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If Something Goes Wrong
Develop good computing habits
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
Modem problems
This section lists common modem problems:
The modem will not receive or transmit properly.
Make sure the cable from the modem to the telephone line is
firmly connected to the computer’s modem port and the
telephone line jack.
Check the port settings to make sure the hardware and
software are referring to the same COM port.
Check the communications parameters (baud rate, parity, data
length and stop bits) specified in the communications
program. It should be set up to transmit at 300, 1200, 2400,
4800, 9600, 14400, 28800, 33600 bps (bits per second), or
higher. Refer to the program’s documentation and the modem
manual for information on how to change these settings.
The modem is on, set up properly and still will not
transmit or receive data.
Make sure the line has a dial tone. Connect a telephone
handset to the line to check this.
The other system may be busy or off line. Try making a test
transmission to someone else, or check your modem settings.
Develop good computing habits
Make sure you are prepared.
Save your work frequently.
You can never predict when your computer will lock, forcing
you to close a program and lose unsaved changes. Many
software programs build in an automatic backup, but you
should not rely solely on this feature. Save your work! See
for instructions.
