Modem can't find dial tone

I've been trying to help a friend install a new 56K modem on his computer. The modem installs fine and according to the settings in control progrm it is "functioning properly" but when I try to use the modem to connect it can't find a dial tone.

I got a different modem and tried it and got the same exact symptoms.

I've changed pci slots, downloaded the latest drivers and can't get the #$%@# thing to work.

Anyone with ideas would be appreciated and anyone with a solution will receive 1 billion dollars from Bill Gates before the end of the year

Thanks,

 

Hi J

Have you tried disconnecting the lead from the modem and connecting it to a telephone handset and checking that there is a dial tone on that line? (You may have , but you don't say).
Could the lead be bad?

Matt

 

Sorry I didn't include that in my post but I did connect a phone to the phone cord and there is a dial tone.

 

DRAT...I've been looking in the post box for the cheque.

 

I'll try that and post the results tonight.

 

Unchecking the box for the dial tone didn't help. Of course I don't get the message that it can't find a dial tone but do get a message that it can't connect to the internet.

Since this is a new computer that came with Windows XP already installed do you think it worth the effort to re-install Windows XP with all the hardware onboard..... hoping that will fix the problem?

Don't know why that would work but getting desperate.

 

Have you tried phusically uninstalling the modem, removing it through device manager and re-starting the box with the modem out.

Then re-installing the modem physically and re-starting the computer.

XP should auto detect the new hardware and SHOULD have a driver in it's files for almost every modem you will come accross. If it says it found a "compatable" Microsoft driver-don't believe it.

There's also a chance that a winmodem ($10-25 US) which is what I assume you are installing won't work with that system.

In that case you will need a "hardware" modem ($50+US wholesale).

 

The first modem was a cheap Tredware PCI voice/data/fax modem. I found no mention of "winmodem" in the documentation. The second modem was a Cendyne PCI data/fax modem and again no mention of "winmodem" in the documentation.

I realize none of these modems are top of the line. I did talk with the computer mfg tech support and they think the modem should work in the machine. I have not been able to connect with Cendyne Tech Support although I have called a couple of times.... just get a recording to leave my name and number and they will call me back (and the check is in the mail too).

Appreciate the feedback. I haven't given up on this puppy yet.

 

That's the thing I have noticed about computer people, we just never give up!

Would you describe the box you're putting the modem in...

OS/processor etc...

Bill

 

Sorry for so many posts.

It might be referred to as a "soft" modem.

These modems require system resources to make up for shortcommings on the card itself. Some systems and some processors won't support "soft/win" modems.

 

I say NO to the re-install. You may wind up with more problems. It is very likely that a re-install will not fix a hardware problem. And it can create more.

If that ( above in quotes ) means what I think it does did it include an onboard modem ? If it did, did it get dis-abled before installing the PCI Modem ?

I am still leaning HEAVILY on a hardware ( IRQ ) conflict.

And you refer to the new modems being " Cheap " Whether it says it or not they normaly are " WinModems. " types which may well be designed to work on a certain IRQ. And if the IRQ is being used ( by audio or something else ) the Modem will not work properly even though the tests say it is.

BillyBob

 

FIXED!

R.T.F.M. I always say, good advise I should take myself.

The instructions say: When the popup appears that new hardware has been found, cancel that screen and insert the CD and the drivers will be installed.

I did that and when I inserted the CD the drivers were installed but a screen opened and one of the options was " Install the Modem." So I clicked on that, got no errors so thought it was done and done correctly.

What I did today was uninstall the modem, Put in the CD and when the window opened that had the option of installing the modem I didn't select that but closed the window and removed the CD. It works!!!!

I was doing is what was intuitive to me. What got it working was following the directions TO THE LETTER.

I appreciate everyone's input and hope my fiasco will help someone. Remember... RTFM.

 

Good news to read.

When dealing with Windows we sometimes have to do what ever works. Be it right wrong or just plain indifferent.

But I gotta say that you hung un there a LOT longer than I would have. I would have dumped ALL internal Modems and gone for an External on the seconf try. ( maybe event the first. )

External are MUCH easier to handle when changing the OS. As a test I plugged my ANCIENT 56k USR external into WinXP, started the unit and BINGO !!. No driver install or anything.

But I am gald to read that you do have it working.

BillyBob