No Connection
If the disconnections occur after not using the computer for 20 minutes or more, it could be the result of Idle disconnects. This is usually related to settings on the computer that automatically drop the connection after a period of time. Dial-up modems are very sensitive to telephone line conditions. Is there noise on the phone line? A hum or static on the phone line may indicate there is a phone line problem, and may often result in disconnections, if it connects at all. Contact your local telephone company to have the phone line tested. If the problem occurs when accessing email, especially if using Outlook Express, there may be some settings that need to be adjusted. While Outlook Express is open follow these steps:
- Click on the Tools menu and click on Options.
- In the Options window click on the Connection Tab.
- Make sure that Hang-up After Sending And Receiving is NOT checked. However, confirm that Ask Before Switching Dialup Connections is checked.
- Press Apply and then press OK to save these changes.
Check for updated modem drivers. This may be especially important if the computer is a few years old. Updated modem drivers often include adjustments that allow the modem to work better. If the modem came with the computer, check the computer manufacturer's website. If the modem was bought separately from the computer please check the modem manufacturer's website.
If prompted to retype username and/or password this usually means there is a problem with the username or password. In Windows this is often indicated by a "691 error". If the username is correct, please re-type the password. Remember the password is case sensitive. Check that the Caps Lock key on the keyboard is turned off.
No Answer message generally means that the home computer and the ISP computer are not communicating properly. In Windows this is often indicated by a "678 error"
Check that the correct phone number is being dialed. If it's not necessary for the area code to be used for local calls then take that out of the phone number.
A No Dial tone message means that the dialup modem is not detecting a dial tone. In Windows this may appear as a 680 error. Verify the dial tone sounds normal on a regular handset telephone. If a stuttering dial tone is heard, this could mean there a voicemail message waiting, especially if you have voicemail or answering machine service through your telephone company. Please check that the phone cord is properly plugged into the modem. There are often two phone jacks on a dialup modem. One jack is for the phone line coming from the wall jack into the modem (Line In, sometimes has a picture of a jack) while the other jack is to plug in a telephone (Phone Out, sometimes has a picture of a telephone). If the phone cord is plugged into the wrong jack, it may cause this error. Please confirm that the wall jack is working and getting a dial tone. Try plugging a telephone directly into that phone jack to test it. Remove any splitters or other phone cords that may be plugged in to test with the most direct connection as possible.
If this problem started suddenly after a thunderstorm or power failure, it may be possible that the modem was damaged and may need to be replaced
