Troubleshooting The MODEM

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This issue: Troubleshooting The Modem

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by Otis Cooper
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Otis F. Cooper
allaboutpc@juno.com
http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/

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FEATURE ARTICLE - Troubleshooting The Modem
by Otis F. Cooper
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When it comes to diagnosing the modem and any
other computer problem,always start with the most
obvious first.Modem problems may be repaired
as fast as re-booting the computer or can be as
complex as resolving hardware conflicts.

First remember to check for the most obvious
signs of trouble,such as loose connections at
the rear of the computer for external modems.

Internal modems may have their retaining screw
at the expansion slot loose or missing.Phone
line connections may simply be inserted in the
wrong connector.

Nearly all internal modems are inserted into
the PCI or Peripheral Component Interconnect
slot in the system unit.

NO POWER AT THE MODEM

For Internal Modems,first try inserting the modem
in a different PCI Slot.Reboot the computer and
click on Start,Control Panel,and click the Phone
And Modems icon.

Then click on modems,properties,and look for
the statement "This Device Is Working Properly".
You can click on Diagnostics and run a test to
see if the modem has power as well.

External modems can be checked for power by
inspecting the adapter plug to see if it is plugged
in completely.Look to see if any indicator lights are
flashing and be certain you are using the adapter
for your modem.

Be sure the surge protector or wall outlet is
providing power by plugging in a lamp or a
radio.If the radio works,the culprit may be
the adapter or the external modem itself.

If you purchased the modem in your town,you
may have the chance to return it to the store and
ask the technician to test it with a known good
power adapter.You can been replace either
the adapter or modem.

MODEM DISCONNECTS OFTEN

If your modem,whether internal or external,is
working but disconnects from the Internet
often,without warning,check to be sure your
call waiting option is not enabled.

Another culprit that cause this headache is
line noise.This noise and interference can
be caused by such things as loose wiring.

Poor waterproofing,old wiring,worn phone
jacks are other causes of line noise.Make
sure no other equipment is using the same
line that your modem is on.

Be sure other devices as your fax machine,
answering machines or even security alarms
are not sharing the same line as your modem.

Other PCI devices may be causing conflicts
with your modem.Clicking the Control Panel
,and clicking the modem icon will show the
message "This Device Has A Problem" or
somthing similar if there is a conflict.

Windows will offer ways to resolve the conflict.
Take the time to carefully follow instructions
to correct any conflicts that may be present.

Loose data lines for Internal modems and loose
or damaged connectors for External modems can
cause data lost as well.Visual check and double
check these connections.

MODEM IS PRESENT BUT WILL NOT WORK

The external and internal modem must have
device drivers installed before they will work.
Bad or incorrect drivers can cause the modem
to disconnect as well as not work at all.

If you noticed that the device driver was either
missing or corrupt in the modem icon,follow
the instructions to update the device driver.

If some cases,you may have to completely
remove the old modem from thw Windows
Device Manager.

Once it has been removed from Windows,
reboot the computer and Windows will detect
the modem and automatically re-install the
the device driver.

If your modem came with an installation cdrom
or diskette,use the software on the disk rather
than the one in Windows.

Once you are up and running,the first thing you
should do is to visit the modem's support web
site and search for any software patches or
updated drivers to download.

COMMON BROADBAND PROBLEMS

The most common high speed internet problems
whether its dsl or cable connections are not being
able to log on and poor signal.

If the Cable modem often reboots,you should check
to see if your signal indicator is strong.If the signal
seems good,electronic signal from mobile phones
and other devices nearby may be interfering with the
signal.

Stop and look behind the cable or dsl modem to see
if the connections have worked themselves loose
or have come off completely.Be sure the connections
have not be damaged in any way.

The modem is connected to an Ethernet card which will
receive and send signals to the computer.Look at the
rear of the card and see if the green indicator is on.If
not,there is a problem with the card installation or the
card may be faulty.

If the ehthernet card in the computer become loose,
your high speed Internet reception will be interruppted.
Place a finger on the ethernet card and try to move it.
If you can,open the system unit case and tighten the card.

If the ethernet card has become loose,it may be a good
idea to remove it and inspect the yellow contacts
to be certain they are not dirty or damaged.Power will
not transfer to the card should this be the case.

Other causes may be the main wiring to the modem
may be faulty.The vacuum cleaner or the power tools
your son is using in the garage may be causing the
problem as well.And we cannot omit the idea that the
cable or dsl modem themselves may be faulty.

While you're learning about your computer,understand
the modem at every level and do so now while it is still
in good operating order.Print or write down modem
and all troubleshooting tips.

Put these troubleshooting tips in a binder or at least in
a safe place so you can refer to them should your PC
fail to boot.Knowing about your computer takes time
and effect but you be glad you took the time should
your system goes on the blink.

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======================
Article by: Otis F. Cooper
Learn how to save your computer
visit our site today!
http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/
allaboutpc@juno.com
======================
You may reprint this article if
the author box is kept intact
Copyright 2002 Otis F. Cooper
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Otis F. Cooper
Softsale Software
5550 Pickering Ct.
Colorado Springs,Co 80911
allaboutpc@juno.com
http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/
719-390-6935