How to Fix Dial-Up Modem Problems

Internal computer modems connect to the Internet.

A dial-up modem allows a computer to connect to the Internet through a standard telephone line. Internet service providers (ISPs) often provide such connections to their customers. If the computer cannot successfully dial into the ISP's network, you will need to troubleshoot the connection problem.

Instructions

Check the Connections

1. Verify that the phone line is securely connected to the phone jack in the wall. Verify that the other end of the phone line is connected to the computer's modem jack.

2. Pick up a phone handset on a phone connected to the same line as the computer. If you hear a dial tone, the line is open and ready for use. If you hear a busy signal, beeping noises (such as a fax) or voices, the line is in use.

3. Hang up any phones and turn off any other connected devices, such as fax machines, and check again for a dial tone.

Check Drivers and Settings

1. Double-click on your desktop link to your Internet service provider and enter your user name and password. Click on "Connect." If the computer does not connect, verify you have entered the account information properly. Click on "Settings" or "Connection numbers" and verify at least one local connection number has been selected.

2. Click on "Start" followed by "Control Panel" and click on either "Phone and Modem options" or "Printer and Other Hardware" and locate the "Modem" link or tab. Click on "Modem." Mac users should click the "Apple" icon followed by System Preferences" and "Modem."

3. Click on a link or icon for "Drivers" or "Settings." Click on an option for "Update drivers" to verify that the drivers are up to date. If possible, right-click on the current "modem" in the list of devices and click on "Enable" or "Make default." Otherwise, click on "Disable" followed immediately by "Enable" to reactivate the modem.

4. Click on the "Settings" option under "Modem" again and look for "Dialing settings" or "Phone settings." Verify that "dial 1" and "dial area code" are both checked off. Verify that the "disable call waiting" box is checked off as well.

5. Click on "Apply" or "Save settings" and try again to connect to the Internet. If the problem persists, wait a little while and try again. If you hear the modem making connection sounds with no connection, the problem may be with your Internet service provider having a service outage.

References

• NetDotCom: Updating modem drivers