What is a Dropped Session?

"Dropped sessions" happen when your ISP - Internet Service Provider - loses your connection while you are online. You may be able to dial back in and continue working, or you may have to close your browser and log in again. If you are taking an exam and have a dropped connection while in an exam you may not be able to continue the assessment. Call or e-mail your teacher to have your test reset.

Preventing Dropped Sessions

1. Click the Start Menu (button at bottom left of screen)
2. Click Settings from the Menu
3. Choose Control Panel

4. From the Control Panel, double click on Internet Options icon.

5. Click the Connections tab at the top of Internet Options Window.
6. Highlight your dialup service (Earthlink, AOl, etc.) from the box and click Settings.

7. Click the Properties button near the Bottom right of the dial up settings window.

8. Click the Dialing tab at the top right of this window
9. There should be a box in there that says 'Disconnect when connection may not be needed'. Uncheck the box.
10. There should also be a place where you can enter the amount of inactive time before the computer logs you off the Internet. You should disable that (uncheck the box) or enter a long period of time (200 minutes or more).

11. Click OK all the way out of the Internet Options through all of the windows until you're back at the Control Panel.
12. Close out of the Control Panel window by clicking File > Close