Ok, I'll start by scaring half of you off with that fact that I have a Conexant HCF V90 56K Data Fax RTAD PCI Modem.

BUT I've got the correct drivers from here and installed them. They work when logged in as root, but not when a normal user (probably just permission settings)

The main problem is the fact that even as root, kppp logs an error from pppd that it exited with error 16 or 19 (it varies), and cannot verify the password for my ISP account. Would wvdial help me finally connect to the internet from Mandrake?

Any help on fixing either issue? I reccon I've checked the account details and verification type.

check what exactly is the error code for.. man pppd then try increasing the timeout time for connection ..
theres an option use ppp to perform all authentiaction.. try toggling that too

possible that may help

Ok, I'd already tried increasing the timeouts.
A mate told me that BTInternet.com (my ISP) uses CHAP not PAP, which I'll check I'm using. I'll also recheck the error code meanings
Wish me luck...

No, CHAP led to a failed authorization, but PAP just gets the password verification problem.

Exit code 16 is "The link was terminated by the modem hanging up"

Google searches seem to show a lock file could be causing this, but I don't think it's quite the same as my error output. I'll try toggling the option anyway

I think u need to go to mbsi.ca & check out the initializations strings for the modem .. the problem may be also due to a faulty communication line

I've poked about that site some more but can't find much else to try.
I think I'll give wvdial a test.

Update:
No luck yet. Haven't tried wvdial, but I did find a large FAQ about Linux and BTInternet for anyone who might need it.

Anyone had any luck with the generic HCF binary RPM?

OMFG it (Kppp) randomly worked and as me not root too!
I seem to have CHAP selected and it connects to BTI and starts counting my connection time. But:
Unknown host http://www.linuxquestions.org/

I cant access sites yet. I guess it's something to do with setting DNS servers, or host config lists, or maybe my firewall (Shorewall?)

Try setting a single site in your /etc/hosts file, then try accessing a site - this will tell you whether it is a DNS or other (firewall) problem. Or just try entering the ip address for a site in your browser. Try pinging a site, both IP and hostname, if you cannot access a site via the browser.

Jim

Ok, but first I'll try actually setting a DNS server in my ISP account options Just gotta find one...
Erm help, how?

put the DNS server entry in /etc/resolv.conf

If using RH, use the internet config wizard - I am sure other distros have similar wizrds which are pretty good (they used to be pretty flaky).

Jim

I tried that after finding this thread (I can do the ping thing, but have no such route problem btw, I think), using setting from that LinuxFAQ for BTI:
I've tried the MCC wizard, but before I fixed the modem. I'll try again.
Lemmie just go check those files, and /etc/ppp/ ones...

Started a new thread as the subject changed a while back.

options file for ppp /etc/ppp/options:
defaultroute #adds ISP's gateway to route table on connect
usepeerdns #ask for and use ISPs DNS server(s) on connect
# and try changing the:
#name "mylogin"
#to:
user "mylogin"

Tried that, as root, managed to return to my error 16 problem again iirc, with 'Sorry, no idea'. I removed the arguments from the kppp dialog and I can reconnect again. The usepeerdns is already in options, and kppp is set right wrt the defaultroute.
Gunna test the mylogin thing.