Troubleshooting: Modems

This article requires that you already know about the modems and just want to troubleshoot common errors in modems.

A modem presents all the potential problems you find with any other device. You must make sure that the modem is properly installed, that the driver is properly installed, and that the resource settings are consistent and do not conflict with other devices. Modems also pose some unique problems because they must connect directly to the phone system, they operate using analog communications, and they must make a point-to-point connection with a remote machine.

The Online Help files (Function Key 1) for both Windows 98 and Windows NT include a topic called the 'Modem Troubleshooter'. The Modem Troubleshooter leads you to possible solutions for a modem problem by asking questions about the symptoms. As you answer the questions (by clicking the gray box beside your answer), the Modem Troubleshooter zeroes in on more specific questions until (ideally) it leads you to a solution.

I MEAN: The Windows 98 Modem Troubleshooter, which is accessible by pressing the F1 key (in the Troubleshooting > Windows 98 Troubleshooters > Modems), guides the reader through a series of dialog boxes designed to identify modem problems. One of the major advantages to use this troubleshooter is that the chances of wrong manual troubleshooting are very less and the troubleshooting is in the organized manner.

Some Common Modem Problems

Anyway, some common problems are as follow:

1. Dialing Problems
2. Connections Problems
3. Protocol Problems

Dialing Problems:

The dialing feature is improperly configured. For instance, the modem isn't dialing 9 to bypass your office switchboard, or it is dialing 9 when you are away from your office. The computer also could be dialing an area code or an international code when it should not. Check the dialing properties for the connection.

Connection Problems:

You cannot connect to another modem. Your modem and the other modem might be operating at different speeds. Verify that the maximum speed setting for your modem is the highest speed that both your modem and the other modem can use. Also make sure the Data bits, Parity, and Stop Bits settings are consistent with the remote computer.

Protocol Problems:

The communicating devices are using incompatible line protocols. Verify that the devices are configured for the same or compatible protocols. If one computer initiates a connection using PPP, the other computer must be capable of using PPP.

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