Recently on my Win98 machine with a Sportster 56K internal modem, every time I reboot my machine it seems as if the modem is tying up the phone line. In order to use my dial-up-connection, I need to disconnect the phone lines to the modem (physically unplug them) and then reconnect them. And the pass through connection to the telephone never works- I need to disconnect the phone line from the PC and connect it directly to the phone, otherwise the line is dead. This did not previously occur and I can’t seem to find anything in my dial up networking properties that would affect this. Does anyone know why this is occuring and how to fix it?
I’ve had this problem before. The way it was descibed to me was a “relay was hung”. I think that translates to bad jack, so I replaced the modem and it worked fine. I’d wait and see if anybody else has a better idea before buying a new one, though. Good luck.
Per previous suggestion it sounds like your relay is crapping out. No modern internal modem should keep the connection closed through a re-boot cycle unless there is a hardware issue. Replace the modem. New V.90 internals can be had for $ 25.00 and up.
I’m wondering if your software is telling the modem to be “on hook” unless it’s being used. Sounds like it’s being left off hook at all times. I haven’t used a modem in ages, otherwise I’d help more.
Is there any way I can test the bad relay theory prior to/short of buying and installing a new modem?
While 3Com is about as good as you’re going to get, you are very likely the proud owner of… a Winmodem. Winmodems actually use software to emulate a lot of the hard-wired connections that you would find in an external modem. And since the software has to work with Windows… well, let’s not go there.
This may actually prove to be something of a plus for you. You say the pass-through “never works.” Does that include when the computer is shut down? It’s probably a physical problem, then. If, on the other hand, it kills the pass-through only when the computer is on, chances are good that the latest driver release could fix the problem.
You may want to consider what, if any, new programs you introduced into the system just prior to the problem occurring. Those programs may have patches that could help alleviate the problem as well.
Sofa, I believe (but am not positive) that the pass thru to the phone does not work even when the computer is off. I’ll check it out tonight when I’m at home.
A a side note IIRC most modem warranties are at least 3-5 years. It’s probably still under warranty. WOuld be worth checking out.
if it is the relay it is relatively easy to replace it
Here’s the deal- I can use the phone when the computer is completely powered off. As soon as I start it up, the line is dead. This is prior to Windows starting so I don’t think it’s an app causing the problem. Does this sound like the relay? (I doubt its still under warranty).
There is an AT command on some modems that can cause the realy to hang open. I’m too lazy to look it up right now. I would recommend getting an AT commands list from USR. They can usually be found on the website in .pdf format. I used to have a copy of them lying around here somewhere, but I’m not sure where. Just open up a session in a terminal program and echo the AT command to the modem. If the realy unhangs, you’ve found your problem.
Get a new modem. Those USRs have 5 year warrentees on them al you need is the serial number on the bottom, no receipt.
This could take us forever to do remotely.
In control panel, open modems, select it, select ‘more info’ run the diags on it. youll get a report. search the net for modem doctor, itll run tests on it for free.