 Works Great With Windows XP .... NOT !!! Strengths: Box looks nice
Weaknesses: Unreliable Driver, Lackluster Tech Support, Low Connect Speeds
Summary: The text on the package claims "Works Great With Windows XP". I strongly beg to differ. At least not with my Windows XP Professional SP2 level system.
I bought this particular modem model for $34 because it had the highly regarded Lucent chipset ("N" model suffix) and an onboard DSP to help reduce CPU overhead.
My original OEM modem just seemed way too slow at 38 KPS and I hoped a new modem might improve my chances of higher connect speeds.
The Zoom modem driver installed clean enough, but then even though I tried 14 different access numbers from my ISP I could not connect above 28.8 KPS. This modem seemed to be struggling to establish every connection.
After about 15 minutes of use at 28.8 KPS, I got a Windows XP "Blue Screen Of Death" with the message "DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL" and Windows crashed...hard!
Downloaded another driver from their web site and installed it but it was the same version as on the distributed CD-ROM. The driver was dated in 2001. Was Windows XP even out then???
The Driver is also not certified for use with Windows XP and a Microsoft warning comes up during the install to that effect.
Emailed tech support about the Blue Screen and they asked for the modem bar code info. I never heard back on that. I also asked if an INIT string would help the connect speed and was told none would help.
The next night I even tried an RFI line noise filter and a new telephone cable with no connect speed improvement.
The same night another "Blue Screen" with same error. The "Send Error" dialog to Microsoft said "Error Caused By Driver". I think the message is clear. This driver does NOT work with Windows XP!!!
Connect speeds were consistently worse the than OEM modem I was trying to replace.
Even the online user product registration failed because their server was down!
I put my old OEM modem back in and it connected right away at 37.2 KPS. Not fast but certainly better than the Zoom and I never got a "Blue Screen" from it.
The Zoom modem is going back ASAP. Avoid this one !!!
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