Modem does not work

1. Make sure that the phone line is tightly plugged into the wall jack and the proper modem port. All internal modems have two ports, one that goes to the wall jack and one that goes from the computer to an optional phone device. 

2. Make sure the phone line being used is a dedicated line, i.e., a fax or home line. 

3. If using an external modem, make sure that the phone line is plugged all the way in on both 

ends, that the cable from the modem to your computer is properly connected, and that the modem is turned on. 

4. Make sure that no other modem software applications are running. 

5. If you have a voice mail system that changes the dial tone when you have messages (e.g., gives short beeps when you pick up the receiver), you may have to remove all the new messages. The modem may require that there be a solid dial tone to locate the phone line. 

6. If using an external modem, shut off the modem for ten seconds and then turn it back on. 

7. Do a complete shutdown of your computer. Wait 30 seconds to 5 minutes, then turn it back on. 

8. Check the settings of your communication software to make sure that the port the software is attempting to use is the same as the one that your modem is set at. 

9. If using a broadband (DSL) or cable modem, unplug it from the power source, wait two to five minutes, then plug it back in. Most broadband and cable modems have three to four lights (e.g., power, Ethernet, DSL, and Internet). All lights should be a solid color when the connection is good. This may take several minutes to occur when you power up the modem.