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Connection

Configuration

Traffic Shaping

Error Messages

FAX/Online Banking

Look at our OLD FAQs (German only).



How can I get a private license for cFos?

If you can claim the purchase of cFos as a tax write-off, your license is by definition commercial not private! In that case, you will receive a bill that does include VAT / sales tax.

You are entitled to obtain a private license only if you use cFos exclusively for non-commercial purposes in a non-commercial environment, in which case you won't be able to claim the purchase as a tax write-off. You will then receive a private license and a bill that does not include VAT / sales tax.
In this context, government agencies, public institutions, and non-profit organizations like charities are considered "private."

In terms of technology, there is no difference between a private and a commercial license. For tax purposes, it may be important for commercial users though what operating system they are using to run cFos.

cFos/ATM can only be licensed commercially.



How fast are transfer rates with cFos?

The transfer rate cFos reaches on a particular system depends in large part on connection type and technology. You can check connection speed at any time on the cFos Status Window.

Transfer rates are displayed in cps with 1 cps corresponding to 8 bit/s.

Example 1:
maximum DSL DOWNSTREAM speed is 96k cps (= 768 kbit/s)

Example 2:
one channel ISDN connection may reach up to 8k cps (= 64 kbit/s).

Please note that the Windows DUN status window may display numbers that are notably different. Don't let this confuse you! These are fixed values and do not correspond to the actual transfer rate.



I have difficulties connecting.

Connection problems are by nature individual, meaning their causes can vary widely. Unfortunately, there is no single answer to solve them all.
That is why cFos offers an option for creating a detailed protocol of all connection attempts. This is called "CTRACE."

You can have cFos write a CTRACE protocol by executing the command «configure cFos.» You can find it either on the Windows start bar under "Programs" → "cFos ISDN driver" → "cFos" → "Configure cFos" or in the cFos context menu. You can open the context menu either by right-clicking on the cFos tray icon (found in the system tray of the Windows task bar) or by right-clicking on the cFos status window.

Select «feature setup» and enter "-dvne" (without the quotation marks) in the parameter line. Try to recreate the situation in which the connection problem occurred (i.e., try to open a connection that failed). Please do this only once or twice! Excessive repetition merely expands the protocol unneccessarily without improving what information is obtained.

cFos now records all important connection data in the CTRACE.TXT file, which can be found in the cFos directory. That's the directory in which you installed cFos. The default is C:\cFos for Windows 95, 98 and Me and C:\cFosNT for Windows NT, 2000 and XP.

If the problem did in fact recur, delete "-dvne" from the parameter line. Leaving it there would inflate CTRACE.TXT filesize even further. On top of that, every time you try to connect, your computer would end up doing a lot of unneccessary work by conducting the protocol over and over again.

Now please e-mail our Support. Include the following in your mail:

  1. A text message describing the problem in as much detail as possible.
  2. The CTRACE.TXT file from the cFos directory.
  3. The NDISLOG.TXT file from the cFos directory.

Please do send us these two TXT-files as attachments! Do not post them as part of the text message! Of course, you can zip them to save space.



I am connected but there is nothing happening into the cFos Window. Why?

May be you go online with the XP internal PPPoE driver.

Please install a second DUN connection to test cfos.

Steps:

  1. At "START/Programs/cFos DSL & ISDN Driver/" click on "Install DSL Connection"
  2. Into the Window "DSL connection" enter:
    • a "name" for the connection
    • your "user name"
    • your "password"


  3. Please choose then if this connection should be you standard connection or not.
  4. Confirm the settings by clic on "OK".
  5. The Window "cFos Settings" can be closed by "OK".

You will now find a connection button on your Desktop, which can be use to run the connection with cFos.



I use WinFax 10 but am unable to send a fax with cFos.

cFos does not work with WinFax versions 8.0 or higher. This is in large part due to the CAPI specifications WinFax employs, which deviate somewhat from the standard.

However, Winfax 9.0 or higher comes with integrated CAPI support. For more details, consult the WinFax documentation or ask the manufacturer.



I'm getting a lot of blue screens (where Windows freezes displaying only white letters on blue background).
I suspect this may somehow be related to running cFos.

If you suspect cFos is causing you such problems, you are welcome to send us whatever message is displayed on the blue screen. We will check whether cFos could indeed be causing these errors.

Usually, all we need is the first three lines of the message. You will have to jot these down by hand, as Windows is at this point completely frozen and simply won't respond. Then, send an e-mail to our cFos Support. Please make sure to provide additional information along with the message text. Examples of pertinent information to include in your mail would be what operating system (e.g., which Windows?) you are running, which cFos version you own, and a brief description of what circumstances precede instances of blue screen.

At our beta area you can download the current cFos/Professional Beta Version. See if this version solves the problem; it just might!



Can the cFos/Professional Beta Version fix my problem?

It is definitely worth a try. You can download the latest cFos Beta Version at our beta area.



How can I reset my cFos budget management?

You can reset cFos budget management manually by employing the "AT&G6" command.

Hint: Using "AT&G5" gives you an overview of all cFos budgets you have currently installed.

Please, also refer to the "How do I send AT or modem commands to the virtual modem?" section below.



How do I send AT or modem commands to the virtual modem?

Many settings can be executed through so-called AT or modem commands. Permanent settings should be entered directly in the parameter line. For short-term settings this method isn't practical. It is better to send the commands through a terminal program to the cFos virtual modem instead.
For Windows, this is done as follows:

  1. Launch a program called Hyperterminal, which can be found under [Start] → "Programs" → "Accessories" → "Communication."
  2. Enter a connection name of your choice and select an icon.
  3. Enter a phone number of your choice and select "Connect via" cFos DSL ...
  4. In the "Connect" window click on "Dial."
  5. In the next window select "Cancel."
  6. Now you should be able to put AT commands in the Hyperterminal window. Type in the command and hit Return (e.g., at&g6 <Return>). Repeat this step for each command you want to add.
  7. Once you're done, you can close the window.


How do I change connection settings permanently?

Windows 9x/ME

  1. Enter the Dial-up Network (DUN).
  2. Right-click on the connection you want to use.
  3. Select "Properties" and then "Configure."
  4. Now go to "More" in the "Settings" submenu.
  5. Under "Further settings" enter the AT commands you want executed (e.g., "ATS19=1").
  6. Close all windows by clicking "OK."

Windows 2000

  1. On the Control Panel, go to the "Telephone/Modem Options."
  2. Select the "Modems" layer.
  3. Select a modem and click on its "Properties."
  4. Now select the "Advanced options" submenu.
  5. Under "Further initialization commands" enter the AT commands you want executed (e.g., "ATS19=1").
  6. Close all windows by clicking "OK."


How can I use cFos with my AT-AR215 USB DSL Modem?

cFos requires a PPPoE device that can be accessed directly through the network. In effect, this means the "cFos DSL Internet PPPoE" Modem can establish a DSL connection only if it can link to such a device through an Ethernet-Network.

In general, USB DSL modems cannot use cFos after custom installation of the USB DSL modem driver.

However, with the "AT-AR215" USB DSL Modem (distributed by 1&1) you can use cFos if you proceed as follows:

Copy all modem driver files from the installation CD to your hard disk and put them in a folder with a self-explanatory name like c:\USBMODEM\. Now, find a file called SETUP.INI and open it with an editor. Make the following changes:

Change the value "DriverType=WAN" to "DriverType=LAN."

When you start installation of your USB modem, it will now be installed as a LAN device, which can use cFos as PPPoE driver.

(Many thanks to Andreas Schmauß for this tip!)

It may be possible this works for other USB devices as well. Let us know if you find out!

HINT: Download the latest AT-AR215 driver at www.1und1.de. It lets you choose between WAN and LAN during installation.



How can I prioritize some UDP or TCP ports?

By entering FastOutUdpSport, FastOutUdpDport, FastOutTcpSport and FastOutTcpDport plus a corresponding source port number (Sport) or destination port number (Dport) into the [cts] section of the CFOS.INI file, you can prioritize UDP or TCP packets with TX CTS.
Please note that each entry can have multiple values, separated by spaces or commas, like for instance:

[cts]
fastoutudpdport=9990 9991

Among other things, such adjustments may make sense for online games.



I am experiencing DSL connection breakdowns. What causes them?

This may be caused by a number of different things.
Try the following options:

  1. Function "disconnect after idle time"
  2. DSL interference
  3. Unneccessary network protocols
  4. DSL interruption under Windows 9x
If none of these suggestions help, please contact our Support.


Function "disconnect after idle time"

Check the settings for the "Disconnect after idle time" function.


Windows 9x/Me

Select your connection in the DUN (Dial-up Network) and open its properties. Choose "Configure" and enter the "Connection" submenu.

For Windows ME, you should also check the settings for the "Activate disconnection after idle time" function, which can be found in the "Dial" submenu.

Windows 2000

Open the Control Panel and click on the "Telephone and modem options" icon. Go to the "Modems" submenu and click on the modem you would like to configure and select its "Properties." Choose "Advanced options" and click on "Change standard settings."
To disconnect automatically when the connection has not been used for a certain amount of time, activate the check box "Disconnect after idle time of" and enter the number of minutes you want the modem to wait before disconnecting.
Under "Abort connection attempt after" you can enter the number of seconds after which your modem will quit trying to establish a new connection.


DSL interference

You can check IMONITOR to see if your area is one currently experiencing high levels of DSL interference.


Unneccessary network protocols

Go to -> "Network" on the Control Panel and deactivate all binds and protocols you aren't currently using.
Usually, TCP/IP protocol does not have to be bound to the Ethernet board, if only PPPoE is run. It has to be done, however, if your computer is using the same network adaptor to connect to an IP net.


DSL interruption under Windows 9x

Under W9x, intermittent periods of DSL interruption lasting several seconds are possible. Worse yet, your computer may crash during these brief connection breakdowns.
Microsoft offers two patches to remedy this problem:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q236/9/26.asp

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q243/1/99.asp



How can I use cFos with my DSL router?

You can use cFos with a DSL router only if:

  1. the router's integrated DSL modem can be accessed as a PPPoE device.

    For cFos to work with a router, its integrated DSL modem must either be connected directly to the network adaptor or to a kind of virtual network adaptor some routers may provide. For this purpose, it makes no difference whether a DSL modem is connected to a network through a hub or a switch, as long as it remains accessible via the Ethernet as a PPPoE device. Only in this case can the "cFos DSL Internet PPPoE" Modem establish a DSL connection through it. This can for instance be done with the AT-AR215 Router (cf. above).

  2. the router can be configured as a "brigde."

    Some routers (like the ZyXEL Prestige ADSL) allow configuration as a "bridge." This means they just relay data and never dial into the network themselves.



What causes the delays I'm experiencing during cFos startup under Windows XP?

The reason for these delays is that DHCP is the default setting for newly installed network components under Windows XP, even if there has never been an active connection to a DHCP server. Supplying your network adaptor with an IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.1 with netmask 255.255.255.0) should help.
Typing the keyword "DHCP" in Windows Help should give you more information.



I can't do online banking or send a fax on my DSL connection.

This is due to DSL technology. Basically, what happens when you're using DSL is that your provider grants you access to the leased line. A connection can only be established by means of a DSL modem and appropriate access data. As such, DSL is in no way comparable to any telephone net. Calling other DSL members or phone numbers is simply impossible, which is why you cannot send a fax via DSL.

By now, software has become available that allows you to do your online banking directly on the Internet rather than having to use the traditional dial-up login by modem. This could mean, however, you would have to switch from PIN/TAN to HBCI banking. Ask your bank / credit union and your software manufacturer what options they can offer you.



How do I install a cFos Modem?

WINDOWS 9x/ME
To install a cFos Modem, select START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL and click on the "Modems" icon.
Choose "ADD" and select the option "Select modem (no automatic detection)."
Click on "Next."
Select "cFos Software Bonn" as the manufacturer.
Please note the list of available cFos modems on the right. Choose a model according to what type of connection you want. Now select the COM port to which you wish to assign cFos and click on "Next."
Selecting "Finish" will end the installation process.

WINDOWS 2000
To install a cFos Modem, select START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL and click on the "Telephone and modem options" icon.
Go to the "Modems" submenu and select "Add."
Check the "Select modem (no automatic detection)" option.
Select "cFos Software Bonn" as the manufacturer
Please note the list of available cFos modems on the right. Choose a model according to what type of connection you want.
Click on "Next."
Now select the COM port to which you wish to assign cFos and click on "Next."
Windows will now display a message about a missing digital driver signature. Just continue by choosing "Yes."
Selecting "Finish" will end the installation process.

WINDOWS XP
Select START and SETTINGS. In the "printer and other hardware" category, click on the "Telephone and modem options" icon. Go to the "Modems" submenu and select "Add." Check the "Select modem (no automatic detection)" option. Select "cFos Software Bonn" as the manufacturer.
Please note the list of available cFos modems on the right. Choose a model according to what type of connection you want.
Click on "Next."
Now select the COM port to which you wish to assign cFos and click on "Next."
Windows will now display a message about a missing digital driver signature. Just continue by choosing "Yes."
Selecting "Finish" will end the installation process.



I seem to be unable to send a fax with cFos, even though I did install my ISDN board.

To be able to send a fax with cFos via ISDN, please keep in mind that:

  1. your ISDN board's CAPI driver needs to support fax mode.
    You can check this by opening the connection protocol and checking the protocol line at the bottom.
    If it reads "Modem=0 Fax=0 V.110=0 V.120=0 X.31=0 V.42bis=0 Bband=0 FAX=0,"
    fax mode is not supported. Installing the latest CAPI driver update will usually fix this.
  2. cFos only supports FAX Class 2 and Class 2.0 command sets
    IMPORTANT: Though it has no fax emulation of its own, cFos can take full advantage of the broad range of fax features CAPI 2.0 offers.
    Ask your ISDN board manufacturer whether specific fax protocols are integrated into its CAPI.



I have difficulties installing cFos.

Please attach a copy of the cfsetup.txt file from your Windows directory to any Support question relating to installation problems.

 

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