We have seen many connectivity problems with modems in Sony VAIO PCV 70 and PCV90 computers. The problems that we have noticed are frequent disconnects and the "Dial-Up Networking cannot negotiate a compatible set of network protocols" message when tryin g to connect. Sony's technical support has been less than no help. The advice that they offered (setup the modem as though it were an Intel SatisFaxtion 400) caused the modem to quit responding. There are no details of this modem or documentation for t his modem available from Sony. Furthermore, Sony says that if people want copies of this documentation, they will have to buy a Sony computer.

Here is what I know about these modems:

The modem uses two COM ports. COM 3 is used by the data and game functions of the modem and COM 5 is used by the fax and voice functions.

The modem appears to have a chipset that is manufactured by Intel and is supposedly an Intel Teladdin modem.

After researching for many hours, I found one newsgroup article that mentioned a problem with resource leakage. The recommended solution was to download and install Windows 95's KERNEL32 update from Microsoft. I have tried this and it seems to alleviate a lot of the problems (users can get connected within 2 or 3 attempts as opposed to 20 or 30 - connections can be held for several hours as opposed to 0 to 10 minutes). You can download the KERNEL32 update by visiting:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows95/info/krnlupd.htm

Sony now has a few file updates available:
These files are all available at http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/pc/softupdates_2.html

The files of interest:
TELPT05.EXE (127 K) - The service notes concerning this file say, "If your computer consistently begins to connect with an ISP, then disconnects after a few seconds, this upgrade may correct this condition." In order to use this file, you MUST have modem driver version 1.4a. To figure out whether or not you have this version, go to TELPT05.TXT This file also explains how to install the driver update.

If you do not have modem driver version 1.4a, you can obtain it by downloading V14A.EXE (6.1 MB) To figure out to install this file, visit V14A.TXT

We have confirmed that these updates fix most, if not all problems in Sony VAIO 90 and VAIO 120 computers

I received this confirmation of my thoughts from an Internet user on 03/09/98...

I have a Sony PCV 120 / Intel modem, and did have som of the problems you stated in youe article although nothing like 20 to 30 calls before being
able to connect to my ISP.
Generally 2 sometimes 3 call were required prior to making a connection. My online time prior to being disconnected varied greatly from 5 min. to 1
hour. I installed the Telpto5.exe from Sony in December of 97 and since then connecting with my ISP and being disconnected is no longer an issue. I connect the first time and can stay online as long as I like without
being disconnected. I have been disconnected two maybe three times in the last 2 1/2 months.
The Telpto5.exe worked for me.