Modem not responding

Helpline Q&A Directory

I often get a 'modem not responding' message when I try to go online. I could turn an external modem off and on, but with an internal one I have to reboot. Is there a quicker way?

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 such as 'echo atz>com1'.

You'll almost certainly be able to do it with HyperTerminal - a program that comes with Windows. However, HyperTerminal won't work if the problem is a mismatch between the modem's and 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. Check HyperTerminal and click ok twice.

The next time your modem is unresponsive, open HyperTerminal - as outlined earlier - following the sequence for the version of Windows you're running. In the resulting folder, you need to 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 works, grit your teeth, exit Windows and reboot. Sometimes it's the only way.