Can you disable Digital Line Guard on the 5100's modem?

Question

From the Dell modem helper software:   'What is a digital phone system? Digital phone systems are special phone systems used commonly in office environments to create a large, private telephone network within the walls of the business.  Not all office telephone networks are of the digital type, but many of them are.  The higher level of electrical current present on these types of phone systems can damage a regular analog modem, so Dell includes a feature called Digital Line Guard in all of its analog modems.  As a result, the modem will refuse to go off hook as a self-protection feature if high electrical current levels exist at the phone jack.'   I believe this is my problem, as I can't get a dialtone at work, but can get out using the same kind of phone/connection settings(house phone with moden jack,dial 9 to get outside line) at the motel I've called home for a few weeks. Can I use a different modem? Is there some kind of voltage regulator I could use between the line and modem?Any other suggestions? I bought this for use almost exclusively at work, and I don't have access to the network, so I'm sunk without a solution. Thanks in advance.

johnallg · Answer

Businesses with digital phone systems and dialup computers or FAX machines should also have analog lines available - see if you can get near one or if they will run one to your desk - you are providing your own computer, they should accomodate you in some way.

Leftcoast · Answer

Hi johnallg,

Thanks for the response, but another phone line isn't going to happen. If they were going to do that, they'd just hook me up to the network.

You said,"...you are providing your own computer, they should accomodate you in some way."

Well, this is exactly how I feel about Dell. Being able to dial out is not too much to ask for a notebook that retails for well over $1000, IMAO. Three of my co-workers have no difficulty with their laptops, using my same line. One other guy, with a new Inspiron 1100, has the same problem dialing out from my (or any other work)line. Sounds very much like a Dell issue to me.

I can't be the first person to have this issue. Are there any solutions that the manufacturer may be able to provide?

-LC

johnallg · Answer

Are you sure the exchange is digital?

I don't think the modems Dell uses have the ability to disable DIgital Line Guard whatever that is (i have never heard of it but that doesn't mean anything! ) but I do know they won't work and most likely will be damaged by plugging into a digital system, as has been posted in the forums before.

Wish I had more for you.

Leftcoast · Answer

Dell rocks.

Thanks for your attention in this matter,johnallg.

It took a couple of days and several calls, but Dell is sending me an external modem that will work on the digital line, FOC. I would have preferred a simpler solution that didn't involve lugging around extra stuff, but I'm glad they didn't follow through with the $110 charge they originally were asking for.

LC

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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