How to Test a Dial Up Modem

A modem sends and receives data using telephone technology.

Your computer's dial-up modem uses telephone technology to send and receive information, which may result in line "noise" or other interruptions when you're connected to the Internet. As a result, you may want to test your modem to ensure it works properly. Your computer can test and diagnose problems with your modem and other hardware devices using integrated tools. You should log on to your computer with administrator privileges to run the test.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and then click "Control Panel."

2. Click "Performance and Maintenance" and then click "System." This opens a window that provides general information about your computer system.

3. Click the "Hardware" tab, which is located on the first row of tabs.

4. Click the "Device Manager" button. The Device Manager window opens and provides a list of installed devices. Each device is preceded by an expansion icon that looks like a plus sign.

5. Click the plus sign in front of "Modem."

6. Double-click the modem that appears. A new window that offers information about your modem opens.

7. Click the "Diagnostics" tab.

8. Click "Query Modem" and your computer tests the modem. If you receive a "Success" response, proceed to other options to troubleshoot your modem. If you receive a "Failure" response, click the "General" tab in the modem window and then click the "Troubleshoot" button.

References

• Acer: Testing the Dial-Up Modem
• Microsoft: Test a Modem