Your login name actually caught my eye..not your post.  (I had a friend named Roxanne Smith from LA)  I figure your login name is short for Roxy Chick or Roxanne Chick or something..remote chance you are HER..:smileyhappy:

 

Anyway,

 

After looking at your post, I thought--well, I should probably answer since it is a pretty straight forward answer.  (but requires a lot of text to explain--sorry if I get too detailed, I will try to be brief)

 

[From memory--THEORY 1 ARE NOT THE EXACT STEPS--sorry!]

**THEORY1:  YOU NEED TO DOWNLOAD THE CORRECT MODEM DRIVER FROM THE DELL SITE.

**STEPS:  Basically, go to product support | downloads and drivers | type your Service Tag ID.  Your workstation should display, then choose the modem driver download option from the drop-down boxes.  Download the executable to your desktop and double-click it to open.  Don't forget to choose run/open so it can install.  There may be a reboot needed.

 

THEORY1 AGAIN:  From my experience--this is a pretty easy fix.  Just download the driver and install and reboot.

 

THEORY 2:  MODEM NEEDS TO BE REMOVED PHYSICALLY AND FROM WITHIN DEVICE MNGR.

If THEORY1 doesn't get the modem to working, I would turn the computer off | remove the modem card from inside the box | reboot | go to device manager | ensure there are no modems or "other devices" listed | if they are then uninstall them | do a "reboot" then a "shut down" on the system--yes, reboot the system and when it finishes loading the OS, immediately shut it down again. AND UNPLUG IT EACH TIME YOU ARE INSIDE THE CASE! | physically reinstall the modem card (possibly into another PCI slot) | turn the computer on and either  1) cancel the add hardware wizard AND double-click the executable file that you previously downloaded(the modem driver) and follow the prompts, OR 2)use the new hardware wizard and point the installation to the folder that you extracted the files into (I didn't tell you how to do this.  HINT:  Use Winzip.com's free zip tool), OR 3)Boot into safe mode (F8 at Windows Splash screen) | uninstall any modem drivers found in device manager under modems or "other devices", the REBOOT and most likely choose #1 above.

THEORY 2 AGAIN:  REMOVE CARD PHYSICALLY AND FROM WITHIN DEVICE MNGR.  (Physical and OS removal) THEN REINSTALL CLEANLY.

 

If none of the above works, then ask yourself what's the likelihood that the modem is damaged?  Have you recently had lightning in the area?  Are you connecting the phone line into the "line" plug LIKE YOU SHOULD?  Is the wall jack working properly--try another line or wall jack!!?

 

I hope this helps.  Oh yeah, and if you are my "old friend"--remember Depeche Mode and Nitzerebb during the World Violation Tour?  :smileytongue:

Just be sure to find the section for modems or just select "all downloads" and then find the modems section.  It's pretty straightforward from there.  And yes, the Service Tag ID will give you the correct drivers for your machine.  (That's one thing Dell does pretty well..)  ;-)

 

I just checked the process..they're under "Communication Drivers"--and not "modems".  Sorry..

 

Product Support | Downloads and Drivers | Complete the Downloads form (Service Tag ID, OS, Language, etc..) | Communication Drivers | then go from there..

 

Greg

RxyChk 329 the socket you have seen on the back of your tower could be the network socket which is the same size (I think!) as the phone socket and is directly next to the usb connecters so you may not have a modem installed.