How to Fix the Phone Jack on a Laptop

Fix the phone line connection into a laptop computer to restore Internet service.

The phone jack on a laptop computer gives the device an ability to connect to a dial-up Internet connection. If there is something wrong with the cable connection or the phone jack, the Internet service is not going to reach the computer. If you are experiencing an Internet connection problem with a dial-up service, it is important to correct the problem. With the proper tools and know-how, you can have your computer reconnected to the Internet in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Phone line cable
• Compressed air

Instructions

1. Check the cable connection running into the computer. If the cable is not inserted completely, then the signal is not going to reach the computer. Replace any cable that does not have the plastic clip on the tip of the connector. Without the clip, the cable cannot stay connected to the laptop.

2. Spray a shot or two of compressed air into the phone jack port. This removes dust, dirt and hair from the interior of the connection port, ensuring a clear connection between the cable and the laptop.

3. Connect the laptop computer to a different Internet source (such as a wireless or DSL Internet connection), then navigate to the dial-up modem's manufacturing site. If the dial-up connection came built into the laptop, then this is the laptop's manufacturing site (such as "Dell" or "HP").

4. Select "Support," then "Downloads" and choose the operating system and laptop you are using. Click "Download" next to the driver and allow it to be download to your computer. Double-click the downloaded file to launch the installation wizard. Follow the brief set of prompts to install the driver. If the old driver has become corrupt or removed it prevents the laptop computer from connecting to the Internet through the dial-up connection.

References

• Dell: Drivers and Support Information