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Modem

Software ||| Connecting ||| Speed ||| Setup ||| Troubleshooting

This is the tool that connects you to the rest of the world. It is usually the most tricky peripheral to install in your computer.

Data Fax Modems

First we will assess whether your modem is installed inside or outside your computer. Make sure your modem works with Windows 95; use a wizard to detect and set it up. When a modem doesn't work, there could be problems with the hardware, software, or the communication settings. Find out what you can do to solve these problems and get back online. Modems let you link your computer to the outside world. Connected properly, you can use a modem to send data and files to anyone else with a modem and a computer. You can also access information and download it for use on your PC.

This module explains what a modem is and how to set one up for use with your computer. In addition, you learn about using a modem as a fax machine and how to troubleshoot modem problems.

Understanding Modems

A modem is a hardware device that lets computers exchange information over telephone lines. Using a modem, you can connect directly to another computer that is also equipped with a modem, to an online service provider such as Internet Service Provide (ISP), or to the Internet and World Wide Web. When you're connected, you can send and receive files or communicate.

Modems let you communicate over standard telephone lines with other computer users. You can transfer data, exchange electronic files, and even carry on a typed conversation in real time. These days, the modem is a vital part of a PC; without one, you'll miss out on a wide range of computing activities. Here's a small sampling of things you can do with a modem:

Exchange data directly with other computer users. Access an online service or the Internet to gather information or to distribute information about -

  • Exchange electronic mail
  • Use the Internet
  • Use interactive message boards
  • Check stock prices

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Software

Communications software. Most communications software programs have features for storing telephone numbers as well as for automatic dialing and answering. Even more important, you use the communications program to set communications parameters, which are the rules the modem uses to make the call and transmit the data. You want to choose a modem that supports the communications parameters you plan to use. The communications parameters set for the sending modem must match the communications parameters set for the receiving modem.


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Connecting a Modem

Connecting a modem involves attaching the modem device to your PC and to the telephone line. The modem should come with the necessary equipment, including a standard RJ-11 telephone cord. The steps you take depend on whether you have an internal modem or an external modem.

If you have an external modem, you can easily connect it yourself. To connect an external modem to your PC, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the serial cable that came with the modem. It should have a 25-pin male connector at one end and a 25-hole female connector at the other end.
  2. Plug the female connector into an open 25-pin serial port on the PC's system unit, and plug the male connector into the modem device.
  3. Secure the connectors using the screws on either side.
  4. Locate the power cord for the modem device and plug it into an electrical wall socket or power strip.

After the modem is connected to your PC, you must connect it to the phone line. This procedure is the same for both external and internal devices. To connect a modem to the phone line, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the two phone jacks on the modem, labeled Phone and Line. They will be on the outside of an external modem, or on the back of the system unit if you have an internal modem. They look just like the phone jacks on your telephone.
  2. Plug one end of a standard RJ-11 telephone cord (it should come with the modem) into the line jack, and the other end into the wall jack for your telephone.
  3. Plug one end of another RJ-11 telephone cord into the phone jack and the other end into your telephone. If you have a phone line dedicated for use with your computer, you do not need to connect the modem to the telephone. You only need to connect to a phone if you want to be able to use the phone for regular calls when the modem is not in use.

Understanding Your Modem Controls

An internal modem is integrated into your PC; you will interact with it using your data communications software. If you have an external modem, however, you can control and monitor certain functions on the device itself. For example, status lights on the front of the modem let you know whether the modem is on and whether it is in send mode, ready to dial and transmit data; or receive mode, ready to answer and download data.

If you look at the front of your external modem, these are some of the controls you are likely to find:

  • Power On light. An external modem must be turned on in order to work. When you press the on/off switch, the power light will come on.
  • Speed indicator. Most modems can operate at different speeds; this light tells you which speed is currently in use.
  • Mode indicator. If you have your modem set to answer an incoming call, the Answer mode indicator will be lit. If it is set to dial, the Dial mode indicator will be lit.
  • Error indicator. If there is a problem with the transmission, the Error light will be on.

Be sure to read the documentation that comes with your modem for complete instructions on understanding the modem controls and status lights.


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Modem Speed

Communications speed. A modem's speed, called the baud rate, is measured in bits per second (bps). Currently, speeds range from 300 bps to 56Kbps, but to satisfy the need for speed, manufacturers are developing faster modems all the time.


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Setting Up Your Modem to Work in Windows 95/98

Windows 95/98 uses the Install New Modem Wizard to help you identify and set up newly installed modems. Before starting the wizard, it helps to know the manufacturer and model of the modem. Also, if you have an external modem, make sure it is turned on.

To use the Install New Modem Wizard, follow these steps:

  1. Double-click My Computer and then double-click the Control Panel folder icon. Alternatively, click the Start button, then open the Settings menu and click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click the Modems icon in the Control Panel folder to open the Modems Properties dialogue box. Click the Add button to start the Install New Modem Wizard, then choose Next.


  3. Windows 95/98 immediately tries to detect and identify the modem. When it does, it displays the Verify Modem screen of the wizard with the name or type of modem that it finds. It also identifies the communications port where the modem is connected. If the information is correct, choose Next, then choose Finish.

  4. If Windows 95 cannot detect the modem, the wizard displays a screen where you can select the modem information yourself. (You can display the same screen by clicking the Change button if the information on the Verify Modem screen of the wizard is incorrect.) Select the modem's manufacturer in the Manufacturers' list box. Select the specific modem in the Models list box, and then choose OK. NOTE: If your modem is not on the list, choose the Standard Modem Types manufacturer and select the model according to speed. Or, click the Have Disk button and follow the instructions to install a vendor-supplied driver.

  5. Choose Next, then choose Finish. Windows 95/98 installs the necessary drivers for the modem, then closes the wizard. Choose Close to close the Modems Properties dialogue box.

On the Verify Modem page of Windows 95/98's Install New Modem Wizard, you see the port and modem type Windows has detected. Click Change to select a different modem. NOTE: If Windows 95/98 detects the new device when you first turn on your PC, it will prompt you to run the Add New Hardware Wizard to detect it and set it up. Go ahead and use the Add New Hardware Wizard; it performs the same function as the Install New Modem Wizard, but will detect and set up other types of hardware devices as well.


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Troubleshooting Your Modem

When a modem doesn't work, there could be problems with the hardware, the communications software, or the software settings. Here are a few tips for locating the problem and fixing it.

The External Modem Isn't Working

If your external modem is not working, here are a few things to check:

  • Make sure the modem is turned on.
  • Make sure the cables between the modem and the computer are attached correctly and securely.
  • Make sure the modem power cord is plugged in.
  • Make sure the modem is set to the correct mode. Use Answer mode if you are trying to receive a transmission, or Dial mode if you are trying to initiate a transmission.

The Modem Dials, but Doesn't Connect

If your modem dials, but doesn't connect, here are a few things to check:

  • Make sure both the sending and receiving modems are set to the same communications parameters.
  • Make sure the modem is dialing the correct number. If another modem doesn't pick up on the other end, the call can't go through.
  • Make sure there isn't interference on the telephone line. Modems are more sensitive to static and other interference on a line. For instance, someone picking up an extension phone or crossed wires. Make sure the line is clear, or try a different phone number.

The Modem Doesn't Get a Dial Tone

If your modem doesn't get a dial tone, here are some things to check:

  • Make sure the RJ-11 telephone cords are connected correctly. You may have the Phone jack connected to the telephone line, and the Line jack connected to the telephone.
  • Make sure the telephone is working.
  • Make sure your communications software is correctly installed.

Windows or the communications software displays a message saying it can't find your modem.

If Windows or your communications software displays a message telling you that it can't find your modem, here are some things to check:

If you have an external modem, make sure it's plugged in, that the cable is attached securely to the port on the system unit, and that the device is turned on.

Make sure the correct driver is installed. If necessary, run the Install New Modem Wizard again.

Make sure the COM port setting is correct. If the modem is set up with COM1, but Windows 95/98 thinks it's in COM4, Windows won't be able to find it. Check the COM port setting on the Properties page of the Modems Properties dialogue box, and make sure it is the same as the COM port setting in your communications software. The interrupt request (IRQ) setting may be conflicting with another device. This is a technical problem, and you should have a qualified technician look into it.

Check for an IRQ conflict. To do so from the Start menu, choose Settings, Control Panel. Click the System icon, then click the Performance tab of the System Properties dialogue box. The status area of this tab will report an IRQ conflict if one exists. You're not advised to try to fix this conflict, but the information will help you accurately report the problem to a technician.

The modem may be damaged. See manufactures' internet site, or have a technician check it out.


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