| When it comes to diagnosing the modem and any | | | | Bad or incorrect drivers can cause the modem to |
| other computer problem,always start with the | | | | disconnect as well as not work at allIf you noticed |
| most obvious first.Modem problems may be | | | | that the device driver was either missing or |
| repaired as fast as re-booting the computer or | | | | corrupt in the modem icon,follow the instructions |
| can be as complex as resolving hardware | | | | to update the device driver.If some cases,you |
| conflicts.First remember to check for the most | | | | may have to completely remove the old modem |
| obvious signs of trouble,such as loose connections | | | | from thw Windows Device Manager.Once it has |
| at the rear of the computer for external | | | | been removed from Windows, reboot the |
| modems.Internal modems may have their | | | | computer and Windows will detect the modem |
| retaining screw at the expansion slot loose are | | | | and automatically re-installs the the device driver.If |
| missing.Phone line connections may simply be | | | | your modem came with an installation cdrom or |
| inserted in the wrong connector.Nearly all internal | | | | diskette,use the software the disk rather than |
| modems are inserted into the PCI or Peripheral | | | | the one in Windows.Once you are up and |
| Component Interconnect slot in the system | | | | running,the first thing you should do is to visit the |
| unit.NO POWER AT THE MODEMFor Internal | | | | modem's support web site and search for any |
| Modems,first try inserting the modem in a | | | | software patches or updated drivers to |
| different PCI Slot.Reboot the computer and click | | | | download.COMMON BROADBAND PROBLEMSThe |
| on Start,Control Panel,and click the Phone And | | | | most common high speed internet problems |
| Modems icon if you have Windows XP as your | | | | whether its dsl or cable connections are not being |
| operating system.Then click on | | | | able to log on and poor signal.If the Cable modem |
| modems,properties,and look for the statement | | | | often reboots,you should check to see if your |
| "This Device Is Working Properly". You can click | | | | signal indicator is strong.If the signal seems |
| on Diagnostics and run a test to see if the | | | | good,electronic signal from mobile phones and |
| modem has power as well.External modems can | | | | other devices nearby may be interfering with the |
| be checked for power by inspecting the adapter | | | | signal.Stop and look behind the cable or dsl |
| plug to see if it is plugged in completely.Look to | | | | modem to see if the connections have worked |
| see if any indicator lights flashing and be certain | | | | themselves loose or have come off completely.Be |
| you are using the adapter for your modem.Be | | | | sure the connections have not be damaged in any |
| sure the surge protector or wall outlet is providing | | | | way.The modem is connected to an Ethernet |
| power by plugging in a lamp or a radio.If the radio | | | | card which will receive and send signals to the |
| works,the culprit may be the adapter or the | | | | computer.Look at the rear of the card and see if |
| external modem itself.If you purchased the | | | | the green indicator is on.If not,there is a problem |
| modem in your town,you may have the chance | | | | with the card installation or the card may be |
| to return to the store and ask the technician to | | | | faulty.If the ehthernet card in the computer |
| test it with a known good power adapter.You can | | | | become loose, your high speed Internet reception |
| been replace either the adapter or | | | | will be interruppted. Place a finger on the ethernet |
| modem.MODEM DISCONNECTS OFTENIf your | | | | card and try to move it. If you can,open the |
| modem,whether internal or external,is working but | | | | system unit case and tighten the card.If the |
| disconnects from the Internet very often,without | | | | ethernet card has become loose,it may be a good |
| warning,check to be sure your call waiting option | | | | idea to remove it and inspect the yellow contacts |
| is not enabled.Another culprit that cause this | | | | to be certain they are not dirty or |
| headache is line noise.This noise and interference | | | | damaged.Power will not transfer to the card |
| can be caused by such things as loose wiring.Poor | | | | should this be the case.Other causes may be the |
| waterproofing,old wiring,worn phone jacks are | | | | main wiring to the modem may be faulty.The |
| some causes that will result in line noise. Make | | | | vacuum cleaner or the power tools your son is |
| sure no other equipment is using the same line | | | | using in the garage may be causing the problem |
| that your modem is on.Be sure other devices as | | | | as well.And we cannot omit the idea that the |
| your fax machine, answering machines or even | | | | cable or dsl modem themselves may be |
| security alarms are not sharing the same line as | | | | faulty.While you're learning about your |
| your modem.Other PCI devices may be causing | | | | computer,understand the modem at every level |
| conflicts with your modem.Clicking the Control | | | | and do so now while it is still in good operating |
| Panel ,and clicking the modem icon will show the | | | | order.Print or write down modem and all |
| message "This Device Has A Problem" or | | | | troubleshooting tips.Put these troubleshooting tips |
| somthing similar if there is a conflict.Windows will | | | | in a binder or at least in a safe place so you can |
| offer ways to resolve the conflict. Take the time | | | | refer to them should your PC fail to boot.Knowing |
| to carefully follow instructions tocorrect any | | | | about your computer takes time and effect but |
| conflicts that may be present.Loose data lines for | | | | you be glad you took the time should your |
| Internal modems and loose or damaged | | | | system goes on the blink.Otis F. Cooper is solely |
| connectors for External modems can cause data | | | | dedicated to boosting the knowledge and |
| lost as well.Visual check and double check these | | | | confidence of every computer user. Use his |
| connections.MODEM IS PRESENT BUT WILL NOT | | | | informative articles and videos to understand all |
| WORKThe external and internal modem must | | | | about the PC. |
| have device drivers installed before they will work. | | | | |