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Modem Helper Displays "Phone Line In Use" Message Yet Phone Line is Not in Use
I'm getting frustrated by the number of times that the "Modem Monitor" displays the window about "Phone Line in use" when I try to dial-up my Internet Service Provider (ISP). I have a second (regular, not DSL) phone line devoted to the computer. Yet, with an increasing frequency, that window pops-up when I try to dial out. Eventually, if I just keep clicking on the Re-dial button, I'll get successfully connected to my ISP. Once connected, everything works fine and I get very good transfer speeds (49-53Kb).
The modem log is turned on but I've not been able to use its contents to pin down the problem. Maybe I just don't understand the log's syntax.
However, listening to the modem on speaker is instructive. When the problem occurs, I don't hear any modem/phone sounds from the speaker. When the problem does not occur, of course, I hear all the normal sounds (dialing sounds and dial tone sound).
My PC is a DELL Dimension 8400. I got it new in early September 2004. Initially, I don't remember having this problem. However, over time, the problem is getting progressively worse. The incorrect "phone line in use" message is occuring more and more frequently.
The modem in my DELL PC is on COM3. According to Device Manager, this modem is a
"Intel(R) 537EP V9x DF PCI Modem in PCI Slot 2 (PCI bus 4, device 1, function 0)".
Another curious aspect of my modem's behavior is that the "Modem Helper" application incorrectly reports that I have multiple modems on my PC. Here's the actual text of the error message from Modem Helper:
"Multiple Modems Detected In Your Computer
Modem Helper has detected one or more modems in your Dell computer that are not a supported, internal Dell modem. Please remove any modem that did not come with your Dell computer (refer to the manufacturers instructions) and completely uninstall the extra modem's driver and software. After the software for the unsupported modem has been uninstalled, reboot your computer and then run Modem Helper again.
Note: There should only be one modem in your Dell computer. This application has been designed to resolve problems with internal, factory-installed Dell modems.
Note: There should only be one modem in your Dell computer. This application has been designed to resolve problems with internal, factory-installed Dell modems.
If you need further assistance, please call Dell Technical Support at the number provided in your system documentation and report
Result Code: 54 - Multiple Modem Installations Found "
Result Code: 54 - Multiple Modem Installations Found "
That Modem Helper message is in error. I only have 1 modem installed in my PC and it's the original one installed at Dell's factory.
I do have other devices attached to additional COM ports (COM 5? thru 8?). I purchased a Lava PCI Board that adds 4 add'l serial ports to my PC. The same board was used in my older DELL (Dimension T800r) and I did not experience the "phone line in use" problem on that PC.
Any help you can provide in debugging and resolving this modem problem(s) would be appreciated.
Thanks,
/s/
Tony
techking
49 Posts
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December 25th, 2004 10:00
oscman
5 Posts
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December 30th, 2004 01:00
CG2920B
3 Posts
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December 31st, 2004 22:00
oscman
5 Posts
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January 1st, 2005 13:00
MarkSh
5 Posts
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February 2nd, 2005 15:00
It is possible that the "Phone Line In Use" was caused by interference from your primary phone line. Were you more likely to get the "Phone Line In Use" error when you attempted to dial while you were talking on the primary phone line?
If so, then it will also be more difficult for your modem (the new modem or the old modem) to get a fast connection when you use the primary phone line. I had this problem in my home and I solved it by improving the quality of my phone line by installing CAT-5 wiring which reduces interference by using twisted pairs of wires.
Mark
oscman
5 Posts
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February 2nd, 2005 16:00
CG2920B
3 Posts
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February 3rd, 2005 01:00
oscman
5 Posts
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February 3rd, 2005 10:00
I know it is the strangest thing I have ever seen, but I really believe there is some sort of incompatility issue with that particular Intel chipset and that particular phone line. Because the computer that would not dial out on this particular telephone line, would dial fine 3 miles down the road at another house.
Go figure?!?!?!?!
Message Edited by oscman on 02-03-2005 06:24 AM
Message Edited by oscman on 02-03-2005 06:26 AM
techking
49 Posts
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February 6th, 2005 13:00