Troubleshooting The Modem
When it comes to diagnosing the modem and anyother computer problem,always start with the mostobvious first.Modem problems may be repairedas fast as re-booting the computer or can be ascomplex as resolving hardware conflicts.
First remember to check for the most obvioussigns of trouble,such as loose connections atthe rear of the computer for external modems.
Internal modems may have their retaining screwat the expansion slot loose or missing.Phoneline connections may simply be inserted in thewrong connector.
Nearly all internal modems are inserted intothe PCI or Peripheral Component Interconnectslot in the system unit.
NO POWER AT THE MODEM
For Internal Modems,first try inserting the modemin a different PCI Slot.Reboot the computer andclick on Start,Control Panel,and click the PhoneAnd Modems icon.
Then click on modems,properties,and look forthe statement "This Device Is Working Properly".You can click on Diagnostics and run a test tosee if the modem has power as well.
External modems can be checked for power byinspecting the adapter plug to see if it is pluggedin completely.Look to see if any indicator lights areflashing and be certain you are using the adapterfor your modem.
Be sure the surge protector or wall outlet is providing power by plugging in a lamp or aradio.If the radio works,the culprit may bethe adapter or the external modem itself.
If you purchased the modem in your town,youmay have the chance to return it to the store andask the technician to test it with a known goodpower adapter.You can been replace eitherthe adapter or modem.
MODEM DISCONNECTS OFTEN
If your modem,whether internal or external,isworking but disconnects from the Internet often,without warning,check to be sure yourcall waiting option is not enabled.
Another culprit that cause this headache isline noise.This noise and interference canbe caused by such things as loose wiring.
Poor waterproofing,old wiring,worn phone jacks are other causes of line noise.Makesure no other equipment is using the sameline that your modem is on.
Be sure other devices as your fax machine,answering machines or even security alarmsare not sharing the same line as your modem.
Other PCI devices may be causing conflictswith your modem.Clicking the Control Panel,and clicking the modem icon will show themessage "This Device Has A Problem" orsomthing similar if there is a conflict.
Windows will offer ways to resolve the conflict.Take the time to carefully follow instructionsto correct any conflicts that may be present.
Loose data lines for Internal modems and looseor damaged connectors for External modems cancause data lost as well.Visual check and doublecheck these connections.
MODEM IS PRESENT BUT WILL NOT WORK
The external and internal modem must havedevice drivers installed before they will work.Bad or incorrect drivers can cause the modemto disconnect as well as not work at all.
If you noticed that the device driver was eithermissing or corrupt in the modem icon,followthe instructions to update the device driver.
If some cases,you may have to completelyremove the old modem from thw WindowsDevice Manager.
Once it has been removed from Windows,reboot the computer and Windows will detectthe modem and automatically re-install thethe device driver.
If your modem came with an installation cdromor diskette,use the software on the disk ratherthan the one in Windows.
Once you are up and running,the first thing youshould do is to visit the modem's support website and search for any software patches orupdated drivers to download.
COMMON BROADBAND PROBLEMS
The most common high speed internet problemswhether its dsl or cable connections are not beingable to log on and poor signal.
If the Cable modem often reboots,you should checkto see if your signal indicator is strong.If the signal seems good,electronic signal from mobile phonesand other devices nearby may be interfering with thesignal.
Stop and look behind the cable or dsl modem to seeif the connections have worked themselves loose or have come off completely.Be sure the connectionshave not be damaged in any way.
The modem is connected to an Ethernet card which willreceive and send signals to the computer.Look at therear of the card and see if the green indicator is on.Ifnot,there is a problem with the card installation or thecard may be faulty.
If the ehthernet card in the computer become loose,your high speed Internet reception will be interruppted.Place a finger on the ethernet card and try to move it.If you can,open the system unit case and tighten the card.
If the ethernet card has become loose,it may be a goodidea to remove it and inspect the yellow contactsto be certain they are not dirty or damaged.Power willnot transfer to the card should this be the case.
Other causes may be the main wiring to the modemmay be faulty.The vacuum cleaner or the power toolsyour son is using in the garage may be causing theproblem as well.And we cannot omit the idea that thecable or dsl modem themselves may be faulty.
While you're learning about your computer,understandthe modem at every level and do so now while it is stillin good operating order.Print or write down modem and all troubleshooting tips.
Put these troubleshooting tips in a binder or at least ina safe place so you can refer to them should your PCfail to boot.Knowing about your computer takes timeand effect but you be glad you took the time should your system goes on the blink.