Init Strings

What is an Init String and What Does it Mean to Me?

Modems use a string of characters called initialization strings that relay a series of commands to activate the modem. Init strings help two modems talk to each other, somewhat like a translation program. You can relate this to the difference between American English and The King's English dialects. For example, in the United States we call a large vehicle used to haul goods a "truck." In England, it is called a "lorry." If your modem and our modems are not speaking to each other in the same "dialect," you will not achieve a good, fast connection.

Where Can I Find an Init String for My Modem?

Please visit http://www.modemhelp.org, a Web site that has initialization strings for most modem manufacturers and models:

Where do I put an Init String?

For Windows 95/98/ME, please follow the following directions:

1. Go to Start > Settings and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Modem Control Panel.
3. Click the modem listed in the Control Panel and select Properties.
4. Select the Connection tab.
5. Click on the Advanced Properties button.
6. In the Extra Settings field, put the init string here.
7. Click OK.
8. Click OK again.
9. Click the Close button to exit the modem control panel.

For For Windows XP, please follow the following directions:

1. Click on the Windows Start button and select Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Phone and Modem Options icon.
3. Click the Modems tab, select your modem, and select Properties.
4. Select the Advanced tab.
5. In the Extra Initialization Commands text box, type the init string.
6. Click OK.
7. Click OK again.
8. Click on the Close button to exit.