Macintosh Troubleshooting - Macintosh Modem Scripts

If you have a Macintosh or Power Macintosh computer using Open Transport PPP (OT/PPP) or Remote Access (in later Mac Operating Systems) to dial in and connect to the Internet, your computer requires an appropriate modem script for your type of modem. If your modem is experiencing problems connecting or experiences an overly long modem negotiation process (hearing the modem tones for more than 30 seconds), an immediate disconnect after negotiation, an erratic, slow connection, or frequent disconnects -- downloading and installing the latest modem script for your particular modem will often fix the problem.

How do I know if I am using OT/PPP or Remote Access and need a Modem Script?

If you don't know what dialler you are using to connect to iiNet follow the simple instructions below:

• Click Apple
• Click Control Panels
• If you see: PPP or Remote Access, it means you are most likely using Open Transport Dialler which requires a modem script
• You should also see Modems in Control Panels, that is where you choose the script for your modem
• If you see FreePPP or ConfigPPP/MacPPP you are not using Open Transport and do not need a modem script
  Please note that it is possible to install FreePPP and use FreePPP on Open Transport Macintosh, but if you are using FreePPP you do not need a modem script, you can change the modem properties by inserting an initialisation string For help on modem strings, please refer to Dialup Modem Help.

Where do I get a Modem Script from?

You should have a modem script list in Modems in Control Panels. If your modem type is not listed there, check the CD or a disk that would have come with your modem or your system. MacOS8 and higher provide an extensive number of scripts to cover most modem brands, you will need to run the installation disk again to install the modem scripts. If you cannot locate the script for your modem, you can visit the modem manufacturer's site (Also usually mentioned in the manual that came with your modem).

Can I create my own modem script?

Yes, it's not hard either.

Firstly, take a look at our Dialup Modem Help Page for an initialisation string for your modem, then follow the instructions for your OS.

Classic Mac OS 7

Follow the instructions for one of the programs listed below:

• FreePPP v262 dialer
• ConfigPPP

Classic Mac OS 8 & 9

1. Download the Modem Script Generator 1.00 for Classic Mac OS (this is not for use with OS X)
2. Once you download the HQX file, you will need to decode it with Stuffit Expander.
3. Once expanded run the application
4. Insert the initialisation string you wish to use.
5. Name the script, something like 'iiNet Script'
6. Save the script to the 'Modem scripts' folder in the 'Extensions' folder in the 'System Folder' on your Hard drive.
7. Go to the Apple Menu then Control Panels and then Modems.
8. In the Modems control panel next to the 'Modem field' select your newly made modem script.

Mac OS X: Modem Script Generator 4.1.0

Instructions:

1. Download the file above
2. If not done automatically, unstuff the file with StuffIt Expander
3. In the new folder 'MSG410' run the Generator by double clicking on the file 'MacOSX MSG 4.1.0'
4. Insert the initialisation string you wish to use.
5. Name the Script
6. Build the Script
7. Save the script into the following folder:
   'your hard disk:Library:Modem Scripts' or '/Library/Modem Scripts'
8. Select your new script in the 'Network System Preferences'

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