Message: 'The phone line is in use'

Question

When I try to send a fax using the 'Send Fax Wizard' that came with my Dell Dimension 3000, the Modem Event Monitor reports that 'The phone line is in use' and will proceed no further.  I tried this with 2 different phone lines both of which were definitely NOT in use. What could cause this? How can I remedy it? Thanks! Alan

fireberd · Answer

Is there anything else on the PC that's accessing the modem, such as a dial-up network connection?  If it's not a busy line, it has to be some other program that has the modem 'captured'.

Alan217 · Answer

Thanks for your reply. I agree that 'something' has the modem captured, but how can I find out what is that something? I tried rebooting. I disabled all of the startup items using msconfig and still the same message. I tried using HyperTerminal.  I can 'talk' to the modem and it responds.  But when I say ATDT it replies 'Line in use'. I can call in to the modem, but not out. Any thoughts?

realolman · Answer

I had  /  have the same proplem.  I am convinced it is a problem with the modem.  Seems like the modem can't 'hear' the dial tone.  Even when I disabled it from listening for a dial tone it wouldn't work. It could tell when I unplugged the cord and tried to use it, though.   Here's something odd.  Try hooking your modem up to the same jack with a phone using a parallel connector.  Pick up the phone so you can hear the dial tone.  My modem would then dial. .    I spent considerable time on the phone and chat w. Dell reps and finally got a 'nother' modem. In about four days and probably 30- 40 dial ups,  I got 1 phone line in use msg.     It p's me off that they sent me a 'refurbished' modem.  I once bought a 'refurbished' laptop from Dell and asked the guy what that meant. He said it meant they got it back.  How much testing and repairing are they going to do on a modem that retails for les that $20? I'll bet my previous modem will be sent to someone else as 'refurbished.'

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Message: "The phone line is in use"

Was this post helpful?