XP - 2 ISPs and 2 modems - 1 machine

Hi

I thought this would be easy - but after an hour and a half searching I havent got any closer

I have a new job that is paying for an internet connection from home (NOT to be used for personal use rolleyes )

So I am trying to have two ISPs and Two modems attached to my desktop - running XP

I did think it would be simple as I dont want to run them at them same time - I just want to be able to switch between them (as simply as possible)

Can some one point me in the right direction

GMC

PS One modem is attached via Ethernet the other by USB

let me know if you need more detail to answer this

 

Hi GMC and welcome to the forum.

Sorry I can't test this out for you but I wonder if this is possible using XP's Hardware Profiles feature, whereby you can select individual services to be enabled/disabled per Profile. eg, Profile 2 has Ethernet disabled (in Profile 1, you have the USB modem disconnected/disabled) and you reboot to switch between Profiles.

System Properties (Windows key+Pause/Break) > Hardware > Hardware Profiles > Copy. You can now use Device Manager to enable or disable devices for that profile in Device Manager. You can also enter Windows Management, Services and modify via the Logon tab for each service that may need to be changed.

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/sysdm_hardware_profile_create.mspx
http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/xpprofiles.htm
http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/hardware_profiles.html

 

Good call! I wouldn't have thought of that one!... Even though this is exactly the kind of thing it was probably introduced for. Even if it doesn't work, I think you should get points for suggesting it.

 

I am giving this a try now - I will let you both know

Cheers

GMC

 

I have been trying for about an hour and I cant get the two modems to install at the same time

It keeps telling me one is installed and wont allow the second

this is on the second profile I created

Also when I delete the hardware on the second profile it does effect the first profile

So Either I am doing something wrong - or this isnt going to work for me

Anyone got any further suggestions

Cheers

GMC

 

You need to disable the Ethernet adapter in Device Manager (main tab > Device usage > Do not use this device in the current hardware profile (disable)) for the USB-connected Profile.

Same for the USB adapter in the Ethernet-connected Profile.

 

I am sure I was doing this - But I will try again tonight

Thanks for the heads up

G