Modems use a string of characters called initialization strings that relay a series of commands to activate the modem. Init strings help two modems talk to each other, somewhat like a translation program. You can relate this to the difference between American English and The King's English dialects. For example, in the United States we call a large vehicle used to haul goods a "truck." In England, it is called a "lorry." If your modem and our modems are not speaking to each other in the same "dialect," you will not achieve a good, fast connection.

Below, you will find links to web sites that have initialization strings for most modem manufacturers and models:

For Windows 95/98, please follow the following directions: