Reference number: CH000371

How to disable Internet auto disconnect.

Issue:

How to disable Internet auto disconnect.

Cause:

This issue can be caused by any of the below reasons.

1. Software or Windows setup to disconnect if idle for certain length of time.
2. Internet Service provider.
3. Other software or operating system being used with auto disconnect feature.

Solution:

Windows setup to disconnect if idle for certain length of time

If you're using  Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP, follow the below steps:

• Note: By default Windows 2000 and Windows XP already has this feature disabled. However, to make sure it has not been enabled by another program follow the below steps.

1. Click Start / Settings / Control Panel
2. In Control Panel double-click Phone and Modem Options
3. Click the Modems tab.
4. Highlight the modem and click the Properties button.
5. Click the Advanced tab and then click the Change Default Preferences button.
6. Make sure the Disconnect a call if idle for more than box is unchecked and click Ok.

If you are using Windows 9x to disable/enable auto disconnect, follow the below steps:

1. Click Start / Settings / Control Panel
2. In Control Panel double-click Modems
3. Highlight the modem and click the Properties button
4. In the modem properties click the Connection tab
5. Either uncheck or check the option "Disconnect a call if idle for more than" (check to enable / uncheck to disable).

Internet Service provider

The majority of Internet service providers will also automatically disconnect your connection if no data is being transferred for a set period of time. You may consider contacting your ISP and see if this option can be disabled or the set time can be increased. 

Unfortunately, many ISP's will not or cannot disable this feature. One method of keeping an active connection is to use a program or script to keep your Internet connection active. An simple example would be to use an e-mail program to check your mail every 10-15 minutes. This is not recommended and may violate your ISP's Terms of Service. However, this will keep your Internet connection up.

Other software or operating system being used with auto disconnect feature.

If other software or another operating system is being used and your ISP does not disconnect the computer connection, it is possible that the operating system or software being used to connect to the Internet is causing the computer to auto disconnect.  Verify with the operating system or program company if there is a method of disabling the auto disconnect feature.

A listing of software companies contact information can be found here.