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FAQ
(frequently asked questions)

In More Detail

NOTE: This page features more in-depth, advanced solutions, that have been utilized by our technicians. We want to make them available to our customers who feel comfortable making these changes, but please remember if you choose to utilize any advanced solutions you are proceeding at your own risk.


Table of Contents

Phone Line Issues

Specific Modem Fixes

I. Problem: Cannot Connect or Disconnects

II. Problem: Poor Phone Line Quality

III. Problem: Modem Dials, but gets No Answer

IV. Problem: Modem too noisy or you want noise

 

Other Support Sites

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Phone Line Issues

Different computers have different modems and different modems are just that, different. Some are more sensitive to phone line interference and have a setting which will cause them to disconnect if the phone line stability deteriorates, even if only a fraction.

Unplugging Devices:

Any devices plugged in, between your computer and the phone jack; to include, splitters, telephones, fax machines, credit card machines, and so on, may cause phone line interference. This is one of the primary causes of disconnects as well as inability to connect to the internet. The phone cord itself, between the computer and the jack, should be less than 6 feet in length. Any longer and the cord itself could be the problem. Lastly, some modems provide two jacks in the back, one to connect to the wall jack and one to plug in an extra device. Unplug any devices you may have plugged in to this extra jack.

Disable Call Waiting:

Clicks from incoming calls can disconnect you from the internet. In most areas you can disable this feature by placing *70, in front of the phone number of your internet provider. For Internet Xpress the change would look like: *70,684-6998

To add this to your dialing properties: 

Click on My Computer> Dial up Networking> RIGHT click over your Internet Xpress icon> LEFT click on Properties> Change the phone number> Click OK       

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Specific Modem Fixes

I. Problem: Cannot Connect or Disconnects

Gateway X2

Solution: Upgrade Firmware or Driver

 
LT WIN Modem

GoTo: Control Panel> Modem> Properties> Connection> Advanced

Solution: Select Use Flow Control

Change from Hardware (RTS/CTS) to Software(XON/XOFF)

Add to Extra Setting: AT&FX

 

Rockwell HCF 56K Speakerphone PCL

GoTo: Control Panel> Modem> Properties> Connection> Advanced

Solution: Turn Error Control Off

 

Zoom 56K DualMode

Solution 1: Try Changing to 56K Dial up line

Solution 2: Go to Start> Settings> Control Panel> System> Device Manager> Ports>Communication Ports> Port Settings> Change Bits Per Second (BPS) to 4800> Click OK> Click OK

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II. Problem: Poor Phone Line Quality

Any Modem

Solution 1: Make sure you have the latest drivers/firmware for the modem

GoTo: Control Panel >Modems> Properties> General

Solution 2: Set maximum speed at 57600 (Make sure Only Connect at this Speed is Not Checked.)

Solution 3: Make sure you are using a short phone line, < 6’ and checks to make sure the cord is not wrapped around or very close to any electrical cords.

Solution 4: You may (if so inclined) want to research init strings for the modem that deals with line noise. (See Other Support Sites)

Solution 5: Unplug any device plugged into the back of modem. Ensure that you do not have multiple devices (fax machine, credit card machine, splitter, phones) over taxing the line or between the computer and wall phone jack.

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III. Problem: Modem Dials, but gets No Answer

Any Modem

GoTo: Control Panel> Modem> Properties> Connection> Advanced

Solution: Add to Extra Setting: S11=150 (This will slow down the dial up speed. Adjust the number 150 smaller in increments of 5 if the speed is too slow.)

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IV. Problem: Modem too noisy or you want noise

Any Modem

GoTo: Control Panel> Modem> Properties> Connection> Advanced

Solution: Add to Extra Setting: L0 (This will make the modem silent. L1, L2, L3 will increase the volume in increments.)

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Other Support Sites

Curt's High Speed Modem Page  - Comprehensive Modem FAQ, news, tips and tricks.

Symantec - AntiVirus Research Center - Anti Virus Help

Driver Guide.Com - Search for drivers here

 

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