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My computer is connected to the internet through an ADSL model. Every time I install a Windows Update and reboot, my ADSL modem refuses to work and I am unable to connect to the internet. The only workaround for this issue is to disconnect the modem from the power source and USB, then use System Restore to restore the PC to a point before the update was installed. Then, after the PC has restarted, reconnect the ADSL modem. How can I stop this problem from occurring? The computer is running Windows XP Professional SP2.

Ever since installing a new modem, the computer exhibits some really strange behaviour. Without any user intervention the computer turns itself on, however if the modem is disconnected from the computer it will not turn itself on. When the computer turns itself on, and I attempt to establish an internet connection, a message appears stating that the modem is in use, however the phone line is clear. If I restart the computer I can establish an internet connection without a problem. Once on the internet, web pages load very slowly and occasionally Internet Explorer cannot even access these web pages and returns a message ‘Site not available’. However, if I try to access the site immediately again the problem does not occur. The computer is running Windows XP with ZoneAlarm firewall.

When Windows starts a message appears saying ‘Cannot register with sm56 driver. Press OK to exit’. The problem only began to occur after installing Norton Antivirus 2005. The computer is running Windows XP.

When attempting to dial a connection to my ISP, the following message appears: ‘The modem is not responding properly. Please verify that the modem is plugged into the computer and to the telephone line’. When I try again, another message appears: ‘You have been disconnected from the computer you dialled’. On checking the device’s tab, there is a plus next to modem. I have checked all the plugs and everything is connected. The modem is an internal modem. The computer is running Windows 98 with Internet Explorer 5.

Recently I purchased a new computer plus a new 56K modem. The computer is running Windows XP Home Edition. My ISP set-up gave me no problems using my old computer, however, as soon as I tried accessing the internet with my new set-up I had five different error messages (718, 678, 734, 721, and 797). The connection only takes place after I turn off the computer and back on again (of course) and only then after several more attempts. When a connection is established, the access time is unacceptable (up to a minute). I have contacted the ISP who suggested putting two commas in front of and after the phone number (done) and extra modem initialisation command (at&fx3). But neither suggestion has fixed the problem. Can you help?