Although Windows 98 can automatically detect modems, which makes it easier to install a modem, you can still run into trouble around practically every corner when it comes to data communications. In this section, I'll offer you a number of solutions for common communications problems.PC locks up If your PC locks up when you try to access your modem, you're probably experiencing a hardware conflict--your modem is "arguing" with your mouse or some other device that's trying to use the same settings. To check for a hardware conflict, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on My Computer to display the System Properties dialog box and then click on the Device Manager tab.
2. Click on the plus sign next to the entry for modems to expand the branch and display the modems that Windows 98 recognises.
3. If your modem appears in the Device Manager list with a yellow exclamation point or a red check mark, you probably have a conflict with another device. The other device may also have a yellow exclamation pointnext to it.
4. Click on Properties to display your modem's Properties dialog box and then click on the General tab.
5. Click on Update Driver to check for newer drivers for your modem. Windows 98 launches the Update Device Drivers Wizard.
6. If updating the driver doesn't work, follow the instructions in your modem's manual for resolving resource conflicts.
7. Click on OK to exit the modem's Properties dialog box and then click on OK to exit the System Properties dialog box. If you made any changes, you must reboot your computer.
No modem response If your modem is on but Windows 98 fails to recognise that you have a modem within any Windows 98 applications or system dialog boxes, consider the following possible problems:
The modem was installed improperly. Display the modem's Diagnostic pane in the Modems Properties dialog box and see if Windows 98 can at least detect if your modem is connected. If your modem's manufacturer supplied any diagnostic software, run that as well. You may need tore-install your modem. You are using an incorrect or corrupted modem driver If you used the modem driver that the manufacturer supplied, use a friend's computer to visit the manufacturer's Web site or call its technical support department and request the newest driver for your model. If you used a driver that came with windows 98, delete the modem from the Modems Properties dialog box and re-install it; this time, however, select a different driver or use the driver that the manufacturer supplied. There are problems with the connection or the power. Check the connection to an external modem and make sure that the modem i.s turned on before you boot Windows 98; if you turn your modem on after Windows 98 is already running, it may not recognise that the modem is online. Your modem is malfunctioning. Try using your modem on another computer and see whether it responds correctly; if not, bring the modem to a local computer shop and ask them to test it.No dial tone
If your modemattempts to dial but reports that it didn't receive a dial tone, check these possible problems:
The cable is connected incorrectly. Most modems have two jacks, one for a connection to your telephone line through the wall jack, and one for a standard telephone that you can use for voice calls. If you've connected your cable from the wall socket to the wrong jack on your modem, however, your modem reports "no dial tone". Make sure that you've connected the telephone cable from the wall socket to the correct jack--which is typically marked "Wall" or "Tel"--on your modem (your modem's manual will help you determine which jack is which). The outside-line prefix is missing. Do you need to dial a "9" or some other number to reach an outside line? If so, add this information to your location entry; your modem must dial that outside-line prefix in order to receive a dial tone.Modem dials but doesn't connect
If your modem attempts to dial but cannot successfully connect, these are the likelyproblems:
Your connection preferences are set incorrectly. In order for your modem to successfully connect, both your computer and the host computer must be using the same settings for data bits, parity, and stop bits. Check with the host computer's administrator to see what settings it is using for the following fields. The Error Control Required To Connect checkbox is on. Check the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box for the modem that is experiencing the dialling problems; if the Error Control Required To Connect checkbox is enabled, the computer you're calling must support error control or Windows 98 automatically disconnects. I recommend disabling this option. The modulation type is incorrect. Again, check the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box and see if the modem is set for the standard modulation type. If it is and you're experiencing problems with only one host computer, change the modulation type to non-standard (but remember to set the modulation type back to standardfor other connections). The server computer is down. Contact the host administrator to verify that the host computer is running and answering calls.Modem disconnects unexpectedly
If your modem connects correctly but often disconnects without. warning, these are possible trouble areas:
Call waiting is interfering. If your telephone service includes call waiting, be aware that the call-waiting tone disconnects most modems. Find out from your telephone company the prefix that disables it and then add it to all of your location entries. The telephone cable is shorted or is improperly connected. Check the telephone cable between the modem and the wall jack for breaks or possible shorts--if a friend has a spare telephone cable, connect it to your modem and see if the problem clears up.Make sure the cable is firmly conned to both the modem and the wall jack.Modem consistently connects at lower speeds
If your modem successfully connects but always at a significantly lowerspeed than it should, consider these possible problems:
The Maximum Speed is set too low. Make sure that the maximum speed you've selected on the modem's Properties dialog box is set correctly for the specific speed of your modem. Modems running at 28.8,33.6, or 56Kbps should use 57600 or 115200 as a maximum speed.--The host computer is using a slower modem than you are. Your modem cannot connect at a speed faster than the maximum speed of the host modem. Therefore, make sure that the host is using a modem at least as fast as yours. (A good way to help you settle on an ISP in your area is to see if its modems support at least the same top speed as your modem.)
Data compression is turned off. Check the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box and make sure that the Compress Data checkbox is enabled.WIN 98--Optimizing & Troubleshooting
Mark L Chambers Comdex Computer PublishingPrice: Rs 120
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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