Member Avatar for dvr

I got a US robotics internal modem it worked fine about a month ago.
Then I tried it to day and it says no dial tone, if I unplug the phone and plug it back in I get dial tone on the phone. If I try to dial out agian it says no dial tone, If I pick up the phone I get no dial tone,then I have to unplug the phone jack from the wall again. any ideas? I am running win 2000

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by qt 3.14159

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Brief recap and focused next steps based on the thread: describes an internal USRobotics modem that worked, then started returning "no dial tone" while a handset briefly shows tone only after unplug/replug. suggested swapping the phone lead, and reports that was already tried. That pattern — tone present at the jack only until a device tries to seize the line — most reliably points to either inside wiring or the modem's on‑hook/line‑interface hardware, not a simple handset cord.

Isolate the telephone company side first. Locate the household Network Interface Device (NID, the small box where the telco line enters). There is normally a test jack or a quick disconnect that separates telco wiring from house wiring. Plug a plain corded phone into that test jack. If tone is present at the NID but not at the house jacks, the fault is in the house wiring or a device on the line. If there is no tone at the NID, call the phone company.

If the NID shows tone, remove everything from every jack (cordless base, fax, answering machine, DSL splitters). Test each jack one at a time with only a corded phone. Inspect jacks and wiring for loose/bent contacts or bridged screw terminals. If comfortable using a terminal program (HyperTerminal or similar) test the modem directly with basic AT commands to see if it answers and what error it reports:

AT
ATZ
ATDT<number>

Note responses such as OK or NO DIALTONE.

If the modem responds to AT but reports NO DIALTONE while a phone has tone at the NID, the modem's line interface (relay, transformer or related components) is likely failing. Try reseating the card, checking Device Manager for resource issues or reinstalling drivers, and (if possible) test the modem card in another PC or try a known‑good external modem. If the NID has no tone or if working inside wiring tests are uncomfortable, contact the telco or a technician. Handle the NID and PC internals carefully to avoid injury or ESD damage.

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Member Avatar for qt 3.14159

You might try replacing the phone line that runs between the computer and the wall. Other than that, it looks like you might be ready for a new modem...

Member Avatar for dvr

thanx already tried that, oh well time for a external I guess

Member Avatar for qt 3.14159

If you've tried a different modem, I wouldn't think getting an external one would help. It seems like it has something to do with your telephone line. Have you tried using a different jack or maybe testing it at a friend's house?

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