An employee of the UK company called 'Three' has told me they have an issue with this wireless modem I have. Although this has been contradicted by the company, it does appear to be the type of modem I have been using that is at fault.
However, it has not been easy to isolate this problem. I had previously (but VERY BRIEFLY) tested my modem on another PC in another geographical location - and it appeared to work. However, combined with the variable signal I receive at my my hotel, the modem repeatedly failed. I should add that I had the same problems occurred at my previous accommodation - which does receive a good signal. So, I suspect that wherever you take this modem, it is prone to eventual failure.
I can also add that it failed and crashed my system during connection, but without surfing. Just having it connected was enough to get the dreaded 'Blue Screen Of Death' .
The modem model is: HUAWEI E220N (HSDPA USB). The IMEI number is: 358193015995492.
Microsoft may wish to add to it's knowledge database that this modem can cause crashes when wireless signal reception is (at least) variable.
My current working modem is an 'ICON 225' connected to the 'Orange Broadband' network. I've had this extensively in operation for most of this week and not even a hint of crashing. Therefore, the crisis is over.
In closing, I would add that I realise that Microsoft do have a list of approved modems, but it's too limited and possibly US-orientated. I'm in the UK. Microsoft really needs to sort out this matter and help UK users have a clearly defined list of approved wireless modems to choose from - as well as a blacklist of dangerous ones (such as the HUAWEI E220N).
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Apr 19th, 2008
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