Special tools help you get more performance from America Online 3.0!
SerialSpeed 230 can boost your modem's connect rate up to 230,000 BPS when using America Online.
In order to make sure you're getting the maximum performance from America Online, we have
included special tools and step-by-step instructions.
Note: You must be using the AOL 3.0 Final Edition. Older versions and "preview" versions will not work. If you are using AOL 2.7, please refer to "AOL 2.7 Users Read Me!" file for the appropriate patch files and instructions. These patch files are updated as necessary to maintain compatibility with current AOL software; check the Brookline Software web site (www.brooklinesw.com) for updated files as needed.
Step 1: Try to connect to America Online
Make sure your system works to this point. If you can connect, check your mail and sign off, then you are ready to proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Install SerialSpeed 230 and configure it properly
In most cases, the default SerialSpeed 230 settings will be appropriate:
Modem Port: Set All Speeds to 230,000 BPS
Printer Port: Set None
If your modem does not support 230,000 BPS, try 115,000 BPS instead.
Reboot to activate SerialSpeed 230.
Step 3: Check your America Online setup
Launch America Online and hit the Setup… button. You will see a screen like this: (AOL 3.0)
Which connect method are you using?
If you are using TCP, you are done and can start using AOL immediately at the accelerated speed!
If you are using AOLNet, AOLGlobalNet, SprintNet, or Tymnet, keep following the directions below.
Make a note of the connection file(s) you use, you will need this information later.
Check your connection speed, We recommend setting the connection speed to 57,600 BPS. SerialSpeed will then accelerate AOL to 230,000 BPS or 115,000 BPS!
Make sure that hardware handshaking is checked.
Make sure your modem type is set correctly, you need to be using the proper modem file.
Step 4: Important Disclaimer!
In the following steps, you will be making changes to America Online configurations. The procedures are simple and relatively foolproof, but they are not supported by America Online Inc. and their tech support cannot help you with them. If you have difficulties, contact Brookline Software, and we'll happy to help.
Step 5: Patch your connection file(s)
Open the “AOL 3.0 speedup” folder. You will see several “patch” applications. These applications will patch your connection files to enable high speed operation.
A backup copy of your original connection file will be saved so you can always return to your original setup.
You made a note of the connection file(s) you use in step 3. Launch the corresponding patch application (for example, AOLnet 3.0 Speedup). Read the instructions, then press the Patch… button. A file dialog will appear:
Your connection files are located inside the “Online Files” folder, which is inside your America Online folder. Select the appropriate file, and press the Patch… button.
If the patch completes successfully, your old file will be renamed "AOLnet backup" or similar. If the patch fails, your old file will be preserved.
Only patch the connection files you use; leave the other files untouched.
Step 6: Check your modem file
Note: If you use a US Robotics Sportster modem, you should skip this step. Your modem will still operate at top speed, but it cannot report the top speed (115Kbps) operation to America Online.
Launch AOL 3.0, press the Setup button, then press the Edit Modem Profile button in the "Modem Configuration" section of the dialog. You will be presented with a screen like this one:
First, choose the Create Copy As: radio button, and type in a new name for the modem file. In the example above, we've simply added the word "FAST" to the name.
Next, you need to make sure that the Configuration modem command is set up to report the "DTE" speed
when a connection is established. (for example, "CONNECT 230000, CARRIER 28800")
Instructions for popular modems:
SupraFAX 288 Modem: Check the Configuration command, make sure it contains a W0 command. Add the W0 command if it does not exist. If the line has W, W1 or W2 instead, remove those commands. Do not change anything else. The changed modem string should look like this: Q0E0V1X4W0
Global Village Teleport Platinum: Check the Configuration command, make sure it contains a W1 command. Add the W1 command if it does not exist. If the line has W, W0 or W2 instead, remove those commands. Also, change S95=1 to S95=44. The changed modem string should look like this: &F1S95=44Q0E0V1X4W1
Other Modems
Many modems use the W2 command to enable this feature. Check your modem manual to make sure this command works with your modem.
Check the Configuration command, make sure it contains a W2 command. Add the W2 command if it does not exist. If the line has W, W0 or W1 instead, remove those commands. Do not change anything else.
Hit the Save Changes button, and you're ready to use America Online at top speed!
Step 6: Try it out!
Sign on to America Online. You should now see "Step 3: Connected at 230,000 BPS" or "115,000 BPS"! Enjoy America Online at the fastest speed possible!
In case of trouble - how to remove all the changes you made
The above steps should work without trouble. But if something goes wrong, here's all you have to do:
First, don't panic. Launch AOL, press the Setup button, and select the original modem type from the popup menu (instead of the "Fast" version that you created in step #6.)
If this gets you back online, you will still be getting the full speed increase, but AOL won't be reporting the speed to you - it will still say "Connecting at 28,800 BPS" or similar. This shouldn't be a problem.
If you're still having trouble, the "Speedup Patcher" applications make backup copies of your connection files (called "AOLnet backup" or similar) so you can throw out your patched connection file and rename the copy, restoring it as well.
After doing those two steps, quit and restart America Online. Things should work properly. As long as you've got SerialSpeed installed, you will be getting the speed boost.
If these two steps don't get you back online, then remove SerialSpeed 230 from your Control Panels folder and reboot. This will remove SerialSpeed 230 from your system and allows you to use your computer normally.
If the last step doesn't work, reinstall America Online from a fresh diskette or CD-ROM (one's probably in your mailbox right now :-) Use the "upgrade" feature to preserve your settings. That will definitely fix everything!
If you are still having difficulties, contact Brookline Software (help@brooklinesw.com) and we will be happy to assist.
Note: America Online is a registered trademark of America Online Inc. All other trademarks used in this document are property of their respective owners.
