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Modem Helper
Modem Helper came with my Dimension 4600. I gather it has something to do with diagnosing my dialup modem, which is a Conexant D850. However, when I click on on Modem Helper, the first thing that happens is that I lose my taskbar. Then I get a blank window with Dell Modem Helper in the Title Tar. I also am told that ActiveX controls are not running. When I enable them, I get a message about a popup being blocked. The "Modem Helper" window remains blank.
Since I have lost the Taskbar, I have to restart the PC. Before it will shut down, I get the message that Modem Helper is not responding, so I have to End Task it.
Does not seem much of a "Helper". And I find no information about it in Dell's Help and Support.
Can anyone advise how to use it, or if I should not just uninstall?
My dial up modem works fine.
Since I have lost the Taskbar, I have to restart the PC. Before it will shut down, I get the message that Modem Helper is not responding, so I have to End Task it.
Does not seem much of a "Helper". And I find no information about it in Dell's Help and Support.
Can anyone advise how to use it, or if I should not just uninstall?
My dial up modem works fine.
Message Edited by jcimarron on 09-28-2004 02:10 PM
us netizen
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Posted October 1st, 2004 01:00
I just tried it on my Inspiron 1100. I got messages in the Information bar about blocked Active X controls. I had to allow the controls twice to get it working. This is a function of Internet Explorer 6 with Windows XP SP2 installed.
After getting past the warnings, the program continued its work. It's pretty basic. It found a modem, verified that it was working, then tested for a dial tone.
I had no errors, so I can't test the troubleshooting help. I suspect this is used when your are on the phone with Dell tech support so that they can verify that you have a working modem. Not much else.
It is strange that the task bar disappears. It comes back after the application is closed.
US Netizen
www.usnetizen.com- us netizen--Thanks for your comments, which were correct.
I enabled ActiveX in my Security settings but still had to "Allow ActiveX Content" a couple of times while simultaneously holding down the Control key to bypass my PopUp Blocker. That finally brought up the Modem Helper screen, and it took a couple of clicks on "Run Modem Helper", again with the Control key held down, to get it to scan. At the end I got the option to View Log and Close Modem Helper. I looked at the log, and then clicked Close, which as you said, restored my Taskbar. I have not yet shut down the PC, but I am hoping/expecting that Modem Helper will not still be running this time, since I Closed it.
You would think Dell would provide info on how to run Modem Helper somewhere. - When the modem helper app is on, I think there is an instruction link on the first screen at the top. This tool helps to check if the modem hardware and driver are good or damaged. If everything passes the test you would not see much instruction. If it fails, it would guide you through the stepsto verify the phone line, reseat the modem hardware, setting correct country code, etc.
scoobydooby
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495 Posts
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Posted September 29th, 2004 18:00