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10910
September 1st, 2009 07:00
Question from the Stone Age re dial-up Internet connection
I own a refurbished Dell OptiPlex GX240 Small Desktop Computer equipped with Windows XP Professional. I recently purchased dial-up Internet service from Earthlink, but have not been able to establish a connection because Earthlink doesn't "detect" a modem. The problems that I think I've discovered in the course of my blundering through Windows Help/Support and the GX240 User's Manual are the following.
1. I have checked the list of devices on Windows' "Device Manager" screen. No modems appear on this list, so I assume that my computer doesn't have one. If that's the case, what options for acquiring and installing a modem are available for the GX240?
2. The GX240 User's Manual states that the computer's "Integrated Network Adapter Connector" requires a "UTP Eternet cable" with an RJ45 connector and an "RJ45 jack wall plate" or "hub." At present, all I have are RJ11 cords. When I ignorantly tried connecting one of these to my computer and my telephone line, it killed my phones while it was connected and did nothing to establish an Internet connection because Earthlink still couldn't detect a modem.
a) If I purchase an Ethernet cable with an RJ45 connector for my computer, can I also plug that cable into my telephone line to establish an Internet connection? (Apart from the modem issue, that is, which I'm assuming is a separate problem.)
b) If not, is there a device that can be used to "step down" the RJ45 cable to an RJ11 cord so that a working connection can be established between my computer and my telephone line (e.g., the Brentwood RJ11/RJ45 combo cord phone/network cable kit that I found on Dell's website--MFR # 4070; Dell # 2506769)?
c) If not, are any other options available to connect my computer effectively to my telephone line?
A minor point, BTW, that may or may not affect possible solutions for my difficulties, is that my computer, which I received as a gift, arrived without its Dell OptiPlex Resource CD.
I'm the first to admit that I'm pretty much a total ignoramus as far as the nuts and bolts of my computer are concerned. Any and all assistance that the more knowledgeable members of this community may have to offer will be deeply appreciated.
jackshack
6.4K Posts
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September 1st, 2009 08:00
EDIT: Important note: I should have looked at your manual more closely; the small desktop computer card cage appears to accept standard PCI, and NOT low profile as I had expected. This will make your search for a card easier as the standard cards are more readily available. See this: 56 KBPS Dial Up PCI Modem.
You are very fortunate if your computer is still working. Plugging things in before you have studied the problem can lead literally to smoke from one thing or another.
The RJ45 is for an Ethernet connection, a type of network used with high speed devices such as a cable modem or DSL. It cannot be used to connect directly with a telephone jack.
In order to connect a dial-up modem you will first need to purchase one. Today's computers do not have one of these devices by default. The modem will be something called a PCI expansion card, probably a low profile card since you are using a small form factor computer. Low profile cards will not be easily found, but you might still try looking in an office supply store, such as Staples, Office Depot, or Office Max (If you need a standard card instead of a low profile card your chances of finding one at one of these stores are pretty good). If you have any computer repair shops in the area you might also find one there. An example of what you may be looking for (if you do need a low profile card) is here: Dial-up Modem. This will have two RJ11 jacks, one for the phone line coming in, and a second one for a line going out to a telephone. To install, shut the computer down, disconnect the power cord and anything else that might have power running through it, open the chassis, select an empty PCI slot, plug the card into it, close everything back up, and install the driver for the new modem.
Before you go through that it would be best to examine the service guide for your computer found here: GX240 Service. Pay special attention to the sections marked Expansion Card and Expansion Card Cage (Small Desktop Computer Only) and to any safety instructions given. Computers are sensitive to static electricity so it is a good idea to touch the metal shell of the power supply before touching anything on the circuit board.
hrova
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2.2K Posts
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September 1st, 2009 09:00
Just to add to Jack's comments...
As he said, many people do not use phone modems anymore, and new computers do not have them by default.
However, there are many computers out there from the generation when they did include a modem by default. It is quite possible you have a friend or acquaintance with a computer that has a phone modem that is not being used that they may be willing to give away. If you can find the drivers for said modem, you'd be good to go.
Good luck.
By the way, newegg.com has a USB modem here for about $30 shipped. Internal modems are generally more recommended over the external variety, but this one seemed to have decent reviews, and would allow you to avoid opening your case if you feel unsure about doing so.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825164005
Having said that... A modem is an easy internal install, and a good way to get comfortable opening the machine up, so the choice is yours....
PhyllisIE
3 Posts
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September 2nd, 2009 09:00
Thank you very much for your reply. I'm glad to have two different options for modem acquisition/installation.
I appreciate your expertise and advice!
PhyllisIE
3 Posts
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September 2nd, 2009 09:00
Thank you very much for your reply and edit. I had reviewed some of the material in my computer's service manual, and I thought that the PCI slots were standard rather than low profile for the small desktop model. Now all I have to do is decide whether I have the courage to open the machine . . . .
Based on the information you provided, am I correct in thinking that, if I were to choose DSL or cable Internet service instead of dial-up, the provider's installation for that service would include a device with an Ethernet cable that could be connected to the RJ45 Integrated Network Adapater Connector on my computer?
Your expertise and advice are greatly appreciated!
jackshack
6.4K Posts
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September 2nd, 2009 12:00
PhyllisIE;
Yes, the modems usually provided by the cable or DSL provider normally have an RJ45 connector, and some have a USB connection as well. What is supplied by the cable company or DSL provider can vary depending on the service plan you select. My DSL provider is Verizon; when I subscribed they shipped me a combination modem/wireless router that allows me to connect four devices by Ethernet cable and some huge number of wireless devices. The providers typically have several levels of service, however, and some of the less expensive plans require you to purchase your own modem from a list of devices that are acceptable to the provider. If you decide to go that route you will need to ask about the details of each plan to facilitate your selection.