| Dial-up modems are the core component to a dial-up | | | | but won't complete because it requires an installation |
| connection. It is the device responsible for creating | | | | CD. If this happens and you don't have the CD, you |
| and maintaining a connection with your ISP and to | | | | can sometimes find installation software online on the |
| translate analog information for your computer to | | | | manufacturer's website. A computer technician can |
| display. If you have determined that your modem is | | | | help you with this step, or may have other solutions. |
| causing disconnects or inability to connect, you will | | | | Reinstalling does not guarantee to resolve your |
| need to reinstall, repair, or replace it. | | | | problem, even if it is successful. However, sometimes |
| Three basic reasons that your modem would cause | | | | it works and it's a worth a try, especially if you |
| problems connecting are: | | | | couldn't connect to the Internet in the first place. |
| | | | Update your modem drivers. If you have an older |
| 1. It is not installed correctly on the computer. | | | | computer, you may need to update your modem |
| 2. It needs updated driver software. | | | | software if you still can't connect to the Internet. |
| 3. It is out of date, physically broken, or has | | | | To update your modem software, you need to |
| corrupted software. The solutions to these problems | | | | know your modem type and manufacturer. Look for |
| below should solve the problem and get you back | | | | your modem name is listed in Phone and Modem |
| online. | | | | Options, under the Modems tab. If you are using the |
| Reinstall your modem. Before you remove your | | | | modem that came with the computer, you could also |
| modem, make sure you have the installation CD that | | | | check your computer's manual, or your modem's |
| came with your computer. If you don't, you might be | | | | manual if you bought it separately. |
| able to reinstall without it. If your computer's | | | | You can browse online to find your modem |
| operating system is XP or Vista, the plug and play | | | | manufacturer's website. Often there is a "downloads" |
| feature should install the modem for you or guide | | | | heading, but you can also run a search on your |
| you through each step. On older versions, you may | | | | modem's name. The download will have your |
| need to consult a computer technician. Then follow | | | | modem's name and "driver" in the title. See a |
| these steps: | | | | computer technician if you are unfamiliar with |
| | | | computer device downloads as this could be too |
| 1. Open Control Panel, then (in classic view) "Phone | | | | complicated for beginner users to try alone. |
| and Modem Options". | | | | Buy a new modem. Your modem may not be |
| 2. Click on the Modems tab, and click on the modem | | | | repairable if it can't be reinstalled, or if the driver |
| you wish to reinstall. | | | | software will not improve your situation. This is |
| 3. Click Remove. Click "Yes" or "Ok" to confirm the | | | | especially true for old computers. Buying a new |
| remove, then close all the windows. | | | | modem may be the best option available. For one, |
| 4. Restart your computer. Windows should detect | | | | new modems are more reliable, relatively inexpensive |
| your modem and either install it on its own, or | | | | (often between $20-50), and have the latest, fastest |
| present a "Found New Hardware" wizard that guides | | | | compression technology. |
| you through installing the modem again. There are a | | | | If you need are not familiar with modems or |
| few problems that might occur when you reinstall the | | | | computer repair, buying a new modem may be the |
| modem. You computer may not detect the modem | | | | most inexpensive option for you. Installing a new |
| again when you restart. This could mean the modem | | | | external modem is fairly easy, and paying a computer |
| cannot be repaired by reinstalling or was never | | | | technician to fix your old modem could cost more |
| physically on the computer in the first place. Another | | | | than installing a new one yourself. |
| problem could be that your computer tries to reinstall, | | | | |