How Do I Stop My Computer From Answering Phone Calls?

Most home users do not need their modems to answer calls automatically.

Nearly all dial-up modems are pre-configured at the factory not to answer incoming calls, because this feature is generally not needed unless the computer is being used as a fax machine or server. However, modems have internal memory, and if a previous owner of a modem configured the device to answer incoming calls, you might be faced with the annoyance of having your computer pick calls up if your modem and voice phone share a phone line. Disable the auto-answer feature of your modem to eliminate this problem.

Instructions

Device Manager

1. Press the Windows logo and "R" keys to display the Windows Run dialog box. Type "devmgmt.msc" in the Run box and press "Enter." This displays the Windows Device Manager.

2. Expand the "Modems" category in the device manager, then right-click the modem and click "Properties."

3. Click the "Advanced" tab.

4. Add the text "ATS0=0" to the box labeled "Extra initialization commands." This command disables auto-answer on most modems.

5. Click "OK," close the Device Manager, and restart your computer. If your computer continues answering phone calls automatically, and you are running a version of Windows with "Professional," "Business," "Enterprise," "Ultimate" or "Server" in the title, the Remote Access Service (RAS) in Windows may be causing the modem to answer. Proceed to Section 2 to correct this.

Remote Access Service

1. Press the Windows logo and "R" keys simultaneously to display the Run dialog box. Type "regedit" into the box and press "Enter" to bring up the Registry Editor.

2. Use the folder tree on the left side of the window to navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE," "SYSTEM," "CurrentControlSet," "Services" and "RasMan." Click the "Parameters" folder under "RasMan."

3. Right-click in the open area on the right side of the window and click "New" and "DWORD Value." Name the value "NumberOfRings" and press "Enter." Double-click the new value you have created.

4. Change the number shown under "Value Data" to "0." This tells the Remote Answer Service not to answer phone calls automatically. Click "OK" and close the Registry Editor.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an external modem, check the back to see if there is a bank of small plastic switches. If the modem has switches on the back, one switch may control the modem's auto-answer functionality. Look for a printed label on the modem or in the instruction manual to determine which switch, if any, enables and disables auto-answer.

• If you use any third-party software that utilizes the dial-up modem such as a fax or terminal program, that program may override the changes made by following these steps. If you continue to experience a problem, consult the help file or instruction manual included with your communications software.

References

• Modem Site: Modem Auto-Answer
• Microsoft Support: How to Set the Number of Rings for RAS Auto-Answer