How to Use HyperTerminal to Test the External Modem

Modems are used to transfer data between computers over phone lines.

Hyperterminal was a utility application included in certain older versions of Microsoft Windows for communicating through modems. Microsoft Windows Vista and beyond no longer have this application. You can use the application to connect to another computer through your modem or you can use it to send commands to your modem to test to see if it is working correctly.

Instructions

1. Connect the external modem by plugging it into an available USB port. Plug the modem into a power outlet nearby for power.

2. Close any communications programs. Go to the Start menu and choose "Programs" followed by "Accessories," then click on "Hyperterminal."

3. Type in a connection name in the text box and click "OK." Type in any number for the phone number. Choose the external modem from the drop-down list and click "OK." When the "Connect" box appears, click on "Cancel."

4. Type "atz" in the blank hyperterminal window. The modem should respond with "OK" if there are no problems. Type "atdt" followed by the phone number you want to dial and click "Enter." An error response means a problem with the modem. A message of "No Dialtone," "Busy" or "No Carrier" indicates a problem with the phone line.

References

• Symantec: How to test modem dialing using HyperTerminal
• Modemsite: Using HyperTerminal to Talk to your Modem