Can't connect to Services (email, web browser, Dial-up Networking..etc)

If you have trouble connecting to any service and get the message:

Can't communicate with Modem

The processor in your PC can't communicate with the internal or external modem

Most Likely cause - Conflict

Usually because some other device in your PC (maybe something you have just added) is now using the same resources as the Modem did - this is called a 'conflict'. You need to resolve the conflict before the modem will be detected again. see Hardware Tips

Other causes - Out of Slot, or Malfunction

If the Modem is fitted into an ISA (Black) or PCI(White) slot on the motherboard, it could have flexed slightly out, enough to cause non-detection, check to see if it is fully in and level in the slot. If the Modem is malfunctioning then there is nothing for it but to replace the modem...however first check for incorrect or bad drivers.

Other causes - Bad / Incorrect Drivers

Should the Driver software (which drives the Modem) be the wrong driver, or a corrupted driver then this will cause non-communication with the modem. Re-install the correct software to cure this. If you haven't got the software, take the detail from chips on the modem and search the Internet for the manufacturer & driver.

For more info, see Hardware Tips

"No Dial Tone"

In this case the processor is communicating with the modem and the modem having processed the information, is now having difficulty sending it out down the line to you wall socket. Two possibilities here are:

1. The telephone jack is not correctly in the wall socket or is completely out.

2. The cable from the PC to the wall is damaged, or is the incorrect cable (Types: 2pin box connector to white wall socket connector, 4 pin box connector to white wall socket connector ).

Look inside the socket at the PC modem output or external modem output - can you see 2 pins or 4 pins inside this. Whichever this is then the transparent box connector on the PC side of the cable should have the corresponding amount of pins).

You see the message that the modem is dialing but it never gets to the stage of verifying the username or password

1. An error message is returned to you:

The message may say that your connection settings are incorrect. If you are conversant with these settings then adjust them accordingly, or if not ring your Service Providers helpline and get step-by-step help through the process of checking and/or changing these settings.

2. A message says 'Line Busy':

Your service provider is receiving more requests than the modems it has to receive them can deal with. Leave it for a few minutes and try connecting again.

"Incorrect username or password"

It is possible that you have lost your username and password by deleting a Service Providers 'cookie', or through some other error. Re-enter the username and/or password in the 'connect box'. You should have these details written down in a safe place. If you haven't then contact your Service Provider and give any security name, then ask for your username and/or password.

Email - "No socket error"

The email server at your Service Providers site is down, or needs to be reset if you have had problems receiving a large email. Leave for about 30 minutes before trying to connect again. If you are still getting 'No Socket' errors contact your ISP