5100 modem working for 2 years then problems

Question

I have an Inspiron 5100 w/Win XP, about 2 yrs old. The modem is a Conexant D480 MDC V.92. Attachment to the internet is via the dial-up phone network and has always, until now, worked fine. I use the notebook some at home but mainly at remote sites. My home phone is rotary pulse and the remotes are all touch tone. A couple of months ago I found, at a remote site, that after signing off of the Internet the modem did not hang up the phone line. I then found that it was sometimes taking several tries to sign on to my ISP at home and I had to disconnect the phone line from the computer between each try, to hang up. I now cannot sign on at all at home. I just tried with the computer volume turned completely up and was barely able to hear the rotary pulses, I heard an answer, some tones then a voice saying 'if you'd like to make a call please hang up and try again'. Even since I have stopped being able to sign on at home, I was still able to the last time I was at a remote site. The tone dialing must be stronger. The modem properties device status, of course, says the device is working properly. I am assuming that the modem is bad, but would sure like some confirmation from someone with more experience in this area. I've been using computers for years but have never had a modem problem! Can I get some opinions out there?

johnallg · Answer

It sounds like your Internet Connection settings got changed and it is not using pulse for your home profile.

DWPh · Answer

John,

If I understand what you are saying, no, I have not shifted to tone at home. It is still definitely pulse. And I should have said that I am having some problems at remote sites. Some multiple tries are required, and the modem NEVER hangs up the phone line after an unsuccessful try, or even after a successful connection, session and session termination, for that matter. If I forget to unplug the phone line from the computer, my wife has choice words for me.

Dave

johnallg · Answer

I'll bet!  If you are using XP have you tried a rollback to before the problem occured?

s-wood · Answer

I have the same problem with the modem not hanging up after each use having to resort to unplugging and  replugging to get acces again. If the thing is left in then all the lines in the house are disabled. I am wondering if it is a hrdware problem as mine went down after some electrical storms whilst I was away on holiday. My neighbour announced that his modem had 'blown up'. I have tried to source a replcement Conexant Modem but seem to hit dead ends on the net when doing so. Have you been able to rectify the probelm??

johnallg · Answer

Yours is a damaged modem problem - the fact it stops the phones from working and it was after a storm tells the analog side of the modem is damaged.

DWPh · Answer

Just wanted you all to know that as I suspected right along, my problem was my modem. I ordered a new one, received & installed it today and am back on-line with my Dell. It took me long enough, but that's my own fault. I just kept putting it off.

Dave

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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