CCAutoSoft

January 5th, 2007 by CCAuto

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.Re boot 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.

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 very

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.

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.

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

–About–

Otis F. Cooper is the author of the award winning PC Super Pack,the Computer Training By Video course.For hundreds more free PC repair tips,sign up for his bi-monthly newsletter and learn the PC free at http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com

Source: ArticleTrader.com