multiple issues with Alltel UM150

LittleHoov · EVDO Newbie Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 5

Just got data service a few days ago from Alltel the service works great and is tremendously better than dial-up.

Im using a ZTSystems notebook PC with Vista 32-bit, and I have two issues that seem to be related to my new UM150, because I never had them until I started using it.

Issue #1 is that the machine boots extremely slowly if I turn it on with the UM150 plugged in. It boots slowly anyway with Vista, but Im talking like 5 minutes boot time, its ridiculous.

Issue#2 is that the computer will not return from Sleep mode after I have used the UM150, the screen just goes black, I have not tried letting it sit for the same 5 minutes it takes to boot.

For the booting issue, it seems like its hanging at the POST screen, but this PC doesnt display any information when its posting. The boot device is set to the C: drive, so I dont see why it should be trying to boot from the USB.

If I start the machine with it unplugged it boots up just fine, and as "fast" as it ever would, then recognizes the device just fine and everything works great. Im using the most recent software available from Alltel.

Im stumped, any suggestions besides get a Mac or go back to XP?

bmillham · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject:

What you are describing sounds like a hardware problem, not a Vista problem to me. Hanging during the POST is a dead giveaway.

Have you tried booting with another USB device connected?

When the PC is POSTing, try hitting various F keys to get into the BIOS. (Sometimes ESC or DELETE work also) Poke around for boot settings, and turn off boot from USB device as a test. You may also want to turn on the POST info in the BIOS if possible.

As soon as I can, I'll try my Alltel UM150 in my Vista laptop at boot, and see if I have the same problem.

LittleHoov · EVDO Newbie Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 5

my BIOS doesnt appear to have an option to turn on post information, which I wish it did.

Ive done a little searching around and found a couple cases where people were having their computer hang saying "boot from cd" which is probably what mine is saying, i just cant see it.

I have changed the boot settings to the most restrictive thing I can think of, the #1 device is my hard drive, and devices 2 and 3 are disabled completely and it still is doing it.

My uncle lives nearby and has a UM175, I might try and see how his reacts on my machine.

Their could just be something wrong with the unit, the salesmen said it was a refurb unit that they had a big stock of, he let me have it for 25 dollars.

I may end up going back and seeing if I cant at least try out a different one.

Keep the thoughts coming, and the Sleep issue seems to come and go and I cant consistently get it to repeat. The reboot thing is a surefire deal though.

bmillham · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:40 pm Post subject:

If you can try your uncles UM175, that would help narrow down the problem. You might also try your 150 in his PC, and see if the problem follows it.

I'll be able to try my UM150 in my laptop tomorrow. I'll let you know what happens.

LittleHoov · EVDO Newbie Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 5

Yeah, we're gonna mess with them tomorrow, the only thing is that he uses a Mac, so it might be apples and oranges.

I noticed when I boot up with it plugged in all the lights on the UM150 go crazy, and even what I assume is the data access light comes on, I still firmly believe for whatever reason its trying to boot from this thing.

I tried it with my USB flash drive, and although it briefly made the lights on it flash, it didnt take a couple seconds before the PC was booting up like normal.

I still just want to blame Vista, but when its happening before Vista even loads, it makes it difficult haha.

bmillham · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject:

Glad to see that you are not completely on the "I Hate Vista" bandwagon. I doubt that your problem is related to Vista at all, and if it's a problem with your modem, your uncles Mac should see the same problem. It it's a problem with your PC, you should see the same problem.

For the record, I actually like Vista! And I completely skipped XP, because I hated it! The PC I'm posting from right now is Windows 2000.

I'll let you know sometime tomorrow morning how my testing goes with my UM150 and Vista.

LittleHoov · EVDO Newbie Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 5

Im not really on the bandwagon, more walking alongside of it. I have had some Vista issues, but all in all its not terrible.

I actually liked XP, but the only version I have is bootleg so its nice to have updates with Vista cause its legit.

Vista has grown on me and the service pack seems to help.

Anyway, Im curious to see your results, maybe we can get this thing all figured out, and I really appreciate your help. thanks!

bmillham · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:07 am Post subject:

My Compaq laptop with Vista boots fine with my Alltel UM150 connected at powerup, resuming from sleep and from hibernation. Either you have a faulty modem, or there is a problem with your laptop. Give it a try with your uncles modem, and with your modem in your uncles PC. That should narrow down what the problem is.

Good luck!

LittleHoov · EVDO Newbie Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 5

Well, tried my uncle's UM175 today and it works just fine, boots up normally with no hiccups. Which is odd because the 175 is the one that has the software on it, so you would think if it was going to try and boot it would do that....I dunno.

Talked to the Alltel guy that sold me the card today, showed him what it did, and he just kind of stood there with a deer in the headlights look, said hed never heard or seen anything of that nature.

Asked if I could try a different one and he said he was out of them, which I have a hard time believing when the other day he told me they had a whole bunch of them.

He just showed me how to safely remove it and that I should unplug it before I boot the computer up, I guess theyre trained to assume everyone is ridiculously stupid so thats ok.

He suggested I call tech support, which I probably will, but Im sure Ill get the run around. Thanks so much for all your help though.

pickles · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 8:46 am Post subject:

I was having similiar problems with my two month old UM150 not to mention the constant disconnects both with using my router or connecting the card to the PC. I took the card and my laptop to the Verizon store and they did some testing and sure nuff it was the card. Verison does not carry the 150 anymore. They switched my card from the 150 to the 727. Haven't had a problem since.

sfisher · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 11 Oct 2007 Posts: 19

Do you have a MicroSD card in the UM150?