Unless you're using Vista or Windows 7 in which case you'll need to install telnet first as Microsoft unhelpfully don't install it by default any more.

catzi wrote: Unless you're using Vista or Windows 7 in which case you'll need to install telnet first as Microsoft unhelpfully don't install it by default any more.

No wonder I can't stand Vista or 7 and stick to XP. I love Downgrade rights, new PC with Win 7 Pro... back to XP. Thanks for pointing that out catzi.

Windows 7
Control Panel
Programs And Features
Turn Windows features on or off
Check Telnet Client
Hit OK

Bingo

Thanks for all your well written and clear responses - still no luck im afraid (interface says 'workable and 44% signal') but still will not connect (and then red light comes on dongle).... I'll look to get a new (different) dongle and try that...

If it shows a signal % then it might be failing just on the APN, make sure you've entered 3internet as the APN name and that the SIM card /modem is working with a PC:
http://draytek.co.uk/support/kb_vigor_3g.html

thanks for suggestion voodle - have phoned 3 plenty of times and tried all manner of APNs. As you say should be 3internet but have tried 3net, 3web, APN:3internet, etc, also tried changing the access codes to all the 3 operator suggested, still nothing though... would seem flogging a dead horse with this one! ;-)