Modem drops line straight after connection

Helpline Q&A Directory

When I try to connect to the internet my modem often drops the line shortly after do anything. This is very frustrating as it costs me money each call. My ISP says the problem isn't at its end. Can you suggest a solution?

The problem could be caused by a number of things, including equipment at your ISP's end and a noisy telephone line. One thing you could try which works with many modems is to change a setting to stop your modem from dropping the line if there is an interruption in the audio carrier signal. This will continue to keep the line open if the carrier drops for a second or two.

To make the change, open the Dial-Up Networking folder in My Computer, right-click the ISP icon and select Properties. Below the modem name, click Configure. Select the Connection tab, then click Advanced. On the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box, in the Extra Settings field, enter S10=255. Close the dialogs by clicking ok. With any luck that will solve the problem.

A potential problem with this solution is that it may stop your modem from hanging up the line if the ISP closes the connection. If this bothers you, try reducing the value in the above string from 255. The value is the number of tenths of a second after the carrier drops before the modem hangs up the line.