How to setup and configure a USB modem on a Windows PC



how to install an configure a modem

Its still the internet connection series and in this guide, we’ll be discussing how to setup / install and configure a USB modem (ie MTN, Airtel, GLO, Etisalat etc) on your Windows PC. If you choose to use Wi-Fi then consider reading these guides @ https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-tether-share-an-internet-connection-on-an-android-phone-using-wi-fi-bluetooth-and-usb-cord/ and https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-share-an-internet-connection-data-plan-megabytes-between-android-and-pc/

What are the problems commonly associated with USB modems?

Some issues you might encounter are:

  • Overheating: The modem (and sometimes the PC) might overheat. Ensure the modem is connected to a good port when in use then disconnected and removed when not in use. You could also employ some PC cooling techniques (see https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-resolve-the-problem-of-an-overheating-laptop-pc/ )
  • No / Low signal: If the signal is weak, try changing ports and location. If the modem says Invalid SIM then its locked to another network and needs to be unlocked (see https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-unlock-a-modem/ )
  • Modem not detected: This might be a hardware (port / modem) or driver issue. Try uninstalling the modem driver (under Device manager and then Programs)  and manually installing (using a DVD, installer or another modem). Also, try other ports and the modem on another PC.
  • Frequent disconnection: This if often associated with the network but might also be due to a loose port / moving the modem while connected to the PC

How do I setup / install a USB modem on a Windows PC?

We’ll be using an unlocked GLO BOLT modem for this guide so the technique should apply for many other such USB modems

1. Go to My Computer

how to easily install a USB modem

2. Connect the modem to the PC and wait for it to get detected (appear under My Computer)

how to easily install a USB modem

3. Double-click the Modem name to begin installation

how to easily install a USB modem

4. If prompted for permission to run autorun.exe on your PC, select Yes

5. The installer wizard should appear, click Next

how to easily install a USB modem

6. Leave the install location as default if you don’t know what this is and click Next

how to easily install a USB modem

7. Installation should begin, wait till its complete

how to easily install a USB modem

8. Click Finish

how to easily install a USB modem

9. The modem’s dashboard should automatically pop up. If it doesn’t, launch it from your Desktop

how to easily install a USB modem

 

How do I configure the modem to surf the internet with my SIM?

As earlier mentioned, we’re using an unlocked GLO BOLT modem for this guide so the exact steps might vary with USB modems but its the same principle. You however need to know your network’s APN details.  for example:

Note: If you’re using a modem that doesn’t support SIM cards or using the networks’s SIM card on the Network’s branded modem then you shouldn’t need to configure. just click Connect to start surfing the internet. 

 Network APN Username Password
 MTN web.gprs.mtnnigeria.netweb web
 Airtel internet.ng.zain.com  not requirednot required
 GLO gloflat flat flat
 Etisalat etisalat.com.ngnot required  not required

Procedure

1. Launch the modem’s Dashboard

how to configure a modem

2. Click on the Tools tab

how to configure a modem

3. Select Options..

how to configure a modem

4. Click on Profile Management

how to configure a modem

5. Click Add

how to configure a modem

6. Enter the network’s APN details (don’t tick username and password if not required ) then click Yes or Save

how to configure a modem

7. You could select the network by the left and click Set default to make it your default APN or just close the box

how to configure a modem

8. Select the APN from the dropdown menu then click Connect

how to configure a modem

 

Hovatek….just a button away!



13 thoughts on “How to setup and configure a USB modem on a Windows PC”

  1. Hello:
    I sent this mail earlier, but I am resending it, because I didn’tj fill out somea areas before submitting.
    Actually, I have a HSBPA modem, and all the networks can work on it. The problem is that I can not get it to connect to the internet, because I cannot click it to connect because I am a blind computer useer.
    But I will be able to do it, from the control pannel. The question now is: do you know about this modem? do you know the access point userword and password of the modem. All these will be required if I have to do the configuration under network and internet, under the control pannel program.
    I got in to this trouble after a stupid chap formatted my laptop.
    Please help if you can. Thanks.

  2. I have a HSBPA modem, and all the etworks work on it. I cannot connect it because I am a blind computer user. I can configure it using the My computer icon on the desk top, but the modem cannot coonnect to the internet. Somebody did the connection for me, but he is no longer in touch. I can do the connection myself, if I know the access point userword and password of the modem. I can use all the networks on the modem: 9mobile, airtel, glo, and MTN. Please do you know about this modem, and do you know the access point, userword and password. Thanks

  3. chiemezie John Duru

    After visiting a website, my Modem started showing faint light, and refused to be detected by my laptop.

    I am using hsdpa USB stick data card.

  4. Hello. Please help.
    My Glo 3G PLUS Huawei modem (an old modem though) is unable to be installed. At your step 3, when I double click on the name/icon in “my computer”, it loads for 4sec and stops, and nothing appears, NO dialog box for Wizard installer or whatever seems to appear. Same thing when I right click and click on the option “install or run program from media.”
    Please help. What could be the problem? Please reply ASAP. Thanks

  5. But my modem/USB stick, does not show on my computer… It only show on my device and printers under control panel… And from there, I can’t install.. Please reply ASAP

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