LT Modem is detected in hardware profiles but no dialtone...

I have a laptop with a 56k modem. The modem appears in hardware profile and when I query it, it replies back with string commands so I assume everything is fine however I cannot get a dialtone when I plug in the telephone line and try to dial into my ISP. (AOL)

Any ideas on how this is possible with the modem working fine? I just can't get a dialtone to start dialing out.

 

Your phone line is ok?
You are not hear anything right? That option can be disabled on the modem.


You can test with the MODE command in MS dos mode.

 

If the modem has a line out (phone) jack along with the input (line), plug a phone in the phone plug and see if you get a dial tone. While not total proof if there is a dial tone chances are that the plug itsself isn't damaged.

Now, getting into the hardware of a modem itsself... What allows a modem to take the phone line 'off hook', like picking up the receiver, is a relay. If this relay becomes damaged in any way, surge, short, etc., modem diagnostics will never find an error. There won't be any. The diagnostics just sends requests to the modem and determins errors by what is or is not returned. It will never try to "pick up the phone ". Yet the modem is "physically" (hey, a relay IS physical! ) unable to pick up the phone, hence a no dial tone error.

Not saying that this is definarely the problem but it is likely.

I've gone on about this for a reason...

Anyone, anytime, and circumstance!!!!!! If you are EVER going to touch a modem UNPLUG the phone line!!! I have done this on a desktop system TWICE, I'm ashamed to say!!!

A phone line carries 14 volts. The printed circuitry that seems to handle the relay tends to be located right about where you would grasp a modem if you were reseating it in the slot. Anything electronic connected to a phone line is never totally without power. You can disconnect the mainboard power from the power supply, totally unplug the power cord to the system yet the modem is still live if it's connected to a phone line. I didn't disconnect the phone line, twice. Both times I killed the modem by reseating it. I shorted it out. Yet diagnostics would OK the modem every time.

OK, off soapbox!