Windows XP - My dialup modem does not receive a dial tone.

  1. Follow these steps when the modem is being used in a business:

    1. Verify that the telephone line is not on a private branch exchange (PBX) telephone system, digital telephone line, or another type of telephone system that allows calls to roll from one telephone line to the next.

    2. The telephone line must be on a direct analog line. Determine whether you need to dial a 9 or some other digit for an outside, local line.

    3. Verify that there are no other telephone services on the line, for example voice mail, call messaging, or call waiting.

  2. Follow these steps when the modem is being used in a home:

    1. If you have call waiting on the modem line, disable it by dialing a *70 at the beginning of the dialing string.
      Note: The *70 option may not work in some parts of the country. You may need to contact your local telephone company for accurate information on temporarily disabling this function.

    2. If you have voice mail or call messaging, retrieve your messages before trying to use the modem.

  3. Ensure that the telephone line is connected to the correct jack on the computer.

  4. Bypass all connections to line splitters, surge protectors, answering machines, caller ID boxes, or fax machines.
    Note: Eliminating the surge protector is for troubleshooting purposes only. Reconnect the telephone line to the surge protector to protect against lightning or electrical damage, provided the surge protector has been ruled out as the cause for no dial tone.

  5. Connect the regular telephone into the wall jack to check for a dial tone.

  6. If the telephone being connected directly has a dial tone, connect the cable to the modem. Connect the telephone to the telephone jack on the modem. Try the telephone again for a dial tone.

  7. Check the length of the telephone cord. It may be too long. Connect with a shorter cord.

  8. If available, try another telephone jack or telephone line.

  9. Check for issues pertaining to this symptom.

  10. Change the COM port assigned to the modem.

    1. click Start, and then click Control Panel.

    2. In Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then double-click System.

    3. In the System Properties dialog box, click Device Manager.

    4. Click the plus sign (+) for the modems category.

    5. Right-click the entry for the modem, and then from the menu, click Properties.

    6. Click the Advanced tab.

    7. Click the Advanced Port Settings button.

    8. Click the down arrow for the COM port.
      If the COM port is set to COM 3, change it to COM 1.
      If the COM port is set to COM 1, change it to COM 3.

    9. Click the OK button.

    10. A message stating that the COM port is already in use and are you sure you want to change the COM port is displayed.

    11. Click the Yes button.

    12. Click the OK button.

    13. Click the OK button.

    14. Restart the computer.

  11. Check for environmental concerns.
    Note: Environmental concerns may have been addressed as part of the 12 troubleshooting questions. Even if this type of event or situation applies, it may not be the sole cause of the issue. It is important to continue with all troubleshooting steps to verify that the issue is not part of some other physical or software-related issue.

  12. Determine whether the customer lives near any high-power electrical lines. While this is a rare occurrence, close proximity to a power substation or electrical line may cause some telephone line interference. Check with the telephone company for this possibility. If possible, move the computer.

  13. Disconnect all the telephones using the same telephone line.

  14. If the modem jack on the back of the computer looks burned, refer to the Lightning Strike Policy.
    Note: If the customer has confirmed that there were storms in the area, and computer performance, including the modem functionality, has been less than optimal, consider sending the computer in for service. Keep in mind that because a customer has had an electrical storm, it does not mean it caused damage to the computer. In addition, when sending the computer in for service, educate the customer about the possibility of out-of-warranty repairs if Gateway determines the cause is due to lightning damage. For further reference, see the Lightning Policy document located in the Frequently asked questions.

  15. To test a modem, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.

  16. Open Phone and Modem Options in Control Panel.

  17. On the Modems tab, click the modem you want to test.

  18. Click Properties, click Diagnostics, and then click Query Modem.
    Note: To open Phone and Modem Options, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Phone and Modem Options. This procedure sends standard AT commands to your modem, and displays the responses that indicate features supported by your modem.

  19. Remove all modems listed in Device Manager. Have the computer detect and reload the driver for the modem. Retry the modem.

If following the above procedures did not resolve your problem, please contact Gateway through one of the following methods: