A: There might be. First, try breaking the connection. Reach behind the computer, unplug the modem's phone jack, wait a couple of seconds, and plug it back in. You can also try sending a reset command to your modem. You may be able to do this through the DOS prompt with a command like echo atz>com1; you'll almost certainly be able to do it with HyperTerminal, a program that comes with Windows. (HyperTerminal won't work if the problem is a mismatch between the modem's and the PC's serial port speeds.) If HyperTerminal is already installed, you'll find it at Start-Programs-Accessories-HyperTerminal or Start-Programs-Accessories-Communications-HyperTerminal.

If you need to install HyperTerminal, insert the Windows CD-ROM. From Start-Control Panel, click Add/Remove Programs. Click the Windows Setup tab. Double-click Communications. Then check HyperTerminal, and click OK twice.

The next time your modem is unresponsive, open HyperTerminal as noted above, following the sequence for the version of Windows that you're running. In the resulting folder, double-click Hypertrm. If you get a Connection Description box, click Cancel.

Now try typing some commands. Start with atz>comn, where n is the number of your modem's serial port address, such as com1 or com2. If that doesn't work, try at&f1>comn or at&f>comn. After each command, press <Enter>, select Call-Disconnect, and try using your modem.

If none of these gambits work, grit your teeth, exit Windows, and reboot. Sometimes it's the only way.