounds like the blaster worm to me. Except that the computer isn't turning off on it's own, just stopping the MSN connection. Symatec has a download to get rid of the worm, which doesn't effect ME O/S's. You might want to try it, even though you have run anti-virus checks. The link is http://securityresponse.symantec.com/

I wouldn't be shy about calling MSN services either. That is what they are there for. The advise you are getting here seems sound, but sometimes the techs at the service centers may know something that the rest of us don't know.

Don't loose your patience, like I do. Trust me, it doesn't help.

[Naja]

Hi Andy,

I did the SFC /scannow yesterday. It scanned and when it was done the scan box disappearred and there was no improvement, but I can try it again--it only takes a few minutes.
I can delete the mbslgn32.dll, but without it the MSNIA5.1 throws an error at signin. I don't know if I can still use netscape with either 5.1 or msnexplorer if I delete it, but I've got it on a floppy, so I can always put it back.

Hi Bearcub,

Its something, but I don't know what. Before this started (same day) I was reading about the msblast worm, and I had a strange occurance while I was getting up to date on the worm. That thread is here:

New System Registry....?

Ultimately, I've scanned with Up-to-date PC-Cilin, AVG6.0, Housecall and Symantec's online virus scanner. I've scanned with Spybot and Adware, Checked for the MS windows update for the msblast, did 2 more critical updates while I was there, and checked my firewall at "Shields Up!" and Symantec.
I don't remember if I scanned for trojans or not, but I really don't understand whether regular AV picks up trojans or if I need a specific scanner for that or what.

I can try symantec's worm cleaner--I've got nothing to loose.

As far as the other thread goes:

I can't seem to get IE or MSNExplorer to show any web pages, so I don't know if the windows freezing is still a problem or not. This inability to sigin occurred several hours later.

Let me check somethings out.

Going to find a trojan scanner (or 5)!

[andyms18a]

next try downloading internet explorer from microsoft you need to download the hole thing then uninstall netscape and install internet exp then download the msnexplorer setup prog and install that as well

[Naja]

Hi Andy,

I've tried DLing IE twice. Yesterday and today. I can do the initial DL, but when my pc tries to re-connect to their servers there is some problem with the proxy settings. I could change them thru the advanced button that is on the popup box, but I don't have any idea what to change them to.

I did the scf /scannow again. Rebooted right after-no luck.

I DLed Moosoft's "The Cleaner", scanned twice-no trojans.

I rescanned with PC-Cilin, AVG6.0, Spybot and Adware--nothing.

I took some possibilities out of quarantine in spybot and adware-rebooted-no luck-rescanned and put them back.

This is something simple. I know it is.
It's related to my doing the hard reboot-after that is when this started. A file kicked out or a registry key--something. I don't know what, but I'm not coming up with any trojans, viruses, etc.

If you have any input on the proxy settings let me know. Maybe I can get IE DLed.

Also, Why would I need to uninstall Netscape to install IE?

[andyms18a]

as netscape may have changed some dill files and set it self as the defult browser can you download the hole internet exp package befor runing setup its about 75mb
all so open internet options in control panall and go throu each tab and set to defult if posable. your proxe setings shod be auto

[Naja]

Hi Andy,

Windows Automatic Update showed up. Did a 4 plus hour Dl then about a 20 minute install. Really slow connection though. Anyway, it didn't change, or correct this problem. Urrrrrgh!

Just went to Internet Options. Both Automatically dectect IP and DNS are checked.

Msn Explorer(default)>settings>proxy server>(checked)use a proxy server for this connection (these settings will not apply to other connections)>advanced>proxy settings>HTTP:>proxy address to use: localhost>Port:8082.
Other than that I couldn't find anything that said "Automatically dectect proxy settings".?.?.?
I restet every default that I came across, and I clicked on a lot--went through each tab. I disconnected and tried to connect again-samething as before. I didn't reboot however.

I still have the IE6setup in program files>Internet explorer. That's the point when it gets stopped: When I click it the box pops up for
"Windows Update: Internet Explorer and Internet tools
Download Site
Site used to retrieve Windows Update components
Setup is determining the available sites from which you can install the update to Windows
Please wait a few minutes while setup contacts sites"

THEN another box popup that states:
"Windows update setup
Setup was unable to download information about available installation sites
Setup may have been unable to use your current proxy server settings.Click advanced if you know your proxy settings.
The network may be busy; you may retry now, or if you continue having this problem, please try setup at a later time.
Advaned button: Please type the proxy server settings for your location
(checked) connect using a proxy server.
Address: http=localhost Port:8082"
Help isn't any Help, and Retry just sends me around in the same circle.

So, Where to from here?

[bearcub]

Oh boy, I hate these kinds of problems, especially when I have them.

My suggestion, and I ain't no expert, would be to go to the "RUN" box and type in (msconfig) without the (). Enter and then when the box comes up, select the "startup" tab. Unclick the "Microsoft Works Update Detection" so that there isn't a check in the box.

I unchecked mine when I had problems getting my DSL connection to stay up. It really helped me. If it doesn't work, you can always go back and recheck it later. You might consider unchecking some other programs too, but you ought to know what they are for before getting too crazy with it.

Good luck. I hope somebody can give you the answer.

[andyms18a]

hi naja
well i am stumped the only thing i can think of now is a format and reinstall of windows xp and all your programs but some one may have a better idear

[RoyKelly]

Try this.

In your Netscape, go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en to download Internet Explorer 6 with Service Pack 1.

This is a full download which includes a full installation of Internet Explorer 6, to update the core technologies of the browser.

[Naja]

I still have the IE6setup in program files>Internet explorer. That's the point when it gets stopped: When I click it the box pops up for "Windows Update: Internet Explorer and Internet tools Download Site Site used to retrieve Windows Update components Setup is determining the available sites from which you can install the update to Windows Please wait a few minutes while setup contacts sites" THEN another box popup that states: "Windows update setup Setup was unable to download information about available installation sites Setup may have been unable to use your current proxy server settings.Click advanced if you know your proxy settings. The network may be busy; you may retry now, or if you continue having this problem, please try setup at a later time. Advaned button: Please type the proxy server settings for your location (checked) connect using a proxy server. Address: http=localhost Port:8082" Help isn't any Help, and Retry just sends me around in the same circle. So, Where to from here?

I cannot dl IE. I get the initial DL, but my pc fails to connect back for the installation part.

well i am stumped the only thing i can think of now is a format and reinstall of windows xp and all your programs but some one may have a better idear

That's pretty much the point I'm at too, Andy.

Right now my plan is to keep thinking about it, order Norton Ghost, and redo everything once I get all of my ducks in a row. I need the Ghost to copy another HD--NOT to copy this same prodlem over hehehehe. But from what I understand it can also used it to zero fill this HD and really start from scratch!

[andyms18a]

hi naja
yes gost is a good program all so have a look at your hard drive
manufactures web site as some of them like maxtor have diag software you download free and it can copy one hard drive to another and low leval format a hard drive ie zero fill i will keep looking for the fix to your problam hope we can sort it out

[Naja]

Hi Andy,

I can get system works 2003 w/ Ghost for about >$19 after shipping plus there is at least one online guide (radified.com) and a lot of folks here that have used it--so I think I'll just go with that.

I would love to find out whats wrong. I always prefer to FIX something than figure out a way to "work around it", but like you---I'm stumped.

But I DO appreciate your help and Effort--Thank You!

If you come up with any more thoughts-- please share them. Fact is stranger than fiction so ya never know--something simple or even goofy might just be the ticket!

[GaryRouth]

Have you always connected through a proxy? Usually, in plain modem dial-up connections, no proxy is necessary.

Try connecting with a straight-through Dial-Up Networking connection, and see if you're OK then.
. . . Gary

[p.s. . . . nice looking specs on that system. I did think of one more thing: there was a securty update a little while back (no, not the blaster one) that caused havoc for some internet connections (it's been fixed since) - you could try briefly uninstalling then redownloading, reinstalling a few, just to see what happens (leave the blaster fix on there though, it's all over the place)]

[RoyKelly]

Originally posted by Naja I cannot dl IE. I get the initial DL, but my pc fails to connect back for the installation part.

Naja - was this with the Windows update or from Microsoft Downloads?


One other suggestion for checking your hard drive is Gateway's GW Scan. It will work on all manufacturer's hard drives. You can find it at http://support.gateway.com/support/d...=gw+scan&st=kw

There are two versions, 5.07 and 3.15. 5.07 is for drives larger than 10GB, and both work in any version of Windows.

I use GW Scan to check drives for customers and on computers that I get as trade-ins.

[Naja]

was this with the Windows update or from Microsoft Downloads?

Yes. I still have the setup file, but everytime I click on it-it cannot connect with any sites to do the install part.

The GW 5.07 is to zero fill my HD when I get to that point, correct?
It states: " Before opening the file, please insert a blank diskette into the floppy drive that has not been formatted in Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows NT." I have some brand new floppys that are formatted for IBM & Compatibles--those willl work, right? Just don't let XP reformat them, correct?

[Xayd]

Originally posted by Naja Msn Explorer(default)>settings>proxy server>(checked)use a proxy server for this connection (these settings will not apply to other connections)>advanced>proxy settings>HTTP:>proxy address to use: localhost>Port:8082. Other than that I couldn't find anything that said "Automatically dectect proxy settings".?.?.? I restet every default that I came across, and I clicked on a lot--went through each tab. I disconnected and tried to connect again-samething as before. I didn't reboot however. Advaned button: Please type the proxy server settings for your location (checked) connect using a proxy server. Address: http=localhost Port:8082" Help isn't any Help, and Retry just sends me around in the same circle. So, Where to from here?

Unless you're using a proxy that exists on this machine you're working on you need to turn these off. Internet Options/Connections/LAN Settings. Uncheck everything.

If it tries to find a proxy and fails to find it, the connection attempt will stop right there.

The only reason you would have a proxy on the machine you're working on is if it was acting as a router for other machines (internet connection sharing, etc.). If it's not, turn these proxy options off and try again.

[Naja]

Ok, thanx for the info, but I just went there and everything was already unchecked.

What you quoted and the other info in that post is what "windows", "Explorer", whateveritis--is throwing at ME.
The Localhost and port 8082 is apparently what IE or update uses to reconnect for the installation part.

Again, I just went there and everything is unchecked.

I've always thought that LAN has to do with DSL/Cable. Sadly, I'm stuck on dial-up, so as far as I knew/know it doesn't apply to me--so I've always left that alone anyway.

[GaryRouth]

Do you run a software firewall?

(and if so, which one?)
they can be configured to block specific ports.
. . . Gary

[Naja]

Hi Gary,

I run PC-Cilin 2002. I've turn it off long enough to connect and see if explorer would work--no luck,
And I've adjusted the settings from low, medium and high. Nothing helped so I'm assuming its not the firewall.

I've also used the XP firewall with the PC-Cilin off and that didn't help either. I don't claim to know a whole lot about firewalls, so if your got any info or pointers--please let me know.

Thanx!

[GaryRouth]

Pc-Cillin is one of my favorite AntiVirus programs. I don't have 2002 - so I'm not aware if TrendMicro included a firewall with that version. The others I've seen (2001, and a 2003 promo version from a motherboard purchase) didn't include a firewall. You should be able to put any level of Security on that & still connect to MSN.

Unfortunately, I haven't been around XP much lately either (built a few machines with it when it first came out). . . so I'm not familiar with it's firewall much either. - - - the reason I asked if you used a firewall was that the MS Security Update that caused Internet connection difficulties only had that trouble when "third-party firewalls" were in use (meaning it caused trouble for a whole lot of folks, since most are using a stronger firewall than XP's built-in one (and anyone using any other version of Windows is using a "third-party", because MS didn't offer one until XP) . . . And also that they can be configured to only connect through certain manually specified ports if necessary. It doesn't sound like either of these apply to your situation. [...and the MS update was fixed not long after the bug was found]

For your security, though, especially with the latest wave of "worms" [hacker breakin exploits] on the Internet, I'd advise running a firewall of some sort, plus your PcCillin antivirus. They should be able to get along fine. [You aren't at as great a risk, theoretically, with a dial-up connection via modem as you would be with cable or DSL - but I saw a mention of a blaster infection via AOL via modem on the Symantec site - you might want to double check to see if that was confirmed (it was breaking news a few days ago when I came across it)]
_________

The proxy/MSN setup seems to be a likely area to explore a bit more to solve your current connection troubles. I'd call the MSN folks & read them the errors that deal with port 8082 and the proxy to see what they say. That's another blind spot for me: I haven't had MSN either!

Since everything else on your XP system is working fine, it's possible the MSN techs have a quick repair for the connection that shouldn't cause much havoc to all your other installed programs & data.

Hope it's working again soon
. . . Gary

[Naja]

Hi Gary,

This PC-Cilin 2002 came with my MB and has a firewall with it. So, far its great. I usually get netbiosing attack, but today I've been getting pings all day from Qwest. Don't know why. Someone in another thread has been getting pinged all day from sprint. I don't know what any of that's about.

Anyway, Initially, when I tested this firewall at "Shields Up!" and symantec(i think) it passed with flying colors. Lately the results have not been as good though. I may do those tests again and post the results for someone to explain what's up or what it is that I need to do.

This PC-Cilin may have been a promo, but its up dated all the time and seems to work Great! This is one I will pay for if it comes to that.

I'm on the net A LOT and in 7 yrs I haven't had a virus, worm, or anything yet ( unless this current problem is caused by some unknown virus, etc)

" The proxy/MSN setup seems to be a likely area to explore a bit more to solve your current connection troubles. I'd call the MSN folks & read them the errors that deal with port 8082 and the proxy to see what they say. That's another blind spot for me: I haven't had MSN either! "

I'm just really reluctant to call those people. The only reason I'm with them is because of a $400 instant reabte and a 3yr contract that expires in Jan. 2004<---won't go there again! I connect up at 28.8, sometimes 26.4-->its just pathetic as far as I'm concerned. I really just want to get away from them!
So, I've got Ghost coming and a plan laid out that will help me start from scratch and set it all up exactly the way I want it. If I still have this particular problem AFTER that-->then I will call MSN and If they can't resovle it-->I want out of the remainder of my contract.
Don't get me wrong: I would love to know how to resolve this regardless of anything else, so if you or anybody has any pointers to check this, check that, etc--Please post them. I'll check whatever it is out. Otherwise I'm just kind of sick of the whole mess.

[GaryRouth]

It's too bad your experience with MSN hasn't been the best. We have some family friends who have it, and they are pleased with their service (that's here in the L.A. area) - This is one of those things where experiences with the same overall provider can vary so widely.

Those rebates were fantastic, I wish they'd offer them all the time = but they'd probably lose money. I grabbed a $400 CompuServe rebate back when they first appeared - and when they let you buy parts and build your own & still qualify for the rebate [in my case, the money covered more than the cost of the hardware sans monitor (which we already had)]. . . Subtracting the cost of the computer from the 3yr total due CompuServe worked out to getting a full service ISP for less than $90 a year. What a deal. [my contract was over a while back, & we've moved to cable since, but we keep a teeny account for dialup for travel]

I'd still recommend trying a call to MSN before trying your Ghost project, simply because MSN rather owes it to you & probably ought to have a few ideas on the most direct fixes. You've supported them for so long, they have an obligation to return the favor.
______________
. . . just as an aside: with a v.90 or v.92 modem of any quality (even an onboard WinModem), you should be able to reach into the ~35k to 44k speed neighborhood [unless the phones in your area are absolutely abysmal] . . . and with luck and clean phone lines, 50k connections and steady throughput are possible. (just remember to have the phone line go straight to the computer first, keep that first line less than 15ft., don't use splitters, keep fax machines as far down the daisy chain as possible (away from the PC), avoid routing past EMI sources like stereos or microwaves, and make sure the connection to your ISP uses an initialization string that makes sense for your model modem [this can require some homework on your part]. Often if you can alter that string with one specific to your model & customized for your ISP - connection rates can improve dramatically. Need the right driver for the modem, too - or a better driver, when they're available. . .

Best of luck
. . . Gary